Things to Do in La Romana, Dominican Republic
La Romana is a hidden slice of paradise on the Dominican Republic's southeast coast. It is an ideal place for couples' getaways and family vacations. Located on the southeast coast of the republic, it retains its allure as an authentic Caribbean seaside city. Visitors enjoy guided activities and a mixture of cultural amenities against the city's naturally beautiful backdrop. If you are planning to visit this charming Caribbean destination, here are unique experiences you shouldn't miss:
01 Discover history at Altos de Chavón
This tourist attraction is a Mediterranean-style village located a hundred meters above the Chavón River. It is sculptured entirely in stone and reflects a 16th-century Mediterranean town. Its design was created by the Dominican architect Jose Antonio Caro. The city is nestled at the top of a rocky, leafy plateau within the Casa de Campo tourist complex. It is the headquarters of the Cultural Center Foundation and has craft workshops, cultural museums, and an art gallery.
Museums include the regional Archaeological, Amber World, and Chocolate. The Altos de Chavón, a Greek-style Amphitheater, is among the city's iconic symbols. It has hosted various events and concerts with performances from renowned artists. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
02 Relax and rejuvenate at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
Casa de Campo offers luxurious villas for visitors seeking adventure and relaxation. Guests get VIP treatment, check-ins by a private concierge, and priority attention for activity reservations, spas, and dinner. The resort was conceived as a real estate and tourism project and currently features family homes and golf villas. If you are a nature lover, an oceanfront villa provides breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea while giving you access to chic living quarters and private pools.
Casa de Campo is a premier sporting resort and offers sports entertainment selections, including diving, sailing, horseback riding, and tennis. Booking options include entire homes or apartments, a deluxe queen room, a king room, or a deluxe quadruple room.
03 Tee off at the famous Teeth of the Dog Golf Course
This is ranked the Caribbean's top golf course, boasting a unique design featuring coastal views and the Dominican Republic's natural terrain. It has seven holes that run along the Caribbean Sea, providing a breathtaking view of the rugged coastline and clear waters. Its challenging design comprises strategically placed bunkers and narrow fairways. The fifth hole is the most challenging, where golfers hit their ball over a rocky core.
The caddie fee at the golf course is $50 for one or two golfers and $80 for groups of three to four people. Some notable tournaments on the course include the Casa De Campo Open, the amateur pairs event 2024, and the Spanish Cup Casa De Campo.
04 Snorkel and dive in the clear waters of Isla Catalina
Catalina Island is among the best snorkeling and diving sites in the Dominican Republic. It is located 1.5 miles from the Dominican Republic's southeastern shore. It is formed of coral stone and surrounded by a diverse ecosystem. It harbors marine life, including starfish, exotic fish, and coral reefs. Other fish species found in the clear water include Garibaldi, Kelp Bass, Blacksmith, and ocean whitefish.
The island offers the best experiences throughout all the seasons. During the fall, there are festivals that you can attend during weekends. Winter offers a relaxed ambiance for a romantic treat, and spring invites hiking on the island's hillside. Some of the best tour operators in the area include the two-hour private tour of Avalon, the undersea expedition, and the whale-watching cruise from Newport Beach.
05 Explore the ancient wonders of Cueva de las Maravillas
Ancient Taino people left petroglyphs in the cave of wonders, showcasing their culture and past lives. They loved making drawings and carvings in caves and on rocks near rivers. The cave is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours include the Punta Cana at $140 per adult and the Full Day Cave of Wonder Chocolate Factory at $125 per adult. The tours take you through the historical culture embedded in the cave of wonders and the beautiful Altos de Chavon village. Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket or sweater before visiting the cave.
06 Soak up the sun at Bayahibe Beach
Bayahibe is a Dominican fishing village in the south of the country. Its beauty is outstanding, featuring palm tree vegetation and crystal clear turquoise waters, which are ideal for snorkeling adventures. The beach has a public area that is accessible during holidays and weekends. You can treat yourself to various restaurants on the beach, including Onno's Bayahibe, Trocadero Restaurante, and Mama Mia Spaghetteria.
Every year, thousands of nature lovers come to this beautiful destination to experience its stunning sunsets. Here, you can experience the sky adorned in a vibrant palette of pinks, blues, oranges, and reds, making it a perfect spot for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
07 Sail to Saona Island for a tropical day trip
Saona Island is located off the Dominican Republic's southeast coast. It features turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and lush palm trees. Various sailboats are available to take you through the fishing village and paradise beaches. Boat rides take you through natural pools like Palmilla, where you can swim on a scorching summer day. Boat trip options include the Saona Island Full Day tour, the speedboat tour to Saona Island VIP, and the six-hour private Saona Island tour with Snorkeling.
If you are planning to visit Saona Island, visit during the best weather conditions in January, February, March, April, June, and December. On average, the sea temperatures favor swimming all year round.
08 Stroll through La Romana Central Park (Parque Central Duarte)
Parque Central La Romania is located at the center of the Dominican Republic and is a popular tourist destination. It features lush fountains and gardens for relaxation and enjoying scenic walks. It harbors numerous statues, particularly of baseball players, as well as a tribute to Padre de la Patria, allowing visitors to appreciate these artistic representations. There is also a children's area and an amphitheater. Some of the coffee spots to visit in the park include Deli Fitness, Anchor Lounge, and Delicias Las Morochas.
For the best experience in the Park, you can pay a visit in the morning or late afternoon hours, particularly during the dry season from December to April, as the weather is most enjoyable for outdoor activities.
09 Cruise the scenic Chavón River
The Chavón River is located on the east side of the Dominican Republic. You can experience the best views from Altos de Chavón, where the river mouth is located. Various tour providers take you through the scenic views of the river. A top option is the La Romana Views, Altos de Chavon & River Cruise. The tour takes four and a half hours, meandering through dense forests. The best time to visit the Chavon River Cruise is in the late afternoon for a tranquil escape away from the bustling morning crowds. This is the perfect time to witness breathtaking sunset views that will leave you in awe.
Also, at this time, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure; make sure to have your camera at Chavon River. You can spot local wildlife such as the Hispaniolan parrot, graceful herons, and the quick flashes of kingfishers.
10 Enjoy water sports at Dominicus Beach
Playa Dominicus is among the best beaches in La Romana. It features calm, clear waters and on-shore snorkeling. Visitors can go snorkeling, windsurfing, and scuba diving in the coral reefs offshore. Sunbathing and swimming are popular activities. Beachfront restaurants and bars offer refreshing beverages and delicious local cuisines. Have fun on the beach as you watch locals play volleyball or football!
Feel free to jump in and connect. Some of the available rentals include the House Felicita Bayahibe Dominicus, the magnificent apartment on the Caribbean Sea, and the Playa Blanca Bed and Breakfast.
11 Unwind at Marina Casa De Campo
Casa de Campo is inspired by the Mediterranean's old seaside villages and is equipped with modern amenities. The area is best known for shopping activities, boating, and dining all year round. It boasts more than 100 apartments and villas, cafés, shops, and restaurants. There are docking and sailing facilities for beautiful yachts cruising in the crystal-clear waters.
Top dining options for tantalizing delicacies include Le Spot by Cinco, La Casita, and Chinois. Casa de Campo's equestrian center provides guided trail rides along the beach. Guides offer fun horse activities like polo lessons, trail rides, kids' programs, and horseback yoga.
12 Explore the Pre-Columbian artifacts at the Regional Archaeological Museum
The Altos de Chavón Archaeological Museum houses pre-Columbian and Taino cultural displays. The exhibit is well-lit and labeled, dating back to 4000 B.C. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offers free entry. Its collection of exhibits and artifacts takes you on a historical journey exploring the Taino culture and the impact of European colonization. Its corridors are filled with jewelry, ceramic pottery, and preserved utensils. By showcasing Taino artifacts, the museum educates visitors about a culture that was erased by European colonialism.
13 Celebrate Dominican culture at the Festival de Primavera
Festival de Primavera celebrates Dominican music, dance, and art. Visitors attending the event experience discovering the Dominican folk dance in an interactive workshop. They also experience electrifying Latin beats featuring renowned artists. During the event, you get to indulge in the Santa Cruz Chocolate Festival and the clam chowder cook-off.
You can also explore the Santa Cruz coastline and witness breathtaking Kings Tides. The Gordo's Taraka Latam Tour is among the most anticipated events during the festival. It allows music enthusiasts to enjoy performances by Gordo and other artists.
14 Taste authentic Dominican flavors at La Romana Market
Explore the mouthwatering culinary dishes of La Romana, Dominican Republic, where local flavors meet global influences to create a feast for the senses. The La Romana Market offers everything from chicken meat and fish to vegetables and fruits. This offers an adventurous thrill even for picky travelers. Seasonal items include avocados and squash during various times of the year. The market is open throughout the weekday, allowing locals and tourists to replenish their supplies throughout.
Savor the flavors of the Dominican Republic with La Bandera Dominicana, the country's beloved national dish! This tasty meal features a delightful combination of fluffy rice, red beans, tender stewed meat, and salad. Try out the Mamajuana, a traditional beverage that perfectly captures the essence of the island. This delightful concoction blends red wine, honey, and rum, infused with a variety of herbs and tree bark.
15 Experience the thrill of zip-lining at Scape Park
Tropical forests, the ocean, cliffs, and the beach combine to make a breathtaking view at the scape park. Cap Cana is filled with natural resources that are attractive to visitors in the region. The zip line allows you to experience a high-flying adventure and explore Cap Cana's natural beauty.
Other attractions for fun activities include rope runners, zip line eco-splash, and Saltos Azules. The Scape Park and Blue Hole full-day admission ticket starts at $129 per adult, and the Sunshine Cruise at Cap Cana costs $89 per adult.
For the zipline, there is an age limit of six years, a maximum weight of 330 pounds, and a waist limit of 44 inches. Summer is the best time to cool your body through ziplining adventures.
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