Fodor's Dominican Republic, 1st Edition

The most popular destination in the Caribbean offers something for everyone, but the Dominican Republic is so much richer than a string of all-inclusive resorts. This guide offers everything a traveler needs to know to plan the ideal vacation in the Dominican Republic, whether the vacation is for a few days or for a few weeks.

From the beautiful beaches of Punta Cana, to the vibrant nightlife of Santo Domingo, to the glittering amber coast of the north, to such newly developing hotspots as the Samaná Peninsula and the undiscovered beaches of Barahona, Fodor's Dominican Republic gives you all the information you need to choose the perfect beach and resort.

- Expert advice on how to avoid tourist traps and find undiscovered gems
- Clear, detailed reviews of major resorts in all areas of the island
- Interesting cultural insights to thelp discover the Domincan Republic that is off the beaten tourist path
- Reviews of the best beaches, casinos, restaurants, and shops

Chapter 1: Experience the Dominican Republic ............ 7
What’s New ............ 8
Did You Know? ............ 9
What’s Where ............ 10
The Dominican Republic Today ............ 12
Top Dominican Republic Attractions ............ 14
Quintessential Dominican Republic ............ 16
If You Like ............ 18
History You Can See ............ 20
When to Go ............ 22

Chapter 2: Santo Domingo ............ 23
Exploring Santo Domingo ............ 25
Where to Eat ............ 34
Where to Stay ............ 39
Sports & the Outdoors ............ 46
Shopping ............ 47
Nightlife ............ 51
Barahona & the Southwest ............ 55
Santo Domingo Essentials ............ 75

Chapter 3: The Southeast Coast ............ 81
Boca Chica ............ 83
Juan Dolio ............ 89
San Pedro de Macorís ............ 99
La Romana ............ 100
Bayahibe ............ 109

Chapter 4: Punta Cana ............ 117
Exploring Punta Cana ............ 119
Where to Eat ............ 127
Where to Stay ............ 131
Nightlife ............ 148
Sports & the Outdoors ............ 150
Shopping ............ 154
Punta Cana Essentials ............ 156

Chapter 5: Saman‡ Peninsula ............ 163
Las Terrenas ............ 166
Santa Bárbara de Samaná ............ 174
Las Galeras ............ 181
Samaná Peninsula Essentials ............ 184

Chapter 6: The North Coast ............ 187
Puerto Plata & Playa Dorada ............ 191
Sosúa ............ 206
Cabarete ............ 213
Cabrera ............ 229
North Coast Essentials ............ 238

Chapter 7: Santiago & the Cibao Valley ............ 243
Santiago ............ 246
La Vega ............ 256
Jarabacoa ............ 257
Constanza ............ 259
Santiago & the Cibao Valley Essentials ............ 263

Dominican Republic essentials ............ 266

Index ............ 293

About Our Writers ............ 304

Maps
Dominican Republic ............ 10
Santo Domingo ............ 27
Zona Colonial Exploring ............ 30
Colonial Zone Dining & Lodging ............ 36
The Southwest ............ 57
The Southeast Coast ............ 84
Boca Chica ............ 86
Juan Dolio ............ 91
La Romana/Bayahibe ............ 101
Punta Cana ............ 121
Where to Eat in Punta Cana ............ 128
Punta Cana Lodging ............ 134
Samaná Peninsula ............ 168—169
Santa Bárbara de Samaná ............ 176
The North Coast ............ 190
Puerto Plata ............ 192
Playa Dorada ............ 196
Sosúa ............ 207
Cabarete ............ 216
The Cibao Valley ............ 245
Santiago ............ 249

Related Online Destination Guides

• Dominican Republic
• The North Coast
• Punta Cana
• Samana Peninsula
• Santiago and the Cibao Valley
• Santo Domingo
• The Southeast Coast