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Santo Domingo, considerably larger and more cosmopolitan than most Caribbean destination cities, offers its visitors the same sun and surf as other islands plus sophisticated nightlife and world-class sports facilities. Extensive rain forest and mountain regions lie close to the city, ideal for the eco-adventurer.
Beaches
Visitors flock to the Caribbean for the beaches, and Santo Domingo, located in the south of the Dominican Republic is no exception. The city lies close to over 400 kilometers of the island's most beautiful stretches of sand. The best nearby beaches include Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, La Romana and Bayahibe. Visitors not only have access to white and golden sand beaches and sparkling sea, but can also participate in innumerable water sports. The many coral reefs, wide varieties of fish, crustaceans and dolphins combine to present an underwater wonderland, perfect for both snorkelers and scuba divers. To the north is the Bay of Samaná, where if luck is on your side, specially at Cayo Levantado, you might just catch a glimpse of the humpback whales that mate in the bay in the winter months. Visitors can rent boats for deep-sea fishing, as well as Jet Skis, Wave Runners, other small boats and other water sports equipment.
Outdoor Activities
The Dominican Republic has lots to offer in the growing areas of eco-tourism and adventure travel. You can trek and hike in protected areas such as the parks José Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez, both sharing the highest mountain in the Caribbean, the Pico Duarte. Also, you can opt to explore caves located amidst the country’s mountainous regions and tropical rain forests, such as such as the Cabarete Caves. The adventurous can enjoy as well canoeing, rafting, tubing, mountain biking, camping and paragliding, no place is better for these activities than Jarabacoa, in the north part of the island. If you do not wish to leave the city there are some options for the outdoors lovers within the confines of Santo Domingo. The Mirador Sur park is one of the largest green areas of the city. Also, you will be able to admire the endemic fauna at the interesting Botannical Garden, while the National Zoo is one of the largest in Latin America.
Casinos
Santo Domingo's large resorts offer Las Vegas-style casinos, featuring games of chance such as blackjack, craps, roulette, slot machines, poker and baccarat. (Note: you must be at least 18 years old to play.) Generally casinos open at 4p and stay open until 4am on weekdays and until 6a on weekends. Most casinos are located in the hotels, such as the ones at El Embajador, Lina , Hispaniola and Melia.
The local bingo halls are also a popular choice, as the jackpots can sometimes get quite high. Others choose to go to the track and bet on horse racing. Not for the squeamish is the local pastime of cockfighting. Rings are scattered all over the city, so if you wish to take a look or try your luck, just ask your friendly cab driver to take you.
Nightlife
Most cafés and discos come into and go out of fashion frequently as people decide what is the place of the moment, and generally go out of business after the excitement is gone. Other remain as a traditional part of the Dominican nightlife. Nowadays, the most popular and frequented places include Montecristo Café, Trío Café and Beer House Café as well as Pat´e Palo European Brasserie, among others. Other places, worth visiting are Hollywood Café, Bizarro Café & Grill and Café Concierto Bachata Rosa. There are several establishments directed toward gay audiences, these include Aire, located in the Colonial Zone and The Bachelor´s Club, a members only club.
Traditional Events
Held every year in the month of February (and sometimes extending until early March) the traditional Carnival is well worth attending if you are in town. In the this celebration having El Malecón as its primary scenario, people wearing colorful and unique costumes flood the streets, while dancing to the contagious rhythm of merengue. Another event is the Festival del Merengue, celebrated in late July. Also celebrated at El Malecón, this event dedicated to Merengue, the typical local music, attracts a large crowd, including both tourists and locals.
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 Santo Domingo Hotels Guide
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