6 Stellar Destinations in the Dominican Republic That Aren't Punta Cana

If you’re the type of vacationer who prefers their margarita with a slice of history, head to Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic’s capital. With colonial fortresses standing alongside modern buildings, the oldest European city in South America (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) exudes old-meets-new vibes.

For a change of sun-and-sand-scenery, head to Catedral de anta Maria la Menor, the oldest church in North America that features a mash-up of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque details, and Museo de las Casa Reales, where you’ll find historical treasures like Taino artifacts, walls covered with maps of voyages, antique weaponry like samurai swords, medieval, armor, period furniture, and more.

Los Tres Ojos, a limestone cave that houses three lakes, stalactite- and stalagmite-packed passages, and a plethora of fish, bats, and turtles are waiting to be toured.

Away from the rah-rah atmosphere of spring breakers in Punta Cana, Samaná is a place where you can truly disconnect and relax. Well worth the hour-and-a-half drive from Santo Domingo, the 35-mile long peninsula brings spectacular sandy beaches, a hilly landscape, and top-notch whale watching from January to March to the table. Los Haitises National Park, which is brimming with Taino petroglyphs, a lush rainforest, and an abundance of bird species, and El Salto del Limón, a 130-foot waterfall that flows into a natural swimming pool, are other ways to explore the nature nearby. If you’re looking for something a little more livelier, the seaside town of Las Terrenas -- populated with restaurants, bars, and beaches -- is not too far away.

We couldn’t talk about La Romana without nodding to the 50-year-old Casa de Campo. The 7,000-acre luxury resort comes with world-renowned golf courses, a pristine beach, marina, the quaint town of Altos de Chavon, and a number of other on-site activities that live up to the hype. But that’s not all the city has to offer. Cueva de las Maravillas, an underground cavern that’s more than 100,000 years old, lies two miles west. One look at the stalagmites, stalactites, and ancient Taino paintings and you’ll come to terms with why it’s referred to as the “Cave of Wonders.”

Located in the south, this city might just be one of the Dominican Republic’s best-kept secrets. Active travelers will appreciate the plethora of adventures, including horseback riding, hiking through the national parks, and zip-lining through the rainforest. The turquoise beaches, which are mostly made up of pebbles (not sand), offer a stark contrast to the green landscape that surrounds the area. We recommend spending a day at Playa San Rafael, which features natural and artificial swimming holes. You can also take a quick day trip to Lago Enriquillo, the largest lake in the Caribbean. Located about 150 feet below sea level, the lake plays hostess with the mostest to crocodiles, flamingos, and iguanas.

Nestled away in the north, Puerto Plata gives sun-seekers everything they’re looking for sans the immense Punta Cana crowds. Cabarete, one of the region’s small towns, is a surfer’s (and wakeboarder’s and windsurfer’s) paradise. Don’t leave without making a trip to the 27 Charcos at Damajagua River, which features 27 different waterfalls that tumble into swimming holes. Trek your way to the top, then take the plunge by sliding or swimming back down. Fortaleza de San Felipe, a historic Spanish fortress that protected the city from pirate attacks and was later used as a political prison, is also available for history buffs.

Nature’s calling at this mountainous town. Here, hikers will have the opportunity to climb the tallest peak in the Caribbean, the 10,164-foot Pico Duarte. If that sounds a bit daunting, indulge in one of the other activities offered, including whitewater rafting on the Rio Yaque del Norte, canoeing, horseback riding, or paragliding. Whether you prefer to do your exploring by foot, atop a horse, or on a motorbike taxi, there’s no shortage of natural nooks (impressive waterfalls, postcard-perfect pine forests, riverfront villages, and more) to cross off your bucket list.