11 Best Views and Viewpoints of Dominican Republic

The Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo is a legendary historic district that's home to numerous landmarks and parks along with the oldest paved street in the Western Hemisphere. Calle Las Damas is the street, and it dates back to 1502.

When you visit La Zona, as it's often called, you'll find plenty of spectacular views as you look down the historic street as well as at the surrounding historic buildings. These include the former house of the explorer Hernán Cortés and a public square known as Parque Colon. You can find this area on Santo Domingo's coast just west of Rio Ozama.

Samaná Bay is a spectacular body of water that's home to opportunities for water sports along with boat excursions and an array of marine life to see. The beaches here are about what you'd expect from the Caribbean with white sands and clear waters perfect for swimming.

If you travel out on a boat, you can see a bit more diversity throughout the bay with numerous seabirds in the area as well as some islands. Visiting from January through March also grants the opportunity to see the 1,500 to 2,000 humpback whales that visit the bay. You'll find it on the east side of the island between Samaná and Sabana de la Mar.

27 Waterfalls is a collection of cascades deep in the jungle that feature pools at the feet of some falls that are perfect for photos and a bit of swimming. All of the falls are a bit different, and you'll find some with pools better suited for children while others are quite deep.

To reach these falls, you'll have to hike about 45 minutes along a trail, or you can hire a guide to drive you the whole way if you prefer. While the lower falls are impressive, some of the best views can only be found at the highest falls. Reaching these falls means heading northeast from Damajagua.

Monte Isabel de Torres is a mountain with a peak far above the verdant hills of Puerto Plata with stunning views in every direction that reach the coast and beyond. The mountain reaches 2,600 feet, and there's an entire botanical garden at its peak packed full of vibrant local flora.

The way you reach the peak of this mountain is up to you. You can hike it if you're feeling particularly adventurous, but if you're focused mainly on the views, there's a cable car that can take you to the top. You'll find this mountain south of Puerto Plata on the north side of the country.

Fort San Felipe is a 16th-century Spanish fort and historical site that you can tour to take in incredible views of centuries-old craftsmanship and the surrounding natural sights. The fort has been converted into a museum that strives to preserve its structure, so it really feels like you've stepped back in time.

When taking in the views here, make sure to check the numerous hidden chambers and historic weapons that capture its use as a military fort. Additionally, it's a great location for seeing an alluring sunset. The fort is on the north side of the island near La Isabela.

Las Galeras is a small fishing village where you'll find calm and welcoming beaches perfect for swimming and water sports along with inland fun like hiking. Visiting this village is ideal for travelers who want to take in scenic views without worrying about crowds, though the nearby Playa Rincón can sometimes get crowded during the peak travel season.

When you visit, you'll find the best views along the coast with clear waters and white-sand beaches. You can take a boat out for even better views from a distance. Don't hesitate to see what it's like underwater as well with some snorkeling or diving. You'll find Las Galeras at the northeastern tip of the Samaná Peninsula.

The beaches of the Dominican Republic are some of the best in the world offering that Caribbean charm that's perfect whether you're looking to relax or embark on an adventure. The south side of the island is your best bet for more Caribbean-style beaches with white, powdery sand. For soft-sand beaches and a tranquil retreat, the north side is your best bet.

Stunning views are sometimes best paired with relaxation at a resort beach. If that's the kind of experience you're looking for, the island's east end has quite a few options to explore. No matter where you find yourself on the coast, however, you can enjoy beautiful views.

Jimenoa Waterfall, Jarabacoa has been praised for its beauty since the early 20th century as water rushes over a rock face and lands at a small beach. It's frequently heralded as one of the most beautiful sights on the island not only due to the waterfall but also because of the rock moss and aquatic vegetation.

Seeing this waterfall tends to invoke a sense of awe, especially considering how you get to it. It's located a bit off the beaten path a few miles southeast of Jarabacoa. You can take a Jeep or horse most of the way, but you will have to walk a bit through a nature path to reach it.

El Limón Waterfall is an iconic waterfall that offers brilliant views, though you'll have to make quite a journey through the forest to get there. The waterfall is 130 feet high, and it features a refreshing emerald pool at the bottom that you're free to go for a swim in.

To get to this waterfall, you'll have to travel about a mile and a half through the forest. While you can do this on foot, you'll find opportunities for horseback tours as well, though the trail is too hilly and narrow for vehicles. You can start the journey a short distance north of Rancho Español.

Los Haitises National Park is a massive park that features several rock formations coming out of the water along with mangroves and petroglyphs. The name of this park translates to "hilly land" in the native Taíno language, which can certainly explain the numerous 98-foot-high rock formations that jut out of the water.

When you visit, you can take in the views on foot, but you'll also find opportunities for kayaking throughout the mangroves. This park also features one of the filming locations for "Jurassic Park" that you can see. You'll find it along the southwestern shore of Samaná Bay.

Barahona is a remote area of the country that's somewhat separated from the more commonly visited destinations with diverse parks, beaches, and scenic vistas. The white, sandy beaches here are notably spacious without the crowds of the more visited areas while still offering Caribbean comforts.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can head inland and find activities like zip-lining, but relaxing hikes can be found here as well. No matter how you get around, you'll find opportunities for stunning views on top of hills that stretch out to the shore and beyond. This area is located along Neiba Bay north of Enriquillo.