Punta Cana travel tips?

[LynetteMarie]

I'm bound for Punta Cana and I'm wondering if anyone has input for day excursions while I'm there. I am more interested in getting to know the culture and history than lounging in the sun. Besides which, the forecast calls for rain the entire time I'm there.

How long will it take to venture into Samana or Santo Domingo?

I appreciate your tips...I'm running out of time and in a mild panic!

[Rudyard K]

LM,

I do not know anything about this place or the surrounding places to visit. But, I have a couple friend of mine that went to Punta Cana sometime last summer. They asked the concierge at the hotel about walking to the beach from their hotel. The concierge suggested they let them take an escort to the beach because walking there was of questionable safety,

So, I would suggest, get the hotel to suggest a driver for whoever is taking you around to see the sights. They will probably know one that is safe. As far as places to see...someone else will have to help with that.

[smokey1187]

I have been there several times. The beach at Punta cana is absolutely the best in the world white sand and it go's forever It's pretty much safe to walk since there are hotels all down the beach. People walk it too so there isn't much to worry about. As for traveling outside your resort I would be a little cautious, since crime is an issue. I also have been to Puerto Plata which is a little bit more tourist. Some bars there to are not too bad but it isn't like Cancun. Feel free to PM me

[vnurse]

My daughter and her boyfriend are going there in mid June. I have only seen photos but it looks beautiful! Maybe next year...

[pjorourke]

I heard they had a great nude beach. Or maybe I was just fantasizing.

[Ansley]

Originally Posted by pjorourke

Or maybe I was just fantasizing.

Are you always thinking of T&A?

[pjorourke]

Originally Posted by Ansley

Are you always thinking of T&A?

Occasionally work.

[normhouston]

went last year for a wedding. had a great time. coming in the airport doesn;t look like much but its actually not too bad

the beach is fantastic, they are a bit aggressive trying to sell you things

try the mama-juana. its a great local drink made with rum, brandy and lord knows what else.

i am pretty sure santo domingo is pretty far....maybe 100 miles?

[LynetteMarie]

Thank you all for your input, both publicly and privately!
I had a wonderful time at the lovely, new NH Royal Beach Resort (adjacent to the NH Real Arena) which I highly recommend. It is right on the beach so I got to enjoy playing in the pool and jogging in the sand. Yes, the beaches are beautiful soft white sands where walking barefoot doesn't hurt. Solicitors are not allowed on the property of the resorts but they can walk along close to the water. I found them entertaining and a great way to refresh my Spanish skills.

Thanks especially to those of you who recommended the trip into Santo Domingo. Yes, it is a 3 hour ride into the capital but it was well worth it to get a true sense of the history and the culture.

I found the people to have a more genuine, warm vibe than other areas of the Caribbean that I've been to, although maybe it's just me and my maturity level that has changed since I've visited last (at least 5 years.)

It is a bit of a reality check to be back home now, but I have returned with wonderful memories, fun photographs and an actual tan!

Oh yeah...the MamaJuana got the party started! Although I misunderstood when they initially offered it to me...lol.

Thanks again!