Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
La Costa del Coco is the most eastern point of the Dominican Republic and consists of Punta Cana and the Bavaro area. The region is known for its 30 miles of coastline and some of the Caribbean’s longest stretches of white sandy beaches. The beaches in Punta Cana are perfect for those who just want to relax, and there’s no shortage of accommodations. You can stay at one of the many resorts or boutique hotels. If you need a break from lounging at the beach, head to El Cortecito Beach in Bavaro where you’ll find restaurants and shops in beachside shacks and plenty of nightclubs and other forms of entertainment. There are 12 highly-rated golf clubs in Punta Cana that offer great views of the water and surrounding landscape. The capital, Santo Domingo, is just over two hours away, so you can take a bus or a taxi to explore this historical city. The city was the first European settlement in the Americas and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you only go for a day, stick to exploring its historic center.
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There are nearly 300 beaches along the 270-miles of Puerto Rico’s coastline where you’ll find turquoise waters and soft sandy beaches. El Escambrón is a small beach located to the east of Old San Juan, the historic district. It’s a great place for snorkeling the protected coral reefs or lounging under the many palm trees that line the beach. If you get hungry, there are plenty of nearby restaurants and food stands. No visit to Puerto Rico would be complete without visiting the Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro, for short). This citadel took over 250 years to build and was design to protect the island. Located on the western corner of Old San Juan, the citadel provides great views of the water and a glimpse into the island’s history. A walk down the colorful colonial-era buildings of Calle de la Fortaleza will lead you to the Governor’s residence–La Fortaleza, the oldest state residence in the New World that is still in use. The piña colada is the national drink of Puerto Rico, so many sure to have one–or several–when visiting the island.
There are so many beaches around Montego Bay that it’s one of Jamaica’s most popular destinations. Many of the beaches are affiliated with a hotel, but there are some that are open to the public. Doctor’s Cave beach, with clear waters and powdery white sand, is known from being the one of the best. You will have to pay a small entrance fee, but that comes with clean restrooms with showers and changing rooms. It is worth noting that the beach is a favorite among cruise arrivals, so if you don’t like crowds, you might want to avoid ship days. Head to Aquasol Beach Park instead where you’ll find quieter waters. After a day at the beach, head to Margaritaville Restaurant for jerk dishes and, of course–a margarita.
