Boca Chica
Bask in the sun and dance to the music of Boca Chica. This popular Caribbean city is just 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Santo Domingo, the Dominican capital, making it a convenient place to get away from the bustle of the big city. Swim in the shallow Boca Chica Beach, browse the boardwalk or join in the nightlife that continues until dawn.
The sizeable Boca Chica municipality began to flourish in the 1950s when hotels were built under the order of Rafael Trujillo, former ruler of the Dominican Republic. Its incredible white-sand coastline and nearby islands made it an immediate tourist hit, especially on weekends. Visit the historic Hotel Hamaca, a former asylum for a famed Cuban revolutionist and now an icon for the city.
Listen to music, snack on street food and swim in the warm waters of Boca Chica Beach. Wade out into the shallow sea and cool off away from the hot Caribbean sun. Water levels barely get above waist height, making this a great place to bring young kids.
Try some of the city’s watersports. Jet Ski, snorkel or kayak around the bay. Spot marine life and enjoy the views of the coastline as you go. Take an island tour and visit the secluded beaches of Los Pinos and La Matica. Back on Boca Chica Beach, take a horseback ride down the beach at sunset.
Along the promenade, buy snacks such as fried fish, drink from a coconut or get your hair braided. Shops along the boardwalk sell souvenirs and clothing at affordable prices. Purchase cigars or local music CDs as gifts to take home.
Eat dinner with the musical accompaniment of Merengue beats along Calle Duarte, a pedestrian street near the beach. Later in the night, party crowds replace families as clubs open their doors. Under the protection of patrolling police, mingle with locals and dance in open-air bars until dawn.
Boca Chica is a 1-hour journey from Santo Domingo by car, bus or taxi. Get around the compact beach community on foot.