Things to Do in Punta Cana
50 curated spots from Punta Cana itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Bavaro Beach
Stroll hand-in-hand, swim in calm waters, capture palm-lined photos; rent cheap loungers if needed.
2h · Free
Macao Beach
Wilder beach for shells, waves, relaxation post-zipline.
2h · Free
Bávaro Beach
Spend your final beach session on a long stretch of sand known for easy access and classic Caribbean scenery.
3h · Free
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve
Walk shaded, well-maintained trails through a private nature reserve to a series of freshwater lagoons; you can swim in designated ones, so bring swimwear, sandals, and a towel.
3h · $50-70 per person (approximate access fee/transport package)
Juanillo Beach
Spend your first Caribbean morning lounging on soft sand, swimming in calm turquoise water, and strolling the palm-lined shoreline.
2h 30m · Free or modest spend on drinks/chairs
BlueMall Punta Cana
Use it for air-conditioned downtime, shopping, coffee, and a quick change of pace.
1h 30m · Free to browse
Coco Bongo Punta Cana
High-energy show-club with acrobats, dancers, and themed performances; drinks and music run late into the night.[1][4]
3h 30m · $70-100 (show ticket with drinks)
Downtown Punta Cana
Use the area for practical errands, browsing, and finding inexpensive food options away from the resort zone.
2h · Free
Higuey Street Market
Browse crafts, spices, fruits; sample street snacks.
2h · $10-20 per person
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park
Hike trails to 12 freshwater lagoons for swims.
3h · $30
Punta Cana Lagoon Tour
Boat cruise to cenotes, swim, lunch included; nature immersion.
8h · $70-90 per adult
Punta Espada Golf Club
Admire modern architecture of Nicklaus course; photo ops from clubhouse.
1h 30m · $50 green fee
Saona Island Catamaran
Half-day boat trip with beach stop, buffet lunch, open bar; stunning starfish fields for photos.
4h · $70-80
Scape Park
Hoyo Azul cenote swim and short nature trails (25-min taxi).
3h · $50
Altos de Chavón Village
Stone architecture, amphitheater, art museum; photography gold.
2h 30m · $20 entry
Arena Gorda Beach
Snorkel gear rental and gentle waves.
2h · $20
Arena Gorda Beach Lounge
Return for hammock sway, people-watch, sunset photos; free public access.
2h · Free
Arena Gorda Beach Relax
Calm waters for floating, hammocks, and couple's reading time.
2h · Free
Basilica Catedral de la Altagracia
Visit iconic church near market; peaceful family stop.
1h · Free
Basilica of Higuey
Modernist architecture marvel; interior art and history exhibits.
1h 30m · Free
Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia
Striking modern basilica and important pilgrimage site; dress modestly and take time to quietly walk the interior.
30m · Included in tour
Bávaro Bar Strip
Hop between affordable bars and music spots for a classic group nightlife night.
3h · $10-30
Bávaro Beach (Central Stretch)
Settle into your first afternoon on the main Bávaro Beach, near the cluster of mid-range all-inclusive resorts; walk the shoreline, swim in gentle water, and find a spot with loungers and umbrellas.
3h · Free (plus optional chair/umbrella rental $10-20)
Bávaro Beach Free Explore
Walk the long stretch of white sand, swim in calm turquoise water, and photograph coconut palms and boats; use resort loungers or public areas.
3h · Free
Bavaro Beach Lounge
Relax on white sands, swim in turquoise waters, capture photos at palm edges.
2h · Free
Bavaro Beach R&R
Lounge on iconic sands, people-watch, optional catamaran sail nearby.
2h · Free
Bávaro Beach Walk
Stroll the shoreline for photos, people-watching, and quick stops for drinks or snacks.
1h 30m · Free
Bavaro Lagoon
Kayak or paddleboard in serene mangroves for nature immersion.
1h 30m · $25
Bávaro Sandbanks
Spend the final morning on the sand for swimming, lounging, and farewell group photos.
2h 30m · Free
Blue Mall Punta Cana
Modern shopping arcade with art installations and architecture photo spots.
1h 15m · FreeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
La Casita de Yeya
Traditional sancocho and griot; homey.
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Jellyfish Restaurant
Romantic beachfront restaurant with seafood-heavy menu and candlelit ambiance.
2h · $60-100 per person
La Yola Restaurant
Airy, modern restaurant built over the water near the marina; order grilled octopus, fresh fish, or a simple pasta with seafood while boats glide by.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Bambu Restaurant
Fresh tropical fruits, omelets, and mangu; resort buffet style.
1h · $20-30 per person
Wacamole
Colorful yet clean-lined bar-restaurant serving tacos, burgers, and cocktails; order fish tacos, nachos, and a passionfruit mojito.
1h 15m · $15-22 per person
Bamboo Restaurant
Fresh mangu with fried cheese, eggs, and tropical fruits.
1h · $15-25 per person
Capitán Cook Bavaro
Grilled fresh fish and tostones with beach views.
1h · $20-35 per person
Citrus Restaurant
A stylish restaurant choice for a polished date-night meal with a broad menu and a more urban feel than the beach clubs. [6]
1h 30m · $45-90 per person
Il Capriccio
Italian fine dining with ocean views; order lobster risotto and tiramisu.
2h · $150-250 per person
Kats Corner
Small, simple café-bar close to the beach with strong coffee, omelets, and pancakes; relaxed vibe and easy ordering.
1h · $8-15 per person
La Palapa by Eden Roc
Seafood-forward restaurant with clean, modern decor and wide ocean views; try the grilled catch of the day or seafood risotto.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
La Yola
Seafood-focused with fresh ceviche and grilled octopus; waterfront glamour.
1h 30m · $100-150 per person
Mamma Luisa
Order a hearty Dominican-style breakfast or eggs, toast, and coffee to start a beach day without overspending.
1h · $8-14 per person
Pearl Beach Club
Fried fish with coconut creole sauce and tostones; poolside with DJ.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Playa Blanca Restaurant
Beachfront restaurant with a clean, white aesthetic and a mix of international and Caribbean dishes; go for fish tacos or grilled mahi-mahi.
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Capitan Cook Bavaro
Seafood paella and sancocho soup; lively yet comfy.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Adrian Tropical
Iconic juices, empanadas; street market energy.
45m · $40-50 per person
Akana Cafe
Fusion Dominican plates, fresh salads.
1h 20m · $25-40 per person
Api Beach
Chill beach club and restaurant with light meals, seafood, and cocktails next to the marina.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Aroma’s Café
Simple, neat café with good coffee, fresh juices, and light fare like omelets, sandwiches, and pastries.
1h · $10-20 per person