Braden came to visit us recently to see where we’ve been living, and after a couple of days exploring the buzz of Santo Domingo, we packed up and headed out to one of the Dominican Republic’s major destinations: Punta Cana.
Let’s be honest—Punta Cana isn’t exactly the most authentic slice of the Dominican Republic. It’s polished, built for tourists, and has its own rhythm. As one of the three major cruise ship ports in the country, English is widely spoken, there are products on the shelves you won’t find anywhere else (shoutout to BlueMall Punta Cana), and the amenities are noticeably more upscale. But let’s not knock it—it’s a full-blown playground, and if you come ready to have fun, it won’t disappoint.
Our Stay: Quiet, Oceanfront, and Perfect
We stayed at Costa Atlantica Condominium through Airbnb—a cozy, tucked-away spot right on the beach with sweeping views of the ocean. It was exactly the kind of low-key, toes-in-the-sand getaway we were hoping for.
Before settling in, we stocked up on provisions at the local supermarkets (Bravo, Jumbo, and Sirena). Interestingly, we found more American products in those stores than we usually do in Santo Domingo. If you’re craving a taste of home, Punta Cana surprisingly delivers.
Cigars, Rum, and a Taste of Culture
Braden had one request: a cigar factory tour. We headed to Don Lucas Cigars, a spot where we didn’t just learn about cigars—we got a crash course in Dominican tobacco, chocolate, and rum. We tasted some fantastic cigars and sampled what might be the best rum we’ve ever had—$24 a pour and worth every drop.
Nightlife: Big Lights and Bigger Beats
Of course, no trip to Punta Cana is complete without dipping your toes into its nightlife. We made our way to CoCo Bongo, a wild fusion of theater, nightclub, and full-on spectacle. It starts early (thankfully, for us older folks) and wraps by 3am. For the younger crowd, clubs usually start around midnight and go until sunrise. Choose your own adventure.
Beach Vibes, Local Life & Unexpected Laughs
Walking the beach in the DR is never just a walk—it’s an experience.
Along the shore, you’ll find offers for boat trips, dune buggy tours, Dominican hats, Mamajuana, and pretty much anything you can think of. We even caught a beach tractor—one of those giant ones used for pulling boats—lose a six-foot-tall wheel. It became an unbothered, six-man operation that looked more like a sitcom than a crisis. Only in the DR.
Sargassum (that brown seaweed you’ve probably read about) does wash up here, but many resorts and beaches are diligent about keeping things clean. Don’t let it deter you—it’s a manageable issue and often cleared up by mid-morning.
We also took a short drive to Playa Macao—a beach mostly visited by locals. It’s raw, untouched, and absolutely stunning. If you have a ride, this spot is a must.
What Punta Cana Has to Offer
While our trip was laid back and filled with just enough adventure, Punta Cana has so much more waiting for those who want to dive in.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, craving a spa day, or just want to nap under a palm tree with a cold drink in hand, Punta Cana delivers.
Final Thoughts
For us, it was a mix of downtime, curiosity, and a touch of indulgence. For you, it could be something completely different—and that’s what makes Punta Cana such a magnetic destination. It’s not the most “Dominican” part of the Dominican Republic, but it’s a place that knows how to show visitors a good time.
Just remember to venture off the beaten path now and then—you might just stumble onto a tractor with one wheel and six guys laughing their way through the fix.