Exploring Santo Domingo: A Day of Adventures in the Dominican Republic

Hey friends! If you’re dreaming of a spontaneous getaway filled with history, tasty eats, and a bit of nature’s magic, our latest vlog from Santo Domingo, the vibrant capital of the Dominican Republic (DR), is your ticket to inspiration. As a couple of Army vets turned Caribbean explorers (you might know us from our sailing adventures on SV Agua Azul), we traded the open seas for the bustling streets of the DR for a day. No fancy itinerary—just us, our rental car, and a whole lot of curiosity.

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We kicked off our drive from Las Vegas (yep, that’s our starting point in the DR—confusing, right?) heading straight to Santo Domingo’s Colonial District. This historic heart of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, packed with colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and stories from Christopher Columbus’s era. We’re talking forts, monasteries, and that electric mix of old-world charm and lively local vibes. As we rolled in, the excitement built—windows down, music up, ready to dive into the adventure.

First stop: a beachside steakhouse we spotted roadside. Parked right on the edge (Dominican parking is an art form!), we had high hopes for ocean views and juicy cuts. The scenery didn’t disappoint—the waves crashing just beyond the table looked like a postcard. But the food? Not so much. Our orders got mixed up, and the service felt off; we sensed they weren’t thrilled with us tourists. If you’re in the area, skip this spot—plenty of better eats await. It was a quick lesson: in travel, not every detour is a win, but it makes for great stories!

Shaking off the meh meal, we checked into our Airbnb. From the outside, it screamed “fixer-upper,” but step inside, and it’s a cozy haven. Spacious rooms with adult-sized beds, a kitchenette for whipping up simple meals (shoutout to Danielle’s recipe vibes), and even a TV for downtime. Our pup wasn’t thrilled at first—paws crossed, ears back—but she settled in quick. It’s that classic travel contrast: rough exterior, welcoming soul. Pro tip for budget travelers: hunt for these hidden gems on Airbnb; they beat chain hotels every time.

Hunger struck again, so we hunted for sushi—because why not mix cultures in the DR? Got a little lost (GPS in new spots is always iffy), but we found our wheels and hit a swanky spot. Tiny elevator ride up, leather seats, the works—it felt bougie after our dusty rental car drive. The martini was the best I’ve ever sipped, smooth and zingy, while Danielle’s roll was a fresh explosion of flavors. The sushi smelled divine, and the vibe? Relaxed fun with fellow diners. We left stuffed and smiling, ready for more.

Next up: 3 National Park, or Tres Ojos as locals call it. Getting there was wild—think Frogger meets Mad Max, dodging motos and potholes like pros. Entry was a steal at 200 pesos (about $3.50 USD), and they slap a wristband on you (mine barely fit my “big bones”—ha!). This limestone cave park is a nature lover’s dream: sinkholes, underground lakes, and hanging stalactites (or stalagmites? We always mix ’em up). We skipped the steep cave descent at first—too many tourists swarming—but wandered paths to viewpoints overlooking crystal-blue waters. Danielle’s a cave fan, so we eventually tackled the switchbacks down to the “big hole.” It’s deep, misty, and humid, with drips echoing like a secret waterfall. No swimming allowed (bummer, I almost packed a suit), but the turquoise pool below is mesmerizing. We spotted boat tours gliding on the lakes—next time, we’re joining!

The park’s huge; we could’ve spent hours. Umbrella streets (that trendy photo op with colorful parasols overhead) popped up everywhere, adding a whimsical touch. It’s touristy, sure, but beats aimless city driving when you’re short on time. We chilled in a photo zone, snapping pics of the vast drop-offs and rope bridges in the distance. Feeling the cool cave air was a relief from the tropical heat—perfect for recharging before our beach day tomorrow.

Looping back to the Colonial Zone, we immersed in history. Cobblestones underfoot, vendors calling out, and that faint whiff of street food (mixed with, uh, city aromas). We dodged taxi hustles—say “no gracias” firmly—and hit a local eatery for the real deal. Danielle led the charge to a spot with fresh cheese and what turned out to be the best steak in the DR. Juicy, perfectly seasoned—way better than the beach flop. I opted for a burger, simple and satisfying. It’s spots like this that capture the DR’s soul: unpretentious, flavorful, and full of surprises.

As the sun dipped, we wandered past landmarks like the Alcázar de Colón (Columbus’s son’s palace) and the iconic Columbus Monument looming nearby. The district buzzes with energy—street performers, horse carriages, and hidden plazas. It’s romantic, chaotic, and utterly alive. We wrapped up nap-ready, plotting beach vibes for the next vlog.

This day in Santo Domingo reminded us why we chase these adventures: the unpredictability, the connections, and those “only us” moments. From park thrills to historic strolls, it’s a sampler of DR magic. If you’re planning a trip, prioritize the Colonial District—it’s walkable, photogenic, and feeds both your explorer and foodie sides.

Tying back to our sailing life, this land jaunt was a fun detour from SV Agua Azul. We’ve conquered Bahamas crossings (check our Rough Sail, North Bahamas from West End, Sale Cay & Fox Town | Ep 57) and Exumas island hops (Sailing the Exumas: Island Life, Wildlife & Adventure | Ep 69), but Santo Domingo’s urban pulse adds a fresh twist. Craving easy eats like our steak? Try Danielle’s Roasted Ranch Dilly Meatballs for a home version.

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