Tropical sunset at Bayahibe beach in La Romana, Dominican Republic

Things to do in  La Romana

Just keep swimming

La Romana is unlike anywhere else in the Dominican Republic. The resort city’s streets come alive with locals on motorbikes and restaurants serving a surprising mix of international cuisine, though tourists are more likely to come for the world-class beaches (and for good reason). The Caribbean-facing shores lead to swimmable reefs and barrier islands, including the idyllic Catalina Island and Saona Island. One of the best things to do in La Romana is visiting Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village that hosts concerts and art exhibitions.

Learn more

Top 14 attractions in La Romana

#1

Saona Island (Isla Saona)

star-4.55,634
Saona Island (Isla Saona) is the Dominican Republic's largest coastal island, clocking in at 15 miles (25 kilometers) long and three miles (5 kilometers) wide, with a population of little more than 300. Part of the National Park of the East, this tropical paradise features plenty of photo-worthy white sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and turquoise waters.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Higuey

star-4.5618
In the Dominican Republic's easternmost province of La Altagracia lies the city of Higuey. A busy, bustling area that has rapidly grown over recent years, Higuey is also home to some must-see historical and religious sites like the Basilica of Altagracia. Though the city may not have the footprint of neighboring Punta Cana, visitors can explore its charming streets, restaurants, and markets.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Catalina Island (Isla Catalina)

star-4479
Tiny Catalina Island (Isla Catalina), just 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) off the Dominican Republic’s mainland, is an idyllic sandy speck in the turquoise Caribbean waters. Known for its well-populated coral reefs, Catalina is a peaceful respite for those looking to escape bustling Punta Cana and La Romana.More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Bayahibe

star-4.5164
Once a sleepy fishing village, now a beach town, Bayahibe has maintained its laid-back vibe and distinctive Dominican flavor despite rapid development on other parts of the island. The walkable downtown area features a colorful collection of seafood restaurants and craft shops, while the beach is known for white sand and clear water.More
Tours & Tickets
#5

Altos de Chavón

star-4337
Sculpted in stone, the Mediterranean-inspired village of Altos de Chavón showcases how the Dominican Republic might have looked in the 16th century. Built in 1976 by a team of local artisans, the La Romana village houses restaurants, shops, an archaeology museum, and a 5,000-seat amphitheater.More
Tours & Tickets
#6

National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este)

star-5115
The National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este) is one of Dominican Republic’s most biologically diverse land reserves. From the sandy beaches of Saona Island to the tropical forest and limestone landscape of the mainland, the park is home to more than 500 species of plant and hundreds of species of bird, insect, and fish.More
Tours & Tickets
#7

Chavón River (Río Chavón)

star-4.5130
One of the largest rivers in the Dominican Republic, the Chavón River (Rio Chavón) runs from the interior of the country to the Caribbean Sea near La Romana. The filming site of several famous movies—including Apocalypse Now, Rambo, and Jurassic Park—it’s a popular stop on tours or river cruises.More
Tours & Tickets
#8

Cueva de las Maravillas

star-539
Cueva de las Maravillas is a natural attraction near La Romana that takes visitors underground into a deep cavern. This cave is estimated to be more than 100,000 years old but wasn't discovered until 1926. Inside its walls, you'll find fascinating rock formations, elongated stalactites, and stalagmites resembling icicles. These were formed due to mineral buildup caused by the cave's constant moisture.More
Tours & Tickets
#9

Altos de Chavon Regional Museum of Archaeology

star-3.54
Located in Altos de Chavón (a re-creation of a 16th-century Mediterranean–style village) in La Romana, this archaeology museum showcases artifacts and artwork from the days when the Dominican Republic and Haiti were known as Hispaniola. It houses thousands of pieces from this pre-Columbian era, many of which were excavated from the nearby region that borders the Chavón River.More
Tours & Tickets
#10

Caleta Beach (Playa Caleta)

star-22
A small, rocky beach frequented by locals, Caleta Beach (Playa Caleta) gives visitors an authentic view of beach life in the Dominican Republic compared to other touristy beaches in La Romana. Convenient for cruise passengers, this remote beach area features stunning scenery with an excellent view of Catalina Island, local cuisine, and a small bay ideal for swimming.More
Tours & Tickets
#11
Minitas Beach (Playa Minitas)

Minitas Beach (Playa Minitas)

star-00
Minitas Beach(Playa Minitas) is the perfect island paradise and an ideal destination for travelers who want to relax among the ocean views, white sands and towering palm trees of Dominican Republic. Visitors will find turquoise blue waters filled with colorful, tropical fish, quiet stretches of beach lined with comfortable chairs for unwinding and impeccable views that are easy to get lost in.And while Minitas Beach(Playa Minitas) offers up endless options for tired travelers who want to really relax and let go, it’s also the perfect spot for slightly more adventurous souls, thanks to kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and paddle boat options that offer up-close encounters with nature. This private, unspoiled destination is one of Dominican Republic’s finest.Travelers can explore Minitas Beach(Playa Minitas) as part of a Catalina Island and Chavon River cruise with snorkeling from the resorts of Punta Cana.More
#12
Boca de Yuma

Boca de Yuma

star-00
Boca de Yuma is a small fishing village on the northeastern tip of the Dominican Republic’s National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este). The village is off the beaten path for tourists, meaning you’ll find a peaceful place to hang among the locals here. The harbor boasts many small restaurants and bars, similar to an Italian seaside town.More
#13
Tabacalera de Garcia Cigar Factory

Tabacalera de Garcia Cigar Factory

star-00
When Fidel Castro marched into Havana and seized the Cuban government, he took the island’s tobacco industry and hand-rolled cigars along with it. Cuban cigar makers then fled the country in search of factories elsewhere. One of those places was La Romana in the neighboring Dominican Republic. Established in 1971, Tabacalera de Garcia has grown into the largest hand-rolled cigar factory in the world.More
#14
La Flor Dominicana Cigar Factory

La Flor Dominicana Cigar Factory

star-00
La Flor Dominicana produces some of the Dominican Republic’s most well-known cigars at their factory in La Romana. Visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at how tobacco plants are transformed into cigars, from leaf sorting and stripping to hand-rolling, aging, fermenting, and packing.More

Explore La Romana by interest

Top activities in La Romana

Saona Island Excursion from Bayahibe

Saona Island Excursion from Bayahibe

star-4
51
From
$69.00
Fishing And Eating Straight From The Sea ( SAONA ISLAND AND PALMILLA)

Fishing And Eating Straight From The Sea ( SAONA ISLAND AND PALMILLA)

star-5
12
From
$1,500.00
per group
Marinarium Snorkeling Cruise from Punta Cana

Marinarium Snorkeling Cruise from Punta Cana

star-3.5
183
From
$115.00
Reef Explorer Multiple activity Excursion from Punta Cana by Marinarium

Reef Explorer Multiple activity Excursion from Punta Cana by Marinarium

star-3.5
102
From
$149.00
Private Transfer La Romana Area (9 to 20 pax) Toyota Coaster (Price per Way)

Private Transfer La Romana Area (9 to 20 pax) Toyota Coaster (Price per Way)

From
$240.00
per group
Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from La Romana

Full-Day Santo Domingo City Tour from La Romana

star-4
9
From
$87.18
Bayahibe Countryside Safari from La Romana

Bayahibe Countryside Safari from La Romana

star-3
5
From
$85.00
Monkeyland & Plantation Safari Full Day from Juan Dolio

Monkeyland & Plantation Safari Full Day from Juan Dolio

star-4
9
From
$95.00
Private Transfer From Las Americas Inter. Airport to Resort Casa de Campo

Private Transfer From Las Americas Inter. Airport to Resort Casa de Campo

star-5
1
From
$150.00
per group
Private Transfer From Punta Cana Inter. Airport to Resort Casa de Campo

Private Transfer From Punta Cana Inter. Airport to Resort Casa de Campo

star-5
1
From
$150.00
per group
Bayaguana Countryside Safari by Runners Adventures

Bayaguana Countryside Safari by Runners Adventures

star-3.5
14
From
$85.00
Puerto Plata City Tour

Puerto Plata City Tour

star-4.5
123
From
$70.00
Transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Romana Bayahibe hotels and vice versa.

Transfer from Punta Cana Airport to Romana Bayahibe hotels and vice versa.

star-4.5
13
From
$125.00
per group
Private Punta Cana Airport Transfer Service To/From Bayahibe hotels

Private Punta Cana Airport Transfer Service To/From Bayahibe hotels

star-4.5
7
From
$93.60
per group
Horseback Riding River swimming From Bayahibe

Horseback Riding River swimming From Bayahibe

star-3
8
From
$99.00
Discover Catalina Island In Private Yacht

Discover Catalina Island In Private Yacht

star-5
4
From
$1,250.00
per group
Triple fun! Monkeyland + Damajagua Waterfalls + Buggies from Puerto Plata

Triple fun! Monkeyland + Damajagua Waterfalls + Buggies from Puerto Plata

star-5
44
From
$199.00
per group
Full-Day Scuba Diving Catalina Island Tour from Bavaro
Special Offer

Full-Day Scuba Diving Catalina Island Tour from Bavaro

star-3.5
10
From
$130.50
$145.00  $14.50 savings
Zipline Adventure from La Romana

Zipline Adventure from La Romana

star-5
38
From
$460.00
Private Transfer Punta Cana Airport - La Romana

Private Transfer Punta Cana Airport - La Romana

star-3.5
3
From
$130.67
per group
See all La Romana tours

All about La Romana

When to visit

La Romana is best experienced during the dry season, which runs from November to April. These months offer sunshine, gentle breezes, and lower humidity, making it perfect for beach lovers and outdoor adventurers. To get a sense of the town’s culture, plan your visit during the La Romana Sugar and Cigar Festival in April. This annual event celebrates the area’s rich heritage with cultural performances, delicious cuisine, and (of course) world-class cigars and rum.

Getting around

Public buses, known as guaguas, are an economical way to travel between nearby towns and attractions, while taxis and rideshares are readily available and convenient for shorter journeys. To explore the town and nearby sights at your own pace, consider renting a car—especially if you plan to venture into rural areas.

Traveler tips

If you’re interested in history, be sure to explore the Altos de Chavón, a charming Mediterranean-style village overlooking the Chavón River. It’s home to an art school, galleries, and an amphitheater that has hosted legendary musicians—definitely worth a visit for some cultural immersion a little off the beaten path.

Attractions
14
Tours
123
Reviews
1,169
EN
01c76aea-b00c-4577-9324-fcc3df2da168
geo_hub

People Also Ask

What is La Romana known for?

The city is known for its Caribbean-facing beaches, hotels and resorts, water sports, and coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling. There are also cultural things to do in La Romana including the most famous attraction—Altos de Chavón, a famous replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village. The city also makes an excellent jumping-off point for day trips to other towns and natural parks along the Dominican Republic’s southern coast.

...More
Is La Romana, Dominican Republic, worth visiting?

Yes, La Romana in the Dominican Republic is worth visiting. While its beaches have undeniable Caribbean vibes, the town boasts an international appeal you won’t find in many other places in the country. Aside from world-famous hotels like Casa de Campo Resort and Villas, here you’ll find plenty of things to do in La Romana including amazing restaurants, swimmable reefs, and cultural sites like Altos de Chavón.

...More
How much is a taxi from Punta Cana to La Romana?

La Romana is about 47.9 miles (77.1 kilometers) from Punta Cana International Airport, and the drive takes roughly 1 hour from door to door depending on where your hotel is. You can take a public bus for as low as $5 (just note that the ride will take over twice as long), but taxi rides are a bit more convenient—and, of course, expensive. Expect to pay at least $160 for a taxi ride, $180 for a private transfer, or $45 for a group shuttle.

...More
Does La Romana have nice beaches?

Yes, La Romana has amazing beaches. The city sits on the Dominican Republic’s southern coast, meaning the white-sand beaches overlook the calm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Spots like Dominicus Beach and Minitas Beach are famous for sitting next to particularly clean and shallow water, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying a variety of water sports.

...More
What is the best time to visit La Romana, Dominican Republic?

Most people consider winter (December through March) to be the best time to visit La Romana. These months see considerably less rainfall than you’ll encounter in the summer and the temperatures are nearly perfect, hovering between 75°F (23.8°C) and 78°F (25.5°C) all season—as opposed to the scorching highs of 91°F (32.8°C) in July.

...More
Does La Romana have nightlife?

Yes, La Romana has a buzzing nightlife scene. While there may not be as many nightclubs (nor the accompanying crowds of tipsy spring breakers) here as in Punta Cana, travelers can still find plenty of beachfront bars, dance clubs, and music venues that stay open until the wee hours of the morning.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in La Romana?
A:
Q:
What are the top activities in La Romana?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near La Romana?
A:
Check out things to do near La Romana:

More Tours in La Romana