Out And About Punta Cana: A Local’s Guide to the Best Spots
- Sarah J.D.
- May 22, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 6, 2024
"There are many paths in life, but all the good ones lead to an island."
As a foreigner who’s called Punta Cana home for the past two years, I’m excited to share some of my favourite places to visit and things to do in this year-round sunny paradise. Punta Cana offers a unique blend of local Dominican charm, an international expat community, and visitors from all over the world. This small, laid-back beach town has a vibrant, cosmopolitan feel, with plenty of cool spots to relax, dine, and explore.
Punta Cana Village: my Saturday Ritual
Puntacana Village is a great place to spend a relaxed Saturday. I often start the day at the Farmer’s Market, picking up some fresh organic produce. After that, I head over to Brot, a lovely café where I enjoy brunch on the outdoor terrace, surrounded by colourful murals painted by local artists at Wallz. Their fresh green juices and a Lox bagel make for a perfect lazy morning, and I often stay for a few hours, reading or writing in the sunshine.
Another favourite brunch spot is the Gourmet Market, where I frequently meet friends. Their frozen lemonade and salmon focaccia toast with capers, cream cheese, and red onion are my go-tos! If you’re in the mood for something different, their prosciutto and arugula salad topped with burrata is equally delicious.
Playa Blanca: Serenity by the Sea
Whenever I need a peaceful escape, I head to Playa Blanca at the Puntacana Resort & Club, especially on weekdays when it’s less crowded and out of sargassum season. The beachfront terrace is a tranquil spot to relax with a frozen cocktail in hand, gazing out over the turquoise sea. The crispy nachos towered with guacamole, sour cream, and cheese are an added bonus!
On Sundays, I like to take the kids to the small animal reserve near the resort’s stables. We picnic under the sprawling banyan trees, and it’s a lovely family-friendly activity. For ultimate relaxation, though, nothing beats the resort’s Six Senses Spa – a truly indulgent experience that I highly recommend.
Cap Cana: Hidden Gems for the Weekend
For a perfect weekend outing, I head to Little John’s Beach in Cap Cana. This pristine spot is perfect for unwinding with an aromatic ceviche or a massive local fish with crispy plantain chips, all while enjoying some great lounge music. For something a bit different, I also recommend Lago Azul – a beautiful lake where you can take a refreshing swim or rent a kayak for a fun afternoon on the water.
Bávaro: Dining and Nightlife
Heading towards Bávaro, Downtown Punta Cana is a vibrant area filled with great dining and nightlife options. A favourite dining spot of mine is Noah Restaurant in Paseo San Juan. Its trendy vibe and delicious menu make it a great choice for dining with friends. After dinner, I often pop next door to El Pub for a refreshing frozen margarita before heading out for the night.
If you’re looking to dance the night away, El Patio is the place to be for Latin music and cocktails, while Maroca offers a more unique experience with its beachside nightclub and Taino cave leading to a small lagoon. The DJ here is always top-notch, and the atmosphere is electric.
Playa Bávaro: Seafood Delights at Capitán Cook
While Playa Bávaro can get a bit hectic, one spot that’s definitely worth the detour is Capitán Cook. This low-key seafood restaurant serves up the freshest seafood platters on the coast. From lobster to prawns, everything is straight from the sea to your table. Add a fresh coconut water to your meal, and you’ve got the perfect Caribbean dining experience.
Punta Cana is more than just a holiday destination – it’s a place where locals, expats, and travellers come together to enjoy life. Whether you're here for the beaches, the food, or the nightlife, I hope my recommendations help you discover the hidden gems that make Punta Cana so special. See you soon!
Sarah the Digital GypSea
Dominican Republic, June 2023
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