Move Over Punta Cana! This Dominican Paradise Named Top Beach Destination For 2026

Share The Article

We get it — if you wish to fulfill each ounce of expectations you may have for a paradise trip overseas, Punta Cana ticks off each field.

However the reality is, extra vacationers are ditching the crowds and forging their very own path to lesser-known locales.

Right here at Travel Off Path, we do our greatest to reside as much as our title. On this case, we’re lockstep with fellow specialists at Going (previously Scott’s Low cost Flights) in regards to the subsequent Dominican hotspot it’s possible you’ll not have heard of — but.

It is protected to say Punta Cana is not going wherever as its change into probably the most sought-after trip spot within the Dominican Republic, however for those who’re looking for fewer footprints within the sand, open barstools at swim-up bars, and much much less odds of seaweed invasions, then Going nailed it by revealing the D.R.’s 2026 must-visit seashore city.

Presenting La Romana: The Dominican’s Turquoise Oasis

First-timers to Punta Cana could also be shocked by how small it’s, given its world-renowned standing. As I write this text from the Prague airport, guess the place the subsequent flight was taking off after mine…

That is proper — Punta Cana.

What’s extra shocking is La Romana (LRM) finds itself on many departure boards in Europe too, and can certainly proceed to develop amongst U.S. airports as effectively.

This slice of paradise packs a punch regardless of its diminutive stature. Positioned on a secluded stretch of shoreline on the D.R.’s southern coast, this up-and-coming gem is laden with equally luxurious all-inclusives, gleaming turquoise waters, and often swimmable waters since vibe-ruining sargassum hardly ever trickles into this area.

For now, you may additionally discover fewer crowds than in Punta Cana. That being mentioned, La Romana appears to be the place the overflow of vacationers visits for more room, which will not final eternally.

Reality be informed, I had the pleasure of whizzing by La Romana on a ship final yr and it seems even prettier than Punta Cana for those who ask me, particularly Bayahibe Seaside.

Boasting turquoise waters, tropical forests, and posh resorts, La Romana is just too attractive to be a hidden gem eternally. As Going said, ‘La Romana enjoys world-class seashores with calm waters and much fewer vacationers’.

With new handy flights, there is no time like the current to get pleasure from it earlier than it is a family title.

You Have 3 Airports To Select From

It has been a minute since we reported on American Airways’ thrilling new flight from Miami (MIA), however it’s been a raging success with extra certain to come back.

This was a groundbreaking flight for a number of causes, however primarily these two:

1) Even many Dominicans do not know Pink Air, a D.R. based mostly finances service previously the one obtainable nonstop flight from Miami — due to this fact many Individuals would doubtless really feel uncomfortable flying with them

2) The much less quantity of street time the higher within the Dominican — the U.S. Embassy not too long ago issued an alert relating to the hazards of roadways right here

Earlier than Miami’s flight launch in 2024, U.S. vacationers solely had the choice of flying into Santo Domingo or Punta Cana.

The excellent news is La Romana is situated in between them, making for a reasonably simple shuttle trip. These flights nonetheless exist, clearly, however for those who can swing it, flying instantly into La Romana is the best way to go.

When Is The Finest Time To Go to La Romana?

The throes of winter could also be impending on a lot of the U.S., however it’s the prime trip season in La Romana for its sun-drenched shores, astounding surroundings, and inexpensive luxurious at such locations because the 5-star Casa de Campo Resort and Villas.

Proper now, though you will not see Punta Cana’s degree of crowds, it is the biggest variety of vacationers you may see till mid-spring as “snowbirds” will flock again dwelling by then.

Could is the start of shoulder season with fewer vacationers, however the trade-off is occasional rain, so ensure you ebook a snug room.

However rain can enhance in the summertime, particularly throughout hurricane season. In abstract, November to April is essentially thought of the most effective time of yr, given the climate, affordability, and the flexibility to discover a peaceable spot on the seashore.

To degree up your trip much more, we extremely suggest testing close by Saona Island too — actually postcard-worthy and a Journey Off Path favourite hideaway.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.