Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Something Old, Something Blue

[Shirley Rushing]

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Something Old, Something Blue
North America's oldest capital brims with present-day possibilities for Caribbean adventures.

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue, and in 1496, he landed in Santo Domingo. As parrots and hummingbirds flew overhead, the colonizers erected palaces, residences, and fortresses in long-lasting limestone, so when you land in Santo Domingo, you'll get to see the oldest cathedral, street, monastery, and hospital in all the Western Hemisphere.

But you'll also soon recognize all the marvels of a modern Caribbean city. A walk through the Malecon reveals a vibrant, urban, and very contemporary street scene, from glitzy casinos and meringue nightclubs to shops selling amber jewelry, homemade cigars, and locally brewed rum. Exercise your purchasing power, then go scout out the next Sammy Sosa, Alex Rodriguez, or Manny Ramirez on one of many city baseball diamonds, which are almost as ubiquitous as the island's sugar mills.

Take in sunset by the timeless Caribbean Sea, where gardens of corals have flourished for centuries, or ride out the day with a whale-watching tour (during season). As you head back towards the city, look to the night skies: the Columbus Lighthouse projects a giant cross that can be seen as far away as Puerto Rico.

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