One of the most popular museums in the Colonial City. Completed around 1512, this Gothic and Renaissance style palace was the home of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, and his wife María de Toledo, niece of King Ferdinand of Spain.
Because of its proximity to Santo Domingo, Boca Chica is considered the capital’s main beach. Stretching a near mile long with brilliant, white sand, this bustling stretch is well protected by a large coral reef, and its shallow turquoise waters—not more than four feet in depth, and often compared to a giant natural pool—make it a favorite swimming spot for families. Annual sailing and beach volleyball tournaments also take place in Boca Chica.
The quintessential Boca Chica experience includes feasting on fresh fish and seafood, from a row of fish fry shacks, or at one of numerous beachfront restaurants, toes buried in sand. The sandy stretch is also lined with a variety of small and large-sized hotels, primarily in the heart of town and facing Boca Chica beach. On the eastern edge of town, a handful of upscale beach clubs offer seafront dining and swimming off lounge decks.
Across Boca Chica’s shoreline, you can spot La Matica—a mangrove cay that serves as a bird roosting and nesting site for many species, including herons. It’s a short wade over from the main beach to reach it.