Located about 20 minutes’ drive east of Santo Domingo, Playa Boca Chica is world-renowned for its calm, crystal clear waters, wide swath of powdery soft sand, and party-hard reputation. 

On any given day (but especially on Sundays) the beach is packed elbow-to-elbow with hotel guests, vendors hawking everything from hair braiding to tattoos, and area residents who drive in from the city and around. 

The many restaurants lining the beach are good places to people watch, offering their tables for little more than the price of a meal. 

As an alternative, Coral by Hilton Hamaca (809.523.4611) offers a day pass to non-registered guests for US$45.  The price includes use of the facilities, towel, and an all-inclusive lunch.

Photos: Jonathan Prime