10 Best Beaches in Punta Cana 2022

Music, food, tropical mountains, and hospitality are just some of the things that draw visitors to the Dominican Republic. But there is one thing that draws most visitors to the island; its beaches.

Palm tree-lined, white sand beaches come to mind for most of us when we think of a holiday getaway, and the resort town of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is full of them.



Located in the country's easternmost region, Punta Cana, home of Bavaro Beach, has some of the most popular and breathtaking beaches in the entire country. With a 20-mile stretch of white sand beaches, visitors to Punta Cana are sure to find the beach of their dreams. Choose a rental point, take luxury car and go explore the surrounding area!



To help find your perfect fit, here is a peek at ten of the best beaches in Punta Cana;

Table of contents

  1. Bavaro Beach - The Go-To Beach

Undoubtedly the most popular beach in Punta Cana, Bavaro Beach, is what beach dreams are made of. Bavaro Beach is open to the public free of charge and gives access to miles of white sand and turquoise waters to take in. On this beach, you will easily find local eateries and bars for a meal full of fresh fish and cocktails made with local rum. never lacks visitors, making it a lively spot to pass the time in the water, shop for souvenirs with independent vendors, or enjoy the art and music of locals. The vibrant life and abundance of seaside activities make Bavaro Beach one of the best beaches in Punta Cana to pass your time.


Price: Free


Type: Public Beach


Resorts nearby: Barcelo Bavaro Beach is the closest resort to Bavaro Beach.


Best Restaurants on Bavaro Beach: Jellyfish for fresh, locally selected ingredients with beachside seating and an upscale setting.


How to get to Bavaro Beach: Depending on where you stay in Punta Cana, you can likely reach Bavaro Beach by foot, walking from the beach located at your own resort/hotel. Otherwise, all main roads in Punta Cana lead to Bavaro Beach, making it easily accessible by public transport and rental car.


Entertainment: Live music and performances from independent artists, a long list of water activities and sports.

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2. Juanillo beach - Oasis of Relaxation

Located between the Hyatt resorts and Sanctuary Cap Cana, you will find Juanillo Beach. Juanillo beach is located in the Cap Cana quarter of Punta Cana. Cap Cana is known for being home to some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts, shops, and services in Punta Cana. For $20 per person per day, visitors to Juanillo Beach can lose themselves in an Oasis of relaxation. Entry to Juanillo Beach gives you access to regularly cleaned and modern toilet facilities, showers, lounge chairs, and cabane coverings. For those looking for a great meal, the restaurant options are top-notch.


A Postcard worthy beach with access to luxury resort-grade facilities and restaurants makes Playa Juanillo one of the best beaches in Punta Cana.


Price: $20 per person


Type: Private Beach


Resorts nearby: Secrets Cap Cana and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana.


Best Restaurants on Juanillo Beach: Juanillo Grill and Little John for fresh fish and a selection of international dishes.


How to get to Juanillo Beach: You can access Juanillo Beach by public transit or rental car.


Entertainment: water sports and other activities; DJ’s for music.

3. Playa Cabeza de Toro - The Forgotten Beach

Much quieter than many of the other beaches you will find in Punta Cana is Cabeza de Toro. The beach (and its town) gets its name from the bird's eye view of the area, which resembles a “bull’s head.” There are no public restaurants or facilities on this beach, making this a beach not regularly sought out by those not staying by the nearby resort. However, this spot has much to offer and is considered one of the best beaches in Punta Cana. The clear, shallow, and warm waters make this a popular beach destination for families with young children.



Cabeza de Toro is also a fantastic spot to partake in water and beachside activities with multiple activities to choose from, such as rental boat tours, snorkeling tours, and even horseback riding.


Type: Public Beach


Resorts nearby: Blue Beach Punta Cana - Luxury Resorts


Best Restaurants on Playa Cabeza de Toro: Oralé for fresh, flavorful local cuisine and King Lobster for festive seafood plates.



How to get to Playa Cabeza de Toro: Playa Cabeza de Toro can be accessed by public transit or rental car.

4. Playa Blanca - The Sunset Beach


This next beach may be a bit more time-consuming to access for those not staying in one of the nearby resorts, but it is definitely worth the effort. Playa Blanca, or “White Beach,” has long been touted as one of the best beaches in Punta Cana. With close to two miles of powder-soft white sand and turquoise waters, Playa Blanca is a favorite spot to catch the sunrise or set for an unforgettable beach moment.


Price: Free


Length: 2 miles


Resorts nearby: Club Med Punta Cana and Westin Resort Punta Cana


Best Restaurant on Playa Blanca: Playa Blanca Restaurant for fresh dishes and beachside seating.


How to get to Playa Blanca: By rental car.


Entertainment: water sports and other activities.

5. Pearl Beach - La Playa de Lux

Are you looking for a lux and vibrant beach experience? Pearl Beach is one of the best beaches in Punta Cana to experience just that. Pearl Beach (or Pearl Beach Club) is a private beach located in Cabeza de Toro that brings you 5-star service to the pearly white sands of Punta Cana. Of course, the gorgeous white sands and warm waters of Pearl Beach are a major draw on their own, but with entrance to the Pearl Beach club, you can access much more to enhance your experience. Guests to Pearl Beach Club receive access to the infinity pool looking on to the turquoise sea. Guests also have access to a beach and poolside bar, serving classic and signature cocktails, and a top-rated gastronomic restaurant serving both international and local favorites. Prices for access to this beach depend on the area in which you wish to relax, with order minimums ranging from $30 - $200 per person or reservation.

Price: $30-$200

Beach Club: Pearl Beach Club

Resorts nearby: Serenade Punta Cana and Radisson Blu Punta Cana

Best Restaurant on Pearl Beach: Cata Tapa for Dominican style tapas in a posh setting.

How to get to Pearl Beach: By rental car.

Entertainment: Snorkeling, bar, and infinity pool.

6. Playa de Macao - Playa de Surfers Paradise

Located on the northern end of Punta Cana, you will find Playa Macao.
Its frequent trade winds and swells make this beach a favorite spot for surfers, and its palm tree-lined white sands make it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic.

If you’re not a surfer, worry not! Macao Beach makes for the perfect lazy day location.
Rest in the sand and take in the views while sipping on an ice-cold Presidente.

And if you get hungry, Playa Macao is one of the best beaches in Punta Cana to enjoy fresh fish, and langoustine plates piled high with tostones (fried plantains). Macao Beach is a public beach easily accessible by rental car or public bus (bus stops half a mile from the beach).

Price: Free

Resorts nearby: Dreams Macao Beach and Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda

Best Restaurant on Macao Beach: Restaurant Doña Macao for local dishes

How to get to Macao Beach: By rental car, taxi, or public transit.

7. Uvero Alto - The Ranch Beach

Playa Uvero Alto is a breathtaking beach located in a more remote area of Punta Cana. With over 6 miles of white sand, this beach hardly ever feels overpopulated. Many ranches on and near the beach offer horseback trots on the beach, making Uvero Alto one of the best beaches in Punta Cana to go horseback riding.

If you are not staying at one of the nearby resorts or the resort directly on the beach, access to the beach is difficult without a rental car or taxi ride.

Price: Free

Length: 6 miles

Resorts nearby: Live Aqua Resort

Best Restaurant in Uvero Alto: Castaways for local dishes.

How to get to Uvero Alto: By rental car.

Entertainment: water sports and other activities.

8. Playa Corales - The Resort Free Beach

Part of Playa Bavaro, Playa Corales is one of the best beaches in Punta Cana for those looking for a beach free of a resort. This beach is home to a few restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood plates and beachside bars. The beachside bars provide lounge chairs and umbrellas and regularly host DJs that create a vibrant ambiance for a festive day out.

For beachgoers looking to pass a day without frequenting restaurants or bars, there are many stores within a five-minute walk of the beach, allowing you to buy items for picnics or any other essentials you may find yourself needing. And for even more independence, there are holiday apartments to rent along the beach for those who want to break away from the all-inclusive resort in the area.

Price: Free

Resorts nearby: Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana

Best Restaurant near Playa Corales: Citrus for local and international dishes.

How to get to Playa Corales: By rental car or public transit.

Entertainment: water sports and other activities.

The perfect yacht rental in Punta Cana!

9. Playa Arena Gorda - The Picture-Perfect Beach

Located next to the Hard Rock Resort, just after the long stretch of resorts along Playa Arena Blanca, you find Arena Gorda. This beach seems endless, with miles of pillowy soft white sands and crashing turquoise waves. Playa Arena Gorda is not easily accessible by car, as you will be met with many checkpoints between resorts. However, this beach is easily accessible by foot!

Once you arrive at this stretch of beach, you can enjoy a relaxing day on a picture-perfect beach free of charge. For those looking for a bit of luxury to add to the mix, visit the Kukua Beach Club. At Kukua, visitors can enjoy a private pool with a view directly on the sea or delicious and freshly prepared dishes on their terrace that give the same breathtaking view.

Price: Free

Resorts nearby: Hard Rock Hotel and Resort.

Best Restaurant near Playa Arena Gorda: Kukua Beach Club Restaurant.

How to get to Playa Arena Gorda: By foot through Bavaro Beach or by Rental Car.

10. Playa Esmeralda - The Secret Beach

Playa Esmeralda is one of the best-kept secrets in Punta Cana. This beach, considered one of the most beautiful in Punta Cana, is frequented by locals but remains calm and “forgotten.” Although there has been recent construction for new resorts over the past few years, Playa Esmeralda still gives access to 2 miles of pristine white sand beaches.

Playa Esmeralda is only accessible by private transit such as taxis or by rental car. There are currently no restaurants located at this location, so be sure to pack for the day! So if you're looking for a spot that makes you feel as if you washed up on a deserted island, Playa Esmeralda is one of the best beaches in Punta Cana to visit.

Price: Free

Length: 2 miles.

Resorts nearby: Bahia Principe Luxury Resort.

How to get to Playa Esmeralda: By rental car.

Entertainment: water sports and other activities.

Top Beaches Near Punta Cana

Of course, there are jaw-dropping beaches to visit outside of Punta Cana as well. Head north for those staying in Punta Cana who want to explore other parts of the country without straying too far away! One hour north of Punta Cana, you will find the areas of Punta Pontón and Miches. Here are the top ten beaches in this area to visit;

  1. Playa de la Barbacoa
  2. Playa de los Reyes
  3. Emerald Bay Beach
  4. Carlyle Cove
  5. Playa Arriba
  6. Playa Abajo
  7. Playa Lava Cama
  8. Playa Yucayeque
  9. Playa Saban Nisibon
  10. Puri Beach
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