Punta Cana is a favorite getaway of jetsetters and those looking for a dreamy Caribbean island escape in the Dominican Republic. With impeccable beaches and a variety of outdoor activities, there's plenty to do and see. Here are our top picks near Punta Cana.

If you close your eyes and picture paradise, it may very well look like Saona Island (Isla Saona), the most popular day trip destination from Punta Cana. For a closer look, take a boat tour to see the white sands, palm trees, and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Tours may also stop by a natural pool to see wildlife.

Take a catamaran cruise along the coast to some of the country's top diving and snorkeling sites, where fish frequent the warm, clear waters. Equipment and opportunities to lounge on both the sands and the boat are typically included.

This remote coastal park was once off limits to visitors, but today, travelers are welcome when accompanied by a guide. The unspoiled natural beauty is full of mangroves, greenery, and wildlife that make for an excellent day out for any nature lover.

With a UNESCO World Heritage-designated Colonial Zone and beautiful lagoons, there is plenty of history, culture, and natural beauty to experience in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic's capital city. Get an insider's look at the city with a sightseeing day trip that may visit Los Tres Ojos, the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, and the Columbus Lighthouse.

Samana is a natural oasis of waterfalls, rainforest, and tropical islands. To get there, take in the scenery on the road between Bavaro Beach and Miches before boarding a boat to the area. Once on Samana, visitors can experience some of the best nature in the country via horseback riding, safari-type vehicles, and more.