Santo Domingo’s Malecon stretches for several kilometers, offering magnificent views of the Caribbean Sea on the one hand, and on the other, all kinds of leisure activities that come alive, especially at sunset.
You can get to know an important part of the history of the capital of the Dominican Republic through its colossal monuments, relax in its lush parks, or discover the works of art of local artists.
Pay attention because, in this article, we are going to reveal the 12 essential places to visit in the Malecon of Santo Domingo.
What is the Santo Domingo Malecon?
The Malecon of Santo Domingo, popularly known as the Malecon, is the promenade of the capital of the Dominican Republic that runs along George Washington Avenue, parallel to the coast of the Caribbean Sea.
It is the largest boardwalk in the country and one of the largest in the world. It was renovated in 2017, and is surrounded by luxury hotels, restaurants, casinos and party areas that make the place come alive at sunset.
In addition, in summer it hosts the Merengue Festival, an unmissable event for music and folklore lovers.
Throughout its history, it has served as a military fortress, a recreational area for Dominican society, or as a fishing area.
The Santo Domingo Malecon in 3 questions
We invite you to delve into the Malecon of Santo Domingo through 3 common questions asked by its visitors.
How many kilometers is Santo Domingo’s Malecon?
The Santo Domingo Malecon stretches 14 kilometers in length.
Along this promenade you can find all kinds of leisure offers, as well as enjoy magical sunsets.
What is the name of the monument on the Santo Domingo Malecon?
On the Malecón you will find the monument to Fray Antón de Montesinos.
It is a gigantic statue, donated by Mexico to the Dominican Republic, which pays homage to this defender of the Taino Indians.
How can you get to the Malecon?
The Malecón is very well connected and, depending on where you are, you can reach it by bus, cab, walking, bicycle or metro.
12 must-see places to visit on the Santo Domingo Malecon
We have compiled for you the 12 must-see places on your visit to the Malecón where you will find all kinds of rewarding stimuli.
Juan Baron Square and Eugenio Maria de Hostos Park
The Juan Baron Plaza is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, near the great Obelisco Macho, and is one of the best places to enjoy the sea breeze.
In front of this square, you will find the Eugenio de Hostos Park, a space that, with its more than 20,000 m2, is one of the most complete recreational proposals of the Malecón, making it ideal to go with children.
It has ample natural spaces and multiple trails to walk, run, bike or scooter.
From there you can easily travel to the Colonial City, the oldest urban center of Santo Domingo, and where you cannot miss the Gothic cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.
The park was created in 1937 by the dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. Once the dictatorship was overthrown, it was renamed in honor of the educator Eugenio María de Hostos Bonilla.
Fort San José
The Fort of San José is part of the defensive structure in colonial times.
Dating from the 16th century, it has a single facade with a sentry box at each end.
It was part of a series of bastions built to defend the city from possible attacks by sea, now disappeared as “El Estudio”, “San Tapia”, “San Juan” and “San Gil”.
Monument to Fray Antón de Montesinos
From the Fort of San José you can see a 15 meter high statue representing Antonio de Montesinos.
Fray Antón was a 16th century Franciscan friar of the Order of Preachers of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, who became one of the voices that rebelled against the treatment of the Taino Indians by the Spanish colonizers.
Male Obelisk
The Macho Obelisk, one of the most important monuments in Santo Domingo. With its 40 meters high it can be seen from almost any point of the Malecón.
It was designed in 1936 by Alfredo Gonzalez Sanchez, and built in 1937 on the occasion of the change of name of the city of Santo Domingo to the city of Trujillo, during the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo.
Today it has been transformed to vindicate the people who participated in the Dominican resistance against the dictator.
Female Obelisk
This monument is called the Female Obelisk to differentiate it from the Male Obelisk.
It is made up of two monoliths that symbolize the economic independence achieved by the country after paying off its debt with the United States.
Columbus Lighthouse
This enormous construction, in the shape of a cross and with staggered walls reminiscent of Mayan constructions, is located at the eastern end of Santo Domingo, on the Malecón.
It was built in honor of Christopher Columbus to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America in 1492.
Inside you will find a museum with exhibits dedicated to the cultural identity of more than 40 American countries of the American continent, but also from Europe, Asia and Africa.
The Columbus Lighthouse also has a library and a map library with facsimile editions of the first representations of the American continent.
It is also a mausoleum with a chapel where the remains of the Genoese admiral are said to rest, and at night it becomes a lighthouse when it is illuminated.
Mirador Sur Park
Mirador Sur Park is one of the green lungs of the city. It preserves the native flora and fauna.
In addition, it has become a center for sports and recreational activities, with children’s areas and where you can even take free dance classes.
Mesón la Cava
Near this park you have a restaurant with one of the most beautiful terraces in the city: Mesón de la Cava.
The restaurant is located inside a natural cave and we have added it to the must-visit list because, besides being able to delight you with its culinary proposals, eating in a cave surrounded by lush vegetation is quite an experience.
Ozama Fortress
This fortress was the first permanent structure in colonial America in the 16th century, and one of the jewels of the city’s world heritage.
It is a massive construction, with a medieval appearance, designed to protect the city from the attacks of French, Portuguese, English and pirate conquerors.
The gate of Carlos III, built in the eighteenth century, gives access to the enclosure, and has a keep that gives it the appearance of a small castle.
Museum of the Royal Houses
The Museum of the Royal Houses is part of the cultural heritage of the city.
It houses exhibits and displays related to the history of the island and the presence of Spain in the New World.
Palace of Fine Arts
In front of Güibia beach, going into Máximo Gómez Avenue, you will find the Palace of Fine Arts, a reinforced concrete construction of more than 13,000 m2, inspired by the temple of Apollo of Delphi.
You can enjoy one of its shows or relax in its surroundings.
Art galleries
One of the best ways to get closer to the local culture is through the many art and craft galleries that you will find on your walk along the Malecon of Santo Domingo.
Discover how to live your destinations by entrusting your trip to the Dominican Republic to experts like Enjoy Travel Group.
Contact us, we can help you create a tailor-made experience for you to build unforgettable moments.
