The Colonial Zone is a worthy destination, no doubt. With architectural beauty dating back over 500 years, it's not something you'll want to miss during a visit to Santo Domingo, but save some time to go where the tourists don't usually go. You'll see a truer and, many times, a more personal and endearing side of Santo Domingo and surrounding areas.

If you like challenging, out- of- the- way places, for example, the coastal road from Barahona to Enriquillo is worth taking. Though a four-wheel drive is the best mode of transportation, there are few tourists, no hotels, and beautiful scenery.

Near Santo Domingo is Boca Chica where, if you explore, you'll find out-of-the-way waterfalls, beautiful mountain scenery, and lots of hidden treasures. 

Cocotours offers daytrips ranging in price from $25 to $99. Go on an Outback Safari, which takes you on scenic back roads and visit with local people living their day-to-day lives. An especially exciting one is a river raft ride down the Yaque del Norte River, which runs through the center of the island. 

There are lots of off-the-beaten-path and even remote places to visit on the island. Get to know a local and start asking questions for more than a run-of-the-tourist-mill Santo Domingo experience.