The city’s seafront boulevard—officially called George Washington Boulevard—is one of its iconic features, playing a key role in Santo Domingo’s selection as Culture Capital of the Americas in 2010. Lined with the Caribbean Sea on one end, and rows of brand hotels, restaurants, and nightlife on the other, the Malecón comes to life in the afternoon at sunset, and continuing into the night. Residents stroll its length, past two historic obelisk-shaped monuments, for an evening breeze, jogging, and biking, or just to enjoy one of the seafront recreational parks such as Plaza Juan Barón and Güibia. Renovated in 2017, the Malecón is livelier than ever, with marked biking and rollerblade lanes, as well as more esplanades and relaxation seating along the sea.
Take a stroll by the ocean along Malecon, the capital's famous promenade. See historic sites, such as remnants of the old city walls and a 17th-century fort, snapping photos of the old buildings against the sparkling blue backdrop as you go. Now an entertainment and commercial center, the waterfront strip boasts some of the capital's leading restaurants and live music venues. Unfortunately, it also represents something of a missed opportunity for the city, with too many areas used as rubbish dumps, and relentless traffic during the week.
