10 reasons to go to DR

Sosua beach near Dayahibe is one of many picture-perfect beaches for which the Dominican Republic is famous. (Laura Czekaj, Ottawa Sun)

There are so many ways to relax in the Caribbean's second largest country.

Whether you are looking for a romantic trip for two with lazy days spent on the golden sandy shores or budget-friendly accommodations with adventure for the whole family, the Dominican Republic has it all.

10. Sun, surf and sand. Relax on one of hundreds of unspoiled DR beaches. The country is surrounded by 800 miles of stunning sandy coastlines with the azure Caribbean Sea on the South Coast and the rich blue Atlantic Ocean on the North Coast.

9. Explore the America's first city. America's cultural capital of 2010, Santo Domingo is where Christopher Columbus established the first church, hospital and city, known as the Colonial Zone. Explore the museums and walk the streets that conquistadors strolled in the 15th century.

8. Get your golf game on. Play any of 25 designer golf courses...and growing, in the DR. Punta Espada Golf Club at Cap Cana, Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, Nick Faldo's Legacy Course at Roco Ki and Playa Grande are a few of the DR courses that have received honors for their beauty and design.

7. Reconnect with nature. A leader in sustainable tourism, eco-adventures and nature explorations abound. Explore national parks, coastal whale sanctuaries, and reserves. From cascading and canyoning down waterfalls and mountains, to kayaking and fishing in rivers, lakes and bays, the DR is a natural.

6. DR spa renewal. Enjoy world class spas at upscale resorts throughout the country. Well-suited spa hotels in the DR cater to visitors every desire for rebirth and renewal. Many spas use local customs, herbs and traditions in their treatments to restore wholeness and wellness.

5. Dance the merenque. Merengue is a national passion in the DR. Visitors can dance away their cares in clubs, street parades, festivals or just about anywhere the rapid merengue beats play. Most cities in the DR have merengue festivals with professional orchestras and activities planned throughout the year including the annual festival held in late July or early August in Santo Domingo and a week-long celebration held in Puerto Plata in October each year.

4. Celebrate at carnaval. During the month of February in the DR, the Dominican Carnaval is an explosion of joy and a show of cultural identity and spontaneity. Carnaval parades held in cities like La Vega, Santo Domingo and more allow everyone to participate and enjoy the dancing masked devils, floats and costumed characters.

3. Strengthen bonds. The DR is a perfect place to get closer. Spend quality time exploring attractions like Ocean World in Puerto Plata or the National Aquarium in Santo Domingo. Kids of all ages will love the Fun-Fun Cave in Los Haitises National Park while Punta Cana beaches are great relaxing together.

2. Get active on vacation. The DR's North Coast boasts the Kiteboarding Capital of the world. In and around Puerto Plata, waves and wind are just right for watersport activities. Also throughout the country you'll find caving, kayaking, zip lining, hiking, horseback riding and more.

1. Experience DR culture. The best part of a DR vacation is the deep sense of the friendly Dominican culture, savvy sense of design, love of the arts and optimistic zest for life found throughout the country. History, art, music and culture are expressed in the lives and works of the Dominican people.