Chances are, if you're thinking about booking a vacation to the Dominican Republic, you've got one word on the brain: beach. Followed by sun. Followed by relaxation. Indeed, this beautiful Caribbean nation -- which occupies the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola, and shares a border with Haiti -- has risen in popularity over the past decade thanks to its numerous all-inclusive resorts. Many people choose to book a flight right into Punta Cana, a town with over 20 miles of beachfront and numerous hotels offering everything from golf to spas to world-class dining.

But there are other sides to the Dominican Republic, too. Up north, in the province of Puerto Plata, you'll find the laid-back beach town of Cabarete. Popular with outdoor enthusiasts and sports lovers, Cabarete is known for its standout kitesurfing, kayaking, kiteboarding, and surfing. About an hour to the east lies Playa Grande, a mile-long crescent-shaped beach that borders the beautiful Amanera, a resort that made Travel + Leisure's It List of the best new hotels of the year. The property is set on 400 acres of a protected nature reserve laced with hiking and biking trails, and it is also the first Aman hotel to have a golf course: an 18-hole stunner designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. with magnificent ocean views.

And then there is the Samana peninsula, a thin strip of land jutting out from the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic. This bohemian enclave has a distinct European vibe thanks to the many French, Spanish, and Italian expats who have settled in the region and opened restaurants, hotels, and boutiques. If you visit this part of the country from January through March, you can do more then just work on your tan: you'll likely be able to spot North Atlantic humpback whales on their migration route.

No matter the time of year, no matter your mood, there is a beach for you in this beautiful, varied country, which has nearly 1,000 miles of coast and nine distinct ecological zones. Here are Travel + Leisure's favorite beaches in the Dominican Republic, from the windswept Atlantic shores of the north to the tranquil Caribbean stretches down south.

Playa Boca Chica

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Located 20 miles east of the capital of Santo Domingo, Playa Boca Chica is one of Dominican Republic's more popular beaches, so you can expect to see other visitors and plenty of souvenir shops and food stands. But that shouldn't deter you from a visit: you'll get the chance to mingle with locals, and of course, swim in the calm waters, which are protected by a coral reef.

Playa Rincon

Set on the eastern shore of the Samana Peninsula, this is one of the country's most beautiful stretches of white sand, a remote corner of paradise where the water is warm, turquoise, and ideal for swimming. The scenery is also stunning, as you'll see virgin coconut forest and the cliffs of Cape Cabron. To get here, you can either drive (the road is quite bumpy, so a four-wheel-drive is recommended) or hire a boat in nearby Las Galeras.

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Playa Grande

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Guests of both the new Amanera resort and the intimate Playa Grande Beach Club -- a stylish retreat designed by New York interior decorator Celerie Kemble -- have access to this wide, golden, and secluded beach. Backed by cliffs and jungle, it's the perfect place to unwind if you're craving privacy. If you're looking for more activity, you can set on a fishing excursion to catch marlin or sailfish.

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