Thousands of Dominicans make the yearly pilgrimage to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia at Higüey (EE-gway), which is 23 mi. (37 km) northeast of La Romana. The large cathedral, built in honor of the country's patron saint, is considered one of the island's finest examples of modern architecture. West of La Romana are the beach resort towns of Juan Dolio, Guyacanes and San Pedro de Macorís, home of some of the country's—and America's—greatest baseball players.
The Toros del Este baseball team, winners of several championship series, plays October through December at Estadio Francisco Micheli Stadium; phone (809) 556-6188.