Looking to travel to the Dominican Republic. Any recommendations as to where I should stay? All inclusive or no?

Hi, I am looking to travel to the Dominican Republic for my birthday trip in August of this year. This will be my first time traveling out of the country so I need help planning my trip. What specific part of the DR should I stay in? Punta Cuna? Santo Domingo? Should I go all inclusive? Airbnb?

More info: Vacation length is 5 days/ 4 nights in the first 2 weeks of August. All goers are (18-21) and wanting to be around other people our age. Hoping to do fun excursions like RTV riding, boats, jetskis, etc. Lit bar/ club scene. A chance to explore the land/culture and eat native food. 2k/person budget. Wanting to achieve all of this as safely as possible. Thank you in advance!