9 Best Places to Visit in Jamaica
Jamaica is home to unusual sites and exquisite wonders and lives up to its reputation as one of the most popular Caribbean destinations. Jamaica is the home of reggae music and the fastest runners in the world. It boasts some of the best beaches in the world and delivers an abundance of adventure locations and fun activities. What more could a person ask for during a vacation trip?
From the Blue Lagoon’s rich greenery, to the bustling vibrant nightlife scene in Montego Bay, let’s take a look at the top 9 places to visit in Jamaica.
9. The Blue Lagoon
Families and couples on honeymoons love to travel to the Blue Lagoon, seven miles east of Port Antonio. Blue Lagoon with its shimmering Azure Blue Waters and surrounded by steep hillsides and dense green lush vegetation is a sight to behold. The locals actually call it the “Blue Hole” which is the original name. The name was changed after the Brooke Shields movie “The Blue Lagoon” was filmed there and had great success. The Blue Lagoon is actually a large natural spring. Fresh water mixes with the water from the Caribbean Sea. This gives the water its magical effect as it changes colour during the day depending on the sun light, changing from turquoise to a royal blue at times.
8. Nine Miles
Nine miles is the birthplace of Jamaica’s Top Reggae icon Bob Marley. This is where he also was laid to rest. Bob Marley’s musical composition was great influenced by this little sleepy town. Notable attractions, include a tour of Bob Marley’s Home which has been preserved to look untouched from the time he lived there. A walk through tour, reveals details of his daily life and includes favourite clothing, guitars, pictures and a chair he loved using while he was alive.
The tour gives information on Rastaman’s culture and Bob’s childhood and career. A visit to his once frequented meditation spot and “rock Pillow”, mentioned in his song “talking blues”, can also be arranged, if desired. Reggae lovers will certainly want to see his final resting place and mausoleum.
7. Treasure Beach
Situated on the South Coast of Jamaica, Treasure Beach is a favourite spot for tourists and locals to explore numerous coral coloured or black sand beaches. A relaxed but authentic Jamaican vibes is the norm here more than anywhere else on the island. Six miles of golden sand and mostly rustic laidback hangout spots are what makes this area one of the best kept secrets of the Island. If you are looking to get away and treat yourself to a true Jamaican experience whilst learning about local food and vibrant culture, this hidden gem is the place to be. Take advantage of the chance to learn about Jamaican Customs. Billy’s Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Calabash Bay and Great Bay are four idyllic fishing communities along the South Coast that comprise Treasure Beach. Take it easy on one of the numerous beaches with a drink in hand or spend your days riding, hiking, ziplining, swimming, snorkeling, body surfing or looking for dolphins. All available at locations nearby. Don’t forget to take a Black River Safari cruise and stop at the Floyd’s Pelican bar, called the trendiest bar in the world. There is no better place to watch the sun set in the evenings.
6. Kingston
Located on the southeastern coast of the island is Jamaica’s Capital city, Kingston. This is home to more than half of the islands population and is the hub of economic activities for Jamaica. It faces a natural harbour protected by the Palisadoes, which connects the town of Port Royal and the Norman Manley International Airport to the rest of the island.
This is the cultural and entertainment epicenter and indeed the heartbeat of the island. Here you will find a multitude of Museums, Botanical Gardens, Fine art galleries, gourmet restaurants, nightclubs and heritage sights. Take a walk of fort Charles and learn the nation’s history or visit Devon House, a colonial landmark with beautiful grounds to explore. Of course you can also visit Bob Marley Museum and the National Art Gallery of Jamaica and later when the sun sets, go dancing at one of the night clubs of your fancy.
5. Ocho Rios
On the Northern Shore is the well-known tourist friendly hub Ocho Rios. World Class Resorts, world renowned attractions, stunning scenery and numerous restaurants and shopping options and busy cruise port make this once peaceful fishing community one of the islands major tourist region. Ocho Rios is bordered by mountains covered with rainforests. Part of the garden parish and home to meandering rivers and tumbling waterfall most notable is Dunn’s River Falls. Activities to enjoy in and around Ocho Rios includes adventure parks, Ziplining through the rainforest, river rafting and tubing on the rivers, swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove and horseback riding. Reggae parties abound at various clubs and locations and for those more into shopping the craft market is there, for those wishing to take home a souvenir.
4. Montego Bay
Are you looking for the tropical adventure of your dreams? Montego Bay, Jamaica offers glistening beaches, gourmet restaurants, plentiful pubs and clubs, diverse
accomodations ranging from all inclusives to boutique hotels.
Take your pick of adventure from available adventure tours and attractions. These include Ziplining, ATVs, horseback riding, river tubing, bamboo rafting, snorkeling, Jet skiing, Parasailing, Reggae catamaran cruise and more. If you are looking to relax on white sandy beaches with clear blue skies up above you are in luck. The best beaches on the islands are found in and around Montego Bay. Doctors Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach and amusement park are the top family favourite places to visit.
If you have a twitch for mysteries and history, check out Rose Hall Great house and immerse yourself in the colonial history of this now restored Great House. The tale of Annie Palmer, the famed witch of Rose Hall is sure to delight. Whilst you are there, check out the Beautiful tropical gardens and colour your experiences with fun along the way.
3. The Blue Mountains
This region has the highest mountain range in the Caribbean and is known for its delicious coffee and stunning views. Even photographers find the Blue Mountains to be a feast for the eyes. It is so named because of the color it appears from a distance. You may enjoy the Magnificent Sunset and breathtaking Vistas from the peak. The location excels at providing panoramic perspective making it one of the top family-friendly destinations in Jamaica. Consider making the ascent to the top at night to see the extra bright Dawn. The area is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site and offers unique plant life, numerous Springs and beautiful scenery. You can visit many rural towns today because the Blue Mountains served as a Haven for Taino, enslaved people and Maroons who escaped Spanish captivity in the 1600s.
2. Dunn’s River Falls
One of Jamaica’s leading tourist destinations is Dunn’s River Falls. You will quickly understand why millions of visitors travel from all over the world to view it every year since it’s so stunning. The waterfalls are as photogenic as they come measuring 600 feet long and 180 feet high. Dunn’s River Falls is the most recognizable waterfall on the island though there are several others. One of the only travertine waterfalls on Earth, the falls at Ocho Rios are situated near little Dunn’s River Beach and the water plunge into the ocean. In addition it’s one of the few waterfalls where you may crawl inside and swim in the Rock pools.
1. Negril
For true and unbridled relaxation Negril, Jamaica, is the place to visit. Beautiful Sunsets, the famous 7 mile stretch of perfect white sandy beach and the most scenic white beach cliffs, overlooking the turquoise sea is the place to visit stay awhile and soothe your soul whilst you slowly unwind and recharge.
Enjoy a different water sport each day including cliff jumping off the Negril cliffs, diving, paddle boarding, parasailing, Natures hike while you climb the Mayfield Falls. For more adventure check out Kool Runnings Adventure park. Activities include Go Karting, Paintball, waterslides and tubing. Various tours companies offer adventures tours to various destinations packaged to suit your need. Of course you can just lay on the beach all day or take a stroll when you want.
Accomodations include all inclusives resorts, adult only hotels, guesthouses and villas. For a romantic getaway there are luxury boutique hotels away from the busy beaches and hectic night life.
Sip and enjoy your favourite umbrella drink at Rick’s café or explore the various pubs and bars in the area to savour the islands favourite rum or Red Stripe Beer.
Hope all this made your job deciding which places to visit on your next trip to Jamaica very easy to make and you will come visit and create travel memories.
