So you’re overdue a vacation, huh? Whether it’s Summer, Spring, Fall or Winter the Caribbean’s tropical vibe makes for a great destination. Despite the fact that there are nearly thirty different countries within the Caribbean region there is no better place to start than the beautiful island of Jamaica.
Why not head to Jamaica, where the Caribbean sun, white sand beaches, finger-licking food, relaxing vibes, and crystal clear water makes for the perfect tropical paradise! But with so many amazing places to visit in Jamaica, you’ll want to make sure you visit only the best places during your vacation. Be it the best beaches, attractions or waterfalls, here are the best places to visit in Jamaica.
Dunn’s River Falls and Park
Dunn’s River Falls is hands down one of the best places to visit in Jamaica. The iconic beach and falls immortalised on the Jamaican $100 bill is famous and well-loved among locals and foreigners alike and for good reason.
In recent years the number of attractions on site has been increased to include a water park that is perfect for kids and for older visitors that may not like to climb the falls or head down to the beach, well-kept gardens with plenty of flowers, a lush lawn and towering coconut trees to provide shade, and a vibrant craft market.
The white sand beach is beautiful and scenic with enough benches scattered nearby so visitors may enjoy a snack while watching the waves come in, and staff are on hand to offer group tours of the grounds as well as provide assistance in climbing the falls. Dunn’s River Falls is an immensely popular spot which means it isn’t one of those deserted, lesser-known spots, so arriving early is key if you want to maximize on your time and beat the crowd.
Pelican Bar
Way off coast and out into the sea you’ll find a quaint little bar – that’s Pelican Bar. Nicknamed for the pelicans that like to flock to it and perch on its railings, this bar is easily one of the coolest bars in the world!
You’ll find boat owners ready and willing to transport you safely to the bar where you can kick back like a real Jamaican – play dominoes, drink, eat and have a good time. Dip your feet in the warm Caribbean waters or jump in! Don’t worry, it’s safe for swimming and chilling on the bar’s banks.
Pelican Bar
Way off coast and out into the sea you’ll find a quaint little bar – that’s Pelican Bar. Nicknamed for the pelicans that like to flock to it and perch on its railings, this bar is easily one of the coolest bars in the world!
You’ll find boat owners ready and willing to transport you safely to the bar where you can kick back like a real Jamaican – play dominoes, drink, eat and have a good time. Dip your feet in the warm Caribbean waters or jump in! Don’t worry, it’s safe for swimming and chilling on the bar’s banks.
Devon House
Visiting Kingston without going to Devon House is simply a no, no! Stroll on the lush lawn, enjoy the shade beneath the copse of trees and tour the House that was built in 1881 and housed Jamaica’s very first colored millionaire. The shops on site are cozy and quaint with beautiful brick walls, shingle roofs and latticed fences and they offer different things from souvenirs, craft and body oils to freshly-baked pastries and delicious chocolate.
However, the real gem of this heritage site is the famous Devon House I-Scream shop. One taste of their Ice scream, and you’ll understand why Devon House made it on our list of best places to visit in Jamaica.
Devon House is a super popular spot for locals on Saturdays and Sundays, especially in the afternoons, so if you’re not fond of long lines or navigating crowds you may enjoy your time at Devon House a lot more if you visit on a weekday.
Blue Mountains
Famous for its coffee and for being one of the highest mountain ranges in the Caribbean, The Blue Mountains are a sight to behold. The mountain range, named for the color it appears to have from a distance, spans over four parishes St Andrew, St Thomas, Portland and St Mary, and is renowned for offering stunning fiery sunsets and breathtaking sunrises from the peak.
The panoramic view isn’t anything to sneeze at either, as on a clear day you can see as far as Cuba and Haiti from the highest points. Hiking up to the peak during the night to catch the sunrise, and a peek of Cuba is a must while in Jamaica, after all it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Coffee plantation tours, interesting and exotic plant life, and a number of springs, as well as breathtaking scenery are just a few of the rewards for the arduous journey to the top. With all its beautiful natural offerings, The Blue Mountains are easily one of the best places to visit in Jamaica.
Treasure Beach
Enjoy the sun, sea and sand while kicking it back with locals at Treasure Beach. Because the four public beaches that make up Treasure Beach are open to the general public, a visit to Treasure Beach will reward you with an authentic experience with locals and an opportunity to experience Jamaican culture in a more fulsome manner.
Tempt your tastebuds with sumptuous Jamaican food and go snorkeling, biking, strolling along the shore before the local fisherman catches and serves up freshly-cooked fish or just kick back and relax in the mellow vibes that is Treasure Beach.
Frenchman’s Cove
With a river that runs right into the sea, a gorgeous white sand beach, and swings set up by the riverbanks, Frenchman’s Cove is an idyllic postcard come to life. Nestled in the Portland countryside, Frenchman’s Cove is arguably one of Jamaica’s most famous beaches, while remaining natural and almost untouched.
As beautiful as it is private, this beach is a perfect slice of paradise without the crowd. Relax in the fresh river water, swim in the beautiful, crystalline sea, or lounge on the sandy beach. Choose from a selection of snacks, drinks and local favorites like jerk chicken available from a restaurant on the shore. Whatever you chose to do, we know you’ll enjoy Frenchman’s Cove.
Doctor’s Cave Beach
Considered the best beach in Montego Bay, Doctor’s Cave is a beach you don’t want to miss out on. Conveniently located on MoBay’s popular Hip Strip, this scenic beach is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Even though the cave which famously gave the beach its name was destroyed by a hurricane in 1932, you will find nothing missing from your perfect beach day experience at Doctor’s Cave Beach.
On the same grounds as Doctor’s Cave Beach is The Montego Bay Marine Park. Request a guide and explore the park grounds or hire a canoe and enjoy the flora and fauna as you take a walk on the wild side in this beautiful nature reserve.
Rose Hall Great House
History meets haunted house with Rose Hall Great House. Located on an extensive plantation, this beautiful relic was home to the formidable mistress Annie Palmer who was infamously dubbed the White Witch of Rose Hall for her cruelty to slaves and her part in killing three of her husbands.
Ghostly night tours of the Great House are available, easy to sign up for and make the perfect eerie treat for the more daring tourist. Day tours are, however, a wonderful alternative for those that like to keep the spook to a minimum. The well-manicured golf courses, sugar cane fields and village areas surrounding Rose Hall Great House are also a sight to behold during the morning or early afternoon.
Seven Mile Beach (Negril Beach)
Picture white sand, unbelievably clear, turquoise blue water, and stunning sunsets – that’s Seven Mile Beach. Conveniently nestled a little over an hour outside of Montego Bay, it’s no wonder this picturesque beach is one of Jamaica’s most popular attractions!
Sheltered by one of the Caribbean’s great reefs, Negril Bay is always tranquil, but there’s plenty to do. Take your pick of kayaking, boat rides, scuba diving, horseback rides on the shore and snorkeling while you’re there, or forego everything, lounge in the sand and sip on coconuts with no care in the world. And of course, indulge in some delicious traditional Jamaican food and an ice cold Red Stripe beer at any of the seaside restaurants and bars.