Top Places to Visit in Jamaica for First Timers

Have you been holding off on taking that Jamaican trip you’ve been dreaming of? There is no doubt that Jamaica is one of Caribbean’s most popular destinations which you can visit all year round.

This Caribbean bliss features rich culture, interesting history, jamming music, diverse landscapes and seemingly endless options of things to do and see. There is also a wide array of resorts, hotels, and villas peppered around the island that caters to every budget and travel style. For larger groups, house rental in Jamaica is a more promising and convenient option to have everyone clustered in one place.

Top Places to visit in Jamaica
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Travellers who are visiting Jamaica for the first time will most probably be hitting the highlights and visit the best areas to experience the real Jamaican vibes. There are several places in Jamaica that can offer a wide range of attractions that any type of traveller will surely enjoy. Why don’t we take a look?

Kingston City

Kingston is the capital city of Jamaica. By visiting this city, you would be able to connect with the island’s political and cultural centre. This is also where you can find the roots of reggae music and the historic Port Royal that is the former capital and home of Blackbeard the pirate.

Seven Mile Beach (Negril Beach)

Imagine pristine beaches, crystal clear water, and jaw-dropping sunsets… Just an hour away from Montego Bay, you will find yourself in one of Jamaica most visited beaches. It is perfectly protected by the Caribbean’s great reefs so this area is always calm and safe for everyone to swim in. But of course, you’ll never get bored here are there are tons of water activities you can do such as boating, scuba diving, kayaking, snorkelling, and many others.

Doctor’s Cave Beach

This is another must-see beach along Montego Bay that is a favourite for tourists and locals. The cave that gave its name to this beach was severely damaged due to a strong hurricane back in the 1930’s. If you are up for a day in the park, you can also explore the Montego Bay Park with a guide and be amazed by the flora and fauna as you walk through this natural wonder.

Martha Brae River

If you are a rafting enthusiast, this is the place for you. You can take a smooth bamboo raft ride down this river while admiring the surrounding landscapes. You’ll also be able to spot some interesting and unique creatures along the riverside. The water is fresh and clean so quick dip is highly recommend to cool off from the Caribbean heat.

Frenchman’s Cove

This cove is one of those places that are straight out of your dream Caribbean holiday. This part of Jamaica is almost untouched and private that it’s guaranteed you can enjoy the natural powdery white sand all to yourself or with your friends and family without the rowdy crowd. It is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with your friends and family while enjoying a nice cocktail or local favourites such as jerk chicken.

Beach Jamaica
Photo Credit: Seth Doyle.

Boston Bay

Believed to be surfer’s paradise located just a little outside of Portland’s capital. There is plenty of areas that offer different tide experiences which make this place for every level of surfers. If you haven’t tried surfing, you can take surfing lessons with a local surf shop and easily hit the wave in no time.

Blue Mountains

There are not only the gorgeous beaches in Jamaica. You can also take a hike up to the peak on one of the highest mountain ranges in the Caribbean. The Blue Mountains spreads across 4 towns and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are up for hiking at night, you will pride yourself on witnessing a breathtaking sunrise. On a clear day, you can see Cuba and Haiti and before the day ends, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful sunset you’ll ever see.

Kingstone Jamaica
Photo Credit: Marc Babin.

Dunn’s River Falls and Park

When you get to Jamaica, you will see this place immortalised in one of Jamaica’s bills. It is a popular destination not only for the tourist but even for the locals. Recently, the park has expanded to include several attractions that cater to those who pass on climbing the falls. There is also the option of heading to the beach and enjoy some snacks while the rest of your party is climbing the falls. Since it is a popular destination, expect crowd and chaos as tour groups arrive so it is best to arrive early in the day to best experience the place.

Pelican Bar

This is not your ordinary bar. This particular bar is right on the water and requires a boat transfer to get to and back. It is named after the pelicans that love to hang around on the bar’s railings which you can see when you pay a visit. Boat owners are always on standby ready to transport you to the bar and back to the coastline safely and without any hassles. Right in the bar, you can listen to classic reggae music while having a good time with your friends and family.

Final Thoughts on Top Places to Visit in Jamaica

With all these places listed, you’ll plenty of options during your visit to Jamaica. Of course, there are tons of other Jamaican destinations that are worth mentioning but this list would go on forever. How about your favourite travel destination, have you been to Jamaica? Which places do you recommend?

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