Where you choose to stay in Jamaica has a lot to do with your budget, reason for the trip, and the activities you want to do. Besides the typical sand and sea of the Caribbean, there are many other things to do that don’t involve the beach.
Kingston for the history and culture
Want to stay in-land but don’t want to be restricted to a hotel all day? There are many exciting places in the capital city to explore. First, take a trip to Hope Road where you’ll find the Bob Marley museum. This museum is the site of the legendary musician’s home, and was converted into a museum by his wife, Rita Marley, and displays some of the late Marley’s treasures. When you’re done with the tour, you can enjoy a refreshing natural drink or a filling meal at the One Love Café.
The Trench Town Culture Yard is another great place to learn more about Reggae music, the heartbeat of Jamaican culture. It is located in the Trench Town community, where the late Bob Marley was taught how to play the guitar by the community leader at that time, ‘Tata’ Ford. It was here, too, that the very popular song `No Woman No Cry’ was conceived. Bob Marley would also recall in the song `Natty Dread’ his many trips through Trench Town. It was during his time here that the Wailers were formed and Bob Marley and the Wailers’ first album `Catch a Fire’ was recorded. Today, The Culture Yard hosts a small museum presenting the history of Trench Town.
Going a little further and closer to the coast is one of the oldest and most historic regions – Port Royal – which has maintained much of its independence as well as its heritage. A large part of the old city lies underwater beside the town, the result of an earthquake that in 1692 swallowed about two-thirds of the then-living space. Visit the Giddy House while you’re there.
Independence Park is a ‘sports and cultural’ complex in Kingston that was built for the 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. A statue of Bob Marley marks the entrance to the site which houses a variety of sports facilities. The main sports venue at the complex is the National Stadium. The National Stadium is the apex of Athletic competition in the West Indies being home to Jamaica’s national athletics team for the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
Get an up-close look at Jamaican culture by watching a local play at CentreStage. Since its inception, CentreStage has provided not only good theatre but also an outlet for local creative talent. As a result, the theatre has garnered a large and dedicated following among the members of the theatre-going public. CentreStage now produces around eight different plays a year, showing on weekend evenings and public holidays.
Ocho Rios for nature and adventure
Located in St. Ann parish to the north, Ocho Rios is a hub of activity for the adventurous traveller. Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s iconic treasures with its image appearing on almost everything from local currency to international travel magazines. The attraction is as globally recognized as reggae and equally stimulating.
Ocho Rios is also the home of Hooves, a family-owned attraction in operation for over 20 years offering horseback rides. For something more exhilarating, H’Evans Scent Zip Line facility is located 2000 feet above sea level, with a view across the green fields of St Ann. You can also enjoy the zipline and bobsled rides at Mystic Mountain, which serves up magnificent views of Ocho Rios from its Sky Explorer.
The Green Grotto is among Jamaica’s most popular natural attractions – a large limestone cavern surrounded by thick vegetation and supplied with pristine waters flowing from its secret depths. The central feature of this attraction is the unique rock formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and abundance of overhead ceiling pockets, and of course, bats.
The Dover Raceway located near Browns Town, St. Ann hosts motor racing metes with cars, motorbikes and karts. Major races are often scheduled on Jamaican Public Holidays.
Montego Bay for beach bums and shopping
Montego Bay has the most spectacular beaches on the island, offering the perfect getaway for those who want time away from it all. One captivating spot is Cornwall Beach, where visitors can escape the bustle of urban life while still enjoying the opportunity to meet new people. On the same strip is Doctor’s Cave beach, which earned its name when claims of healing properties came to light. Montego Bay’s beaches, usually packed on days when cruise ships call in the port, are known as one-stop-shops for sunbathing, tropical drinks, a hearty Jamaican lunch, and vibing reggae music in the backdrop.
Visitors to Montego Bay can also tour several historic properties dating back to the colonial era, including the Rosehall Great House, Barnett Estates, and Croydon in the Mountains. There are also several immaculate golf courses to tee off.
Negril to unleash your hedonistic side
Negril’s seven-mile white sand beach may have put it on the map, but it’s this destination’s wild side that pulls visitors in. If you’re about the party scene, then Negril has quite the experience for you. Notably less expensive than other destinations on the island, Negril attracts a steady stream of spring breakers annually. And in the summer, there’s Dream Weekend, a music festival that has grown to be one of the Caribbean’s largest party experience – fusing Jamaican dancehall music with pop, house, hip hop, rap, and soca – and thousands of bikini-clad gyrating bodies enjoying a never-ending flow of liquor.
Jamaica’s first nude beach popped up here in the 1980s and since then Negril has become known as the place to be for pleasure seekers. Of course, not everyone is there for a midnight toga party or to swim in the nude. Alongside the beach, there are many watersports activities from jet skiing, to snorkeling and scuba diving, catamaran cruises, and glass-bottom boat rides. Plus, Negril has extensive offshore reefs and cliffs, including grottoes, shallow reefs ideal for novice to experienced divers. The West End boasts the absolutely most jaw-dropping sunset you’ll ever see; as well as some of the best chill spots for sipping a cold beer and enjoying lively reggae music.