Jamaica is a popular Caribbean destination with plenty of fascinating and fun places to visit. You’ll find everything from historic sites and cultural hotspots to breathtaking beaches and natural attractions. Picking the best place for your vacation could feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, we’ve done all the work for you and put together a list of the 7 best areas in Jamaica to visit.
Best Areas in Jamaica to Visit Quick Take
Our picks for the 7 best areas in Jamaica are Ocho Rios, Negril, Montego Bay, South Coast, Port Antonio, Treasure Beach, and Falmouth.
Best Areas in Jamaica: Ocho Rios
Our personal favorite destination in Jamaica is Ocho Rios. This area is surrounded by some of Jamaica’s best attractions and there are plenty of options for accommodations.
While staying in Ocho Rios you can easily reach fun spots like the Blue Hole, Dunn’s River Falls, Yaaman Adventure Park, and Mystic Mountain within 5-15 minutes.
Dunn’s River Falls is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Jamaica. You can hike and climb the falls, bathe in the natural pools, or set up for the day on Dunn’s River Falls beach.
We loved going to The Blue Hole and enjoying the natural pools, followed by river tubing nearby. For accommodations, the recently reopened adults-only all-inclusive resort Sandals Dunn’s River is our top choice.
Best Areas in Jamaica: Negril
Another of the best areas in Jamaica for tourists is Negril, and it is popular for good reason. There are dozens of great all-inclusive resorts including the family-friendly Beaches Negril as well as the adults-only Sandals Negril.
A laid back area, Negril is known for great snorkeling and scuba diving, with nearby reefs bursting with marine life just waiting to be explored.
It’s also known for its spectacular beaches, including the best beach on the island and one of the most famous in the Caribbean, Seven Mile Beach. This beach is just what the name implies: seven miles of pristine white sand and gorgeous, crystal clear turquoise water.
The most popular attraction here is watching the cliff diving at Rick’s Cafe and enjoying the sunsets from the beach.
Best Areas in Jamaica: Montego Bay
Another hotspot is the tourism hub of Montego Bay. Not only does this area offer a lot to explore, but it’s also home to Sangster International Airport, the main airport, so it’s easy to fly into and start enjoying Jamaica immediately.
There is a lot to do in Montego Bay, including cultural and historic sites, watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving, excursions into the rainforest interior, and beautiful beaches. One of the best beaches in Montego Bay is Doctor’s Cave Beach.
Montego Bay also has the iconic Hip Strip. This area has some of the best clubs, restaurants, and bars on the island. You’ll want to visit this area if you’re looking for some good nightlife fun.
The only downside to Montego Bay is the pricing. Since it is so convenient to the airport, the accommodations tend to be more expensive. Some of our favorites here are Sandals Royal Caribbean, Sandals Montego Bay, and Half Moon Resort.
Best Areas in Jamaica: South Coast
If you’re looking for a more peaceful area away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll want to visit the South Coast. This part of Jamaica has some of the most gorgeous landscapes around.
You can also indulge in some of the most luxurious accommodations at Sandals South Coast, which features some of the only overwater bungalows in Jamaica.
South Coast also has some great places to explore including YS Falls and the Black River Safari. YS Falls is a group of seven natural waterfalls that feed the surrounding tropical garden and natural pools below.
Just a short distance from the falls is the Black River and the Black River Safari, a boat tour that gets you up close and personal with the wildlife in Jamaica.
Best Areas in Jamaica: Port Antonio
Port Antonio is the perfect tropical setting for travelers looking to get in a little surfing or fishing.
The Port Antonio area is a sheltered part of the island that is filled with vibrant landscapes and lovely beaches. Take the time to relax on Frenchman’s Cove Beach or Boston Beach and explore Reach Falls.
Best Areas in Jamaica: Treasure Beach
If you’re looking for a little variety, try a stay at Treasure Beach. This area is a section of the South Coast that includes four different coves: Billy’s Bay, Frenchman’s Bay, Calabash Bay, and Great Bay.
This is considered a unique spot in Jamaica. It has much lower foot traffic, but still offers a cool vibe. Of course, there are plenty of beach options in the area, but you can also find a fun experience at Lover’s Leap, an amazing cliffside lookout.
Best Areas in Jamaica: Falmouth
Falmouth is a great place for a little history. The town is full of historic charm dating back to its founding in 1769. The downtown area features a variety of architecture that gives glimpses of Falmouth’s storied past. Take the Walking Heritage Tour or plan a day trip to explore the Good Hope Estate.
Outside history, Falmouth is home to some beautiful beaches, hidden caves, and bioluminescent lagoons. You’ll be sure to find something to fill each day of your Jamaican getaway.
Now that you’ve read our picks for the 7 best areas in Jamaica to visit, which sounds best to you? Let us know in the comments! And if you’d like help planning your trip, reach out to one of our trusted travel advisors!