Beautiful beaches. Incredible food. A vibrant country with friendly locals.
There are several reasons why Jamaica is one of the best vacation spots in the Caribbean. If you’re looking for a great family vacation in Jamaica, it’s time to start planning your trip. In this guide, we’ll go over some of the best Jamaica vacation spots so that you can get the most out of your trip. We’ll also cover some basic Jamaica information to help you get more prepared for your vacation.
So don’t wait! Let’s jump right in!
Is Jamaica Safe?
Jamaica is consistently rated as a “very safe” location for tourists. This means that you have nothing to fear with a trip to Jamaica. Of course, with that being said, tourists should still exercise normal precautions when traveling this Caribbean nation.
Jamaica vs Dominican Republic
Not sure if you should go to Jamaica or the Dominican Republic? While both nations boast good safety records and great all-inclusive resorts, there’s a definitive charm to Jamaica that you can’t find anywhere else. As you’ll see in this guide, there are a number of attractions, as well, that bolster this charm and make Jamaica the ultimate Caribbean destination.
Best time to Go to Jamaica
The period between November and mid-December is the best time to visit Jamaica. During this time, the weather remains perfect (between the mid-70s and high 80s), and bookings to the island are normally at their cheapest.
Best Places in Jamaica to Vacation:
Now it’s time for the fun part. In this section, we’ll go over where to vacation in Jamaica so that you can make your next trip something you’ll reminisce about for years to come.
1) Stay at Montego Bay
Montego Bay, Jamaica is one of the best vacation spots in Jamaica. Home to Montego Bay Marine Park, the location is a prime spot for both diving and snorkeling. It’s also a great place for that all-inclusive Jamaican vacation, with a number of beach resorts located just outside its main commercial areas. Make sure to check out Doctor’s Cave Beach while you’re there.
2) Visit Negril
Your vacation won’t be complete without a trip to Negril, Jamaica. This town in the western portion of the island is home to the famed 7-Mile Beach, a long strip of sandy shoreline that boasts some of the most beautiful waters in the nation. A number of resorts, hotels, and bars line the coastline, making this one of the hottest spots in the entire country.
3) Take a Trip to the Bob Marley Museum
Without a doubt, the Bob Marley Museum is one of the best places in Jamaica to vacation. Showcasing the life and history of reggae’s greatest legend, the museum puts on display key exhibits that give tourists a deeper understanding of Jamaica’s cultural icon. The Museum is located in Kingston, with cheap admission and a gift shop for tourists.
4) Spend a Day at Port Antonio
Port Antonio is a large port city located on the northeastern coast of the island. A hotspot for Hollywood celebrities, the location houses some of the best sites in the nation, including the Blue Lagoon, the Scatter, the Somerset waterfalls, and the Frenchman’s Cove. With so much to do and see, you can spend an entire day (or two!) at Port Antonio and never get bored. If you’re looking for the ultimate family vacation to Jamaica, make sure to put Port Antonio on your bucket list.
5) Relax at Ocho Rios
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, located on the northern coast of the island, is a national hotspot, filled with incredible beaches and a number of Jamaica beach resorts that will make your stay perfect. Ocho Rios Bay Beach is one of the most visited attractions in the area, with tons of people coming to relax on the golden sand or take a dive into the crystal blue waters.
6) Visit Mandeville
Mandeville is unlike any other location in Jamaica, making it a great travel destination. The town is located in mountainous South Central Jamaica, giving it the highest altitude of any city in the nation. Interestingly, the area still showcases strong British influence, with its primary claim to fame being coffee cultivation. If you’re looking for something different, make sure to visit Mandeville while you’re in Jamaica.
7) Experience Westmoreland
With Roaring River Park, Seaford Town, Mayfield Falls, and Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland stakes its claim as the best part of Jamaica to vacation. The area is a mix of development and agriculture, with stunning attractions situated near fields of sugar cane that fuel the nation’s economy.
8) Hike the Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are a less talked about but highly unforgettable region of Jamaica where travelers can hike through the Blue Mountain-John Crow Mountain National Park. Though you’ll likely want to take a tour guide, you’ll be amazed at the vegetation and sites once you get acclimated to the area. What’s more, you’ll have fun checking out the various plantations and distilleries in the area.
9) Visit Runaway Bay
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind family vacation to Jamaica, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Runaway Bay. This small town in Saint Ann Parish is famous for its legendary Cardiff Hall Beach and Fisherman’s Beach. More than this, it’s also home to the Green Grotto Caves, which run underground and feature amazing stalagmites and stalactites.
10) Wander Around Kingston
When all else fails, you’re sure to have a stellar time simply wondering around the city of Kingston. The Jamaican capital is one of the best places to vacation in Jamaica, with several boutiques, restaurants, and other stores that will keep you occupied for hours. Make sure to spend some time here collecting souvenirs before heading home!
The Bottom Line
With our guide, you can have the best Caribbean vacation in Jamaica! Covering some of the hottest vacation destinations and even the best time to vacation in Jamaica you can maximize the fun in your itinerary and ensure that your Jamaican vacation is something to remember for years to come!
