15 Best Sights in Jamaica

Located along Falmouth's scenic coast, this is one of the town's only beaches that isn't attached to a resort. The property does have guestrooms available, but most visitors come for the day to enjoy the clean white-sand beach, which offers a water obstacle course, volleyball, and other beach sports, along with changing rooms, showers, a restaurant and bar (you must call ahead to request permission if bringing your own food and drink). Admission includes beach chairs and cabanas, and Wi-Fi is available. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming.

You'll find a crowd (especially if there's a cruise ship in town) at the small beach at the foot of the falls, one of Jamaica's most-visited landmarks. Although tiny—considering the crowds—the beach has a great view. Look up for a spectacular vista of the cascading water, the roar from which drowns out the sea as you approach. All-day access to the beach is included in the falls' entrance fee. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming.

Renovated and reopened in 2021, this massive park is the top attraction in the center of Montego Bay. In addition to its large beach, it features a multipurpose sports court, a jogging trail, a park, and a kiddies play area. Wi-Fi is available and there are a few shops selling snacks and drinks. You can also rent chairs and an umbrella. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

Completely renovated in 2018, this public beach looks out on Discovery Bay, the location where, according to tradition, Christopher Columbus first came ashore on this island. The explorer sailed in search of freshwater but found none, naming the stretch of sand Puerto Seco, or "dry port." Today, the beach is anything but dry. Along with the beach, there's a 150-foot pool, and guests can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and private cabanas (for larger groups). There's a restaurant and bar, but guests can't bring their own food. There's also a waterpark and a dolphin attraction. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

Stretching for 7 miles (11 km)—from Bloody Bay in the north along Long Bay to the cliffs on the southern edge of town—this long, white-sand beach is probably Jamaica's finest. Some stretches remain undeveloped, but these are increasingly few. Along the main stretch, the sand is public to the high-water mark, and visitors and vendors parade from end to end. The walk is sprinkled with good beach bars and open-air restaurants, some of which charge a small fee to use their beach facilities. Bloody Bay is lined with large all-inclusive resorts; these sections are mostly private. Jamaica's best-known nude beach, at Hedonism II, is always among the busiest; only resort guests or day-pass holders may sun here. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); toilets; showers; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.

On the South Coast road to Negril, this relatively narrow stretch of sand and rock near the small community of Bluefields is typically crowded only on weekends and holidays. The swimming here is good, although the sea is sometimes rough; and you can get food (mainly jerk chicken and beer) from vendors. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming.

Considered the birthplace of jerk-style cooking, Boston Bay is the beach that some locals visit just to buy dinner. You can get peppery jerk pork at any of the shacks spewing scented smoke along the small beach, perfect for an after-lunch dip, though these waters are occasionally rough and much more popular for surfing. Boards are available for rent. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; showers. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; surfing; windsurfing.

A short drive east of Port Antonio is this destination for lovers of jerk pork. The recipe's origins go back to the Arawak, the island's original inhabitants, but modern jerk was perfected by the Maroons. Eating almost nothing but wild hog preserved over smoking coals enabled these former slaves to survive years of fierce guerrilla warfare with the English. Jerk resurfaced in the 1930s, and the spicy barbecue drew diners from around the island. Today a handful of jerk stands, known as the Boston Jerk Centre, offers fiery flavors cooled by festival (like a Southern hush puppy) and Red Stripe beer.

Located along Montego Bay's touristy Hip Strip, this famous beach first gained notoriety for its waters, said to have healing powers. It's a popular beach with a perpetual spring-break feel. The clubhouse has changing rooms, showers, a gift shop, and a restaurant. You can rent beach chairs, pool floats, and umbrellas. Its location within the Montego Bay Marine Park—with protected coral reefs and plenty of marine life—makes it good for snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides. Chairs, umbrellas, and pool floats are available to rent for $7 per item for the day. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; sunset; swimming.

This beautiful, petite, somewhat secluded beach is protected by two outcroppings, creating calm waters good for families. A small stream trickles into the cove. You'll find a bar and restaurant serving fried chicken right on the beach. If this stretch of sand looks familiar, it might be because you've seen it in the movies: Club Paradise (1986), Knight and Day (2010), and The Mighty Quinn (1989). Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: partiers; sunrise; swimming.

This charming but small beach provides an escape from Ocho Rios's bustling town center, and usually doesn't get crowded until a cruise ship docks. There's no admission, and there's a beach bar, a restaurant, and a souvenir stand on the shore. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; showers. Best for: swimming.

One of the busiest beaches in Ocho Rios caters to a mix of residents and visitors. It looks out over the cruise port and has a bar, but you can also bring your own food. Boat rides and watersport equipment can be rented. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); toilets; showers; water sports. Best for: swimming.

This small beach has beautiful blue water. Monkey Island, just offshore, is a good place to snorkel (and, sometimes, surf). Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

The most atmospheric beach in the southwest is in the community of Treasure Beach. Here there are several long stretches of sand and many small coves. With more rocks and darker sand, the beach isn't as pretty as those to the west or north, but it's a bit of the "real" Jamaica. Both locals and visitors use the beach, though you're as likely to find it deserted, beyond a friendly beach dog. Treasure Beach attracts a bohemian crowd, and you won't find as many hustlers as in North Coast resort towns. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); lifeguards. Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.

This is one of the most popular beaches on Jamaica's east coast, mainly because there is no entry fee. Vendors will, however, ask for a donation to help with upkeep. The beach is clean, with a relaxed atmosphere and a few stalls on the beach selling local food, crafts, and souvenirs. Boat rides and horseback riding are also offered. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); toilets. Best for: swimming.