Jamaica Attractions and Things to Do

Jamaica attractions include Kingston, the capital of Jamaica; the famous Dun River Falls, which is a fun family climb up the waterfalls; and Dolphin Cove in the beautiful resort setting of Ocho Rios.


The capital of Jamaica is the largest English-speaking city south of Florida. The city is packed with shopping, dining, historical and architectural experiences including the National Heroes' Park, the George William Gordon House and Headquarters House. But the best part of Kingston is seeing and hearing the unique dress, dialect and manners of the people.


It isn't the tallest or widest falls by any means. But this premier attraction of the Caribbean draws such large and steady crowds not for the opportunity to view them, but to climb them.

Visitors form a line and hold hands as they work their way up the cascading platforms of water to the top. It is conveniently near the resort area of Ocho Rios.

The cost to enter the park at the time we went was $10 for adults and $8 for children. Adding to the fun is the ability for cruise visitors and others to take a catamaran cruise to the park and back again. $$


Royal Caribbean Cruise and the Port Authority of Jamaica have embarked on a project to restore the historic town of Falmouth and make it the first-ever thematic cruise port destination. The Historic Falmouth Cruise Port is becoming a 32-acre living museum with costumed guides and merchants. The Falmouth experience will include tours of historic sites along with shopping, dining and attractions in the surrounding areas.


The best beaches may be a matter of opinion, but a few names come up again and again. Seven Mile Beach in Negril is the longest in Jamaica. Treasure Beach on the south coast is popular with both locals and tourists. James Bond beach near Ocho Rios is the site of the famous Golden Eye, where Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond novels.


Dolphin Cove is located next to Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios. Like other dolphin experiences, it allows visitors to swim with the dolphins. $$


The Hope Gardens is located on 60 acres of land in New Kingston. Highlights include the formal Botanic Garden, Sunken Gardens, Orchid House and Lily Pond.


One of the largest organic and orchid farms in the Caribbean covers 1,600 acres on the north coast of the island. The Tropical Study Center provides support for nearby rural communities, while the organics and orchid tour allows visitors to see the work developed at the farm. The facility combines research and eco-tourism in one location.


The Bloomfield house, located in Mandeville, is a 200-year-old coffee plantation with a restaurant, scenic views, and occasional concerts and art exhibits. Greenwood, located in Falmouth, is more than 200 years old and was owned by the family of the famous English poet Elizabeth Barrett-Browning.

It is known as one of the best-preserved historic houses on the island.


The Blue Mountains have become famous for Blue Mountain Coffee, which is one of the major attractions for this national park. But energetic visitors can hike and camp in the park, and the highly energetic ones can climb to the top of the Blue Mountain, which is 7,402 feet high.


Jamaica is home to at least 12 golf courses including three in Montego Bay, two in Rose Hall and one each in Kingston, Mandeville, Ocho Rios, Rio Bueno, Runaway Bay, St. Catherine and Westmoreland.