It's impossible to think of Jamaica without hearing the reggae music of Bob Marley or picturing white sand beaches and crystal-blue water, but these things are only the beginning of what the island has to offer. Considered by many to be the heart of the Caribbean , Jamaica offers everything from swanky all-inclusive resorts to beautiful waterfalls hidden well off the beaten path.
Devon House
The Devon House Mansion was constructed in the late 19th century by George Stiebel, the first black millionaire in Jamaica, and today it is one of the best-known historical landmarks in the country. The mansion is furnished with a valuable collection of 19th-century antiques, and it sits on 11 acres of beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. Many of the old stables and other buildings have been turned into restaurants and souvenir shops. Guided tours of the property are available, and the price includes either a scoop of ice cream or a gourmet patty from one of the on-site restaurants.
Devon House, Hope Rd, Kingston, Jamaica, Phone: 876-926-0815
Dolphin Cove Jamaica
Dolphin Cove Jamaica offers three different locations: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Moon Palace Jamaica Grande, which is for the exclusive enjoyment of Moon Palace guests. Each location has something different to offer, but the opportunity to swim with dolphins is the highlight at all of them. Other possible activities include strolling along a nature trail and marveling at iguanas, snakes, and exotic birds, relaxing on the beautiful white sandy beaches, and even hopping in the water alongside sharks and stingrays. Reservations are recommended, and transportation to the park can be arranged at an additional cost.
Dunn's River Falls
Widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful places in all of Jamaica, Dunn's River Falls is a unique terraced waterfall that empties directly into the Caribbean Sea. The terraces are excellent for climbing, and visitors can do so either on their own or with the assistance of a guide. The climb takes between 60and 90minutes, although it may take longer if you want to spend time relaxing in the pools along the way. Visitors should be aware that the terrain is quite rocky, and some people prefer to climb up the stairs that run parallel to the falls.
Dunn's River Falls , Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Facebook
Folly Ruins
Originally the winter home of wealthy Tiffany heiress Annie Tiffany and her husband businessman Alfred Mitchell, Folly Ruins is a formerly luxurious mansion that fell into disrepair during the early 1930s and is now owned by the Jamaican government. Designed in the style of a Roman villa, the mansion boasted extravagances such as electric lights, steam and wind-powered generators, and running water as well as more than 60 rooms, an indoor salt-water swimming pool, and a sauna. Although the ruins are fenced off for safety reasons, it is still possible to visit the site and admire the structure from a small distance.
Folly Ruins , Port Antonio, Jamaica
Fort Charles
Built in the mid-1600s, Fort Charles was the first fort to be constructed in Port Royal. Built in the shape of a ship, the fort is almost entirely surrounded by water as it sits on a narrow strip of land that separates Kingston Harbor from the Caribbean Sea. With the exception of the museum that can now be found inside the fort, the structure is almost exactly the same as when it was first built. The fort is open to visitors between 9:00am and 5:00pm every day of the year except for Good Friday and Christmas Eve.
Fort Charles, Port Royal, Jamaica, Phone: 876-967-8438
Hope Botanical Gardens
Formally known as the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Hope Botanical Gardens were first established in 1873. Today, the gardens take up 200 acres in St. Andrew, making them the largest botanical garden in the Caribbean and the biggest public green space in the Kingston metropolitan area. This is an excellent place to come if you're interested in seeing the blue mahoe, which is the national tree of Jamaica, or other rare species of tropical plants. Many of the plants here have an interesting history: they came off of a French ship that was captured in 1782 on its way to Hispaniola.
Hope Botanical Gardens , Old Hope Road, Kingston, Jamaica, Phone: 876-927-1257, Instagram
Mayfield Falls
Consisting of two stunning waterfalls and 21 natural pools, Mayfield Falls is a great place to visit if you want to splash around in the water without the crowds that are typically found on many other parts of the island. The rocks are quite slippery, but the climb is suitable for people of an average fitness level and most people take around between 60and 90minutes to explore the falls. There is a small admission fee, and local tour guides are available for an additional charge. Locker and water shoe rentals are available, and there is an on-site cafe selling traditional Jamaican food.
Mayfield Falls, Gloucester Ave, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Phone: 876-971-6580
National Gallery of Jamaica
Established in 1974, the National Gallery of Jamaica is the largest and oldest art museum in the English-speaking Caribbean. The museum houses a wide collection of modern and contemporary art pieces from Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, much of which is on permanent display. In addition to the permanent exhibits, there are also often guest-curated displays and traveling exhibits from outside the country. Guided tours are available, and the museum often hosts lectures, panel discussions, and educational children's programs. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday every week, but is closed on all public holidays.
National Gallery of Jamaica, 12 Ocean Blvd, Block C, Kingston, Jamaica, Phone: 876-922-1561
National Heroes Park
Dedicated to Jamaica's seven national heroes, National Heroes Park is a 50-acre garden in Kingston. The land on which the garden sits has a long and rich history; over the years, it has been the biggest horse racing track in Jamaica, the grounds on which Queen Victoria's Golden and Diamond Jubilees were honored, and a concert venue for reggae legend Bob Marley. Today, visitors can admire the many unique modern sculptures, pay their respects at the War Memorial and the monuments to the national heroes, and observe the changing of the guard, which takes place every hour.
National Heroes Park, Kingston, Jamaica, Phone: 876-656-8031
Rose Hall
Originally built in the 1770s, Rose Hall was carefully restored during the 1960s and is now one of the most famous historic mansions in Jamaica. The interior of the mansion is decorated with silk wallpaper, beautiful chandeliers, and a collection of European antiques; there is also a museum with exhibits about the mansion's history of slavery. Tours of the home and grounds take approximately 90 minutes, and are offered daily between 9:00am and 5:15pm. Reservations are not required for groups of less than 20 people, and visitors should be aware that photos and videos are not permitted inside the house.
Rose Hall, Rose Hall Road, Rose Hall, Jamaica, Phone: 888-767-3425
