14 Best Sights in Jamaica

About a 20-minute drive inland from Falmouth, this 2,000-acre estate provides a sense of Jamaica's rich history as a sugar-producing island, incredible views of the Martha Brae River, and loads of fun. An adventure park offers zip-lining, river tubing, a great house tour, access to a colonial village, an aviary, a swimming pool, a challenge course for adults, and a kids' play area (with its own challenge course). The Riverside Restaurant & Bar, which serves Jamaican food and delicious drinks and cocktails, and a gift shop in the old sugar factory round out the amenities. Park passes get you access to all activities.

Surrounded by lush rain forest, Dolphin Cove is one of the island's top marine attractions. Packages allow you to touch, dance, or swim with the well-trained and friendly dolphins, who also love to receive a pat or a kiss goodbye. Other water sports and activities, including snorkeling, glass-bottom kayaking, boat rides, swimming with stingrays, and shark shows are offered. In addition to marine life, you can interact with such fauna as iguanas, snakes, and exotic birds on the jungle trail walk. There's also a small ice-cream parlor, restaurant, and gift shop.

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.

A quiet alternative to Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, these falls are part of a cattle and horse farm and are reached via a tractor and trailer. There is actually a series of seven falls on the property that cascade into natural pools. An exhilarating zipline zooms over them. Other features include a river pool, a garden, a gift shop, and a lounge with food.

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.

Lucas, a regal male lion, is the zoo's most popular sight, but there are many interesting animals, including iguanas, the Jamaican boa snake, and a colorful array of parrots and other tropical birds. Exhibits also showcase zebras, crocodiles, monkeys, and deer.

Billing itself as the place where "Jamaica comes to play," this park has 10 waterslides and a ¼-mile (½-km) lazy-river float ride, as well as a go-kart track, kayaking, outdoor laser combat games, and Jamboo rafting (on floating bamboo). There is also a human gyroscope, a "kool kanoe" adventure, a wave pool, and paintball. General admission varies by height and gives guests access to the waterslides, wave pool, and lazy river-ride. Other attractions are an additional fee.

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.

Formerly Prospect Plantation, this adventure park has been an attraction since the start of tourism in Jamaica when such visitors as Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplain planted trees here. There are many activities that are both fun and educational, from camel safaris to Segway tours. Learn about Jamaica's agricultural heritage while enjoying the flora and fauna and excellent views. The 900-acre property provides room for such exciting activities as ATV adventure tours, jitney rides, and cooking tours.