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An island like Jamaica, with a rich natural and social history, inevitably has many fascinating sights to explore. Jamaican history includes Spanish rule, a British takeover and a struggle for independence. This mixture of cultural influences means a wide variety of interesting things to see, from famous architecture and artifacts, to natural scenery and historic sights.
Some specific sights in Jamaica include plantation"Great Houses," museums and cultural spots. Travelers also enjoy the natural scenery of the Blue Mountains, where they can hike and camp. Popular sights abound on this beautiful island and generally surround three of the larger cities: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Kingston.
Kingston and Vicinity
Capital city Kingston itself is the cultural and commercial center of the island, but there are many breathtaking sights in the area, as well.
Devon House Heritage Site was built in 1881 by George Steibel, the son of a Jewish merchant and a housekeeper. Steibel made a wise investment in Venezuelan gold mines, and purchased 99 properties in Jamaica with his earnings. Devon House Heritage Site was built on 53 acres of land and designed in the"Jamaican-Georgian" style. The house features very formal and symmetrical lines and is furnished with an incredible collection of antiques from France, England, Jamaica and the Caribbean. The house was named a National Monument by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) in 1990. This site, at more than 120 years old, is still hosting events.
Additionally, fans of music history may enjoy the Bob Marley Museum. For about $10(USD), visitors can explore this museum devoted to the late reggae superstar, which is housed in his former studio.
The National Gallery of Art is in Kingston Mall and offers sculpture and paintings by Jamaica's most famous artists. Nearby travelers can also stop in at a craft market and pick up a few souvenirs of Jamaican handiwork as well.
Outside Kingston you'll find the Rockfort Mineral Bath, a natural spring that was created during a 1907 earthquake. It quickly became popular throughout Jamaica as a spa, and even now visitors can indulge themselves in a variety of relaxing ways, from picnicking and swimming to getting a massage or whirlpool treatment. There are public and private bath areas as well as a dining area.
Along the South Coast city of Mandeville, visitors can explore the sights of a coffee plantation that dates back two centuries. This plantation, called the Bloomfield Great House, was already standing when Mandeville was made a city in 1938. In 1997, a Jamaican family renovated this historic, Georgian-style building, and it is now host to fine dining, and occasional art exhibits and live music.
Visitors can also spend time at Port Royal, which was destroyed by a 1692 earthquake, or Fort Charles. Visit gardens and parks, or look around for notable historic churches like St. Peter's Church. No matter how long your stay in Jamaica, rest assured that there will be plenty to see.
Montego Bay and Vicinity
Visitors to the Northern side of Jamaica have the chance to see plenty of interesting sights as well. Montego Bay is one of the most popular resort areas of the island, and the locale is filled with great places to check out.
Local folklore tells the story of Annie Palmer, the White Witch of Rose Hall Plantation. This 6,000-acre slice of history is said to be haunted by Palmer's ghost due to a slave's curse. It was her unfortunate string of husbands as well as the mistreatment of her slaves which earned her the nickname of"The White Witch." More recently a nearby golf course was named The White Witch after her.
In nearby Falmouth, visitors can see another historic plantation house. Greenwood Great House is more than 200 years old, and was owned by the family of English poets Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett-Browning. Now it is considered to be one of the best-preserved great houses on Jamaica.
Here, too you'll find something for Bob Marley fans to enjoy. The Bob Marley Experience and Theatre shows films on the life and work of Bob Marley. The center also includes what is considered the largest collection in the world of Bob Marley gifts, souvenirs, T-shirts and other merchandise.
The Marine Park offers glass bottom boat tours to showcase the aqualife of Jamaica, while the Rockland Bird Feeding Station helps save injured birds. Or, for the history fan, visit the remains of Fort Montego.
Ocho Rios Vicinity
Just two hours from Montego Bay lies Ocho Rios, another popular resort destination. This destination is also popular with cruise ships, and passengers make day-long stops at several interesting sights.
Outside the village of Epworth, near Ocho Rios, lies the Annandale Great House. Built in 1760, it is far from the oldest house on the island but beautiful nonetheless. Here you can see one of Jamaica's top antiques collections and relax with an afternoon cup of tea.
What reggae fan could pass up a visit to the Bob Marley Mausoleum, In Nine Miles, you'll find the final resting place of this famous star, as well as his birthplace. In the hills near the city of St. Ann, you may even meet Marley's family and friends on your visit. Nearby is also the birthplace of one of the most famous and influential natives of Jamaica, Marcus Garvey.
One popular way to visit the Graceland of reggae is to take Chukka Cove's Zion Bus Line, a bus tour specifically for adult reggae fans. This ride is a tour of the gorgeous scenery and rural locale of St. Ann and includes complimentary drinks. However, the tour is limited to individuals over 18.
Visitors hoping to experience the picturesque sights and adventurous personality of Jamaica can take in the Green Grotto Caves. They are said to have served as a haven for 18th century slaves running away from their plantation. Easily accessible, they are made up of a series of interconnected passages and chambers, light holes and geological features. Don't miss the rock formations at the Grotto Lake in the innermost cavern.
Fans of the James Bond series can visit Goldeneye, the estate on which Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond novels. Built in 1946, visitors to Fleming's home included Truman Capote, Graham Greene, and Noel Coward, whose Firefly plantation is next door. Visitors can see some memorabilia, most notably Fleming's writing desk. Coward's plantation remains mostly untouched since his death in 1973 and is open to tourists.
Museum-goers can take in the Coyoba River Garden and Museum, which lies on a lush garden and contains Jamaican artifacts. Coyoba is the Arawak word for"paradise," and this museum is a small repository for small Jamaican relics such as 16th-century maps, slave shackles and other historical items.
Or visit the famous waterfalls of Dunn's River Falls, visited by about one million people annually. Dunn's River is an area famous for its natural beauty, where the ice-cold river meets the warm Caribbean Sea in an explosion of natural phenomena. The area is safe and popular for swimming, rock climbing along the falls, and nature watching.
No matter what your interests are, Jamaica is home to a wealth of sights and attractions, ensuring sights to suit every visitor.
