10 Best Things to Do in Montego Bay

The vibe of your visit to the Rose Hall Great House depends on the time of day you go. By day, visitors might stroll through the tropical gardens and learn about the history of the former sugar plantation. The restored 18th-century historic home tells the story of Annie Palmer, also known as the White Witch of Rose Hall.

If you choose to visit at night, be prepared for a potentially frightening experience. The Rose Hall Great House Tours After Dark immerse you in the 19th-century European bourgeoisie. You’ll learn about Annie Palmer’s murderous history and might even see her ghost roaming the halls. Don’t worry – cocktails at the Dungeon Bar afterward will surely calm your nerves.

Follow the sound of the pulsing reggae to take you right to the Hip Strip. This eclectic spot is located on Gloucester Ave. between AquaSol Theme Park and the airport, and highlights the very best of Jamaican culture.

No matter the time of day, the Hip Strip is buzzing with activity. Shopping options span from high-end designer items to cute souvenirs and trinkets. There are tons of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs along the strip, and the rum drinks are aplenty – especially at Margaritaville, located off Jimmy Cliff Boulevard.

Head about 40 minutes east of the heart of Montego Bay to spend some time floating down the Martha Brae River. There are numerous outfitters and places to find yourself a 30-foot bamboo raft and a guide to float the day away.

The launch area has spots to picnic and bars to grab a cocktail before or after your journey. The river is calm and placid and you’ll enjoy the stunning turquoise waters as your guide glides along a 3-mile stretch of the river. Tours last a little over an hour and you’ll be sure to spot tons of tropical birds and flowers along the way.

YS Falls used to be a sugar plantation until it was reimagined into a stunning series of waterfalls. There are 7 levels of cascades, each creating pools to bask in. If you are feeling extra adventurous, try out the 40-foot-high rope course that gives you a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings. There are also rope swings to grab onto and plunge into the pools below.

YS Falls is located on the southern coast, about 2 hours from Montego Bay. After your day of fun in the sun and lounging by the waterfalls, be sure to grab a bite to eat at the Chill & Grill, featuring authentic Jamaican cuisine, including jerk chicken.

Located in the heart of Sam Sharpe Square, you’ll find the art and cultural epicenter of Montego Bay. The Montego Bay Cultural Centre features artistic, historical, and cultural exhibitions. Home to the National Museum West, here you can learn about Jamaica’s history as a former British colony. It also houses the National Gallery West, where you can explore the historic and modern art of local artists.

You’ll see iconic Jamaican art, including the “Freedom Monument,” which is a tribute to enslaved people who fought for freedom. There’s a courtyard with plenty of outdoor seating, as well as a gift shop and a bistro to grab a bite of some authentic Jamaican food.

If you are looking to connect with nature and see Montego Bay from above, add Ahhh… Ras Natango Gallery and Garden to your itinerary. Located about a half-hour drive from the coast, you’ll get a panoramic view of Montego Bay from 2,000 feet above sea level.

This eco-tourism destination features stunning tropical gardens filled with all kinds of colorful birds – including dazzling hummingbirds waiting for you to handfeed them. The site is run by a family of friendly local artists, and you can peruse their creations in the onsite galleries. You can book a guided tour or just stroll the grounds at your own pace but be sure to catch an amazing sunset from this locale.

Head out to the countryside to visit the birthplace of one of Jamaica’s renowned heroes, Sam Sharpe, an enslaved Jamaican who led a rebellion. Now, Croyden Plantation is a coffee and pineapple plantation that offers nature tours with lots of tasting opportunities. It’s about a 2-hour drive one way from Montego Bay, so plan to make it a day trip.

Tucked away in the foothills of the Catadupa Mountain, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the countryside. At Croyden Plantation, you’ll learn about coffee production and sample many of the 19 different kinds of pineapples grown on the 132-acre site. Come hungry and enjoy a buffet of authentic Jamaican cuisine to round out your day trip.

If you want an action-packed day, look no further than AquaSol Theme Park, located at the Walter Fletcher Beach along the Hip Strip. The beach has crystal-blue calm waters and white sands that are perfect for volleyball and tennis. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll no doubt want to try out the go-karts.

Relive the childhood joy of hopping around on the park’s water trampolines. You can even rent jet skis, wave runners, and kayaks. Or hire some snorkel gear and check out the stunning reef life below the sea. Other thrilling excursions include banana boat rides and glass-bottomed boats to enjoy.

Whether you’re a Parrot Head (that’s a Jimmy Buffett fan) or not, you’re sure to have a blast whiling the day away in Margaritaville. The legendary 120-foot waterslide is only the start. Located in Montego Bay’s Hip Strip, there’s always a party going on at this lively hotspot.

The sunset patio is the best position to take in the views while sipping some Jamaican rum cocktails. There’s a full-service bar and restaurant onsite and plenty of idyllic places to float in the turquoise waters of the bay. Once the sun sets, enjoy the reggae by moonlight and dance the night away.

Head about an hour south of Montego Bay to enjoy abundant nature at the Abeokuta Paradise Nature Park. The rustic eco-tourist spot has hiking trails drenched with tropical flowers and fruit trees to marvel at, and ruins of the former plantation dot the site, just waiting to be photographed.

The centerpiece of this park is the historic, near-Olympic size swimming pool fed by the nearby Sweet River. Grab a rope swing and plunge into the mineral waters to cool off from the Jamaican sun. Or if you aren’t into swimming, try a tickling fish pedicure – dip your toes into the pool and tiny doctor fish will nibble away the dead skin on your feet as you relax and take in the views.