Vacation in the Caribbean! To Do in Kingston, Jamaica

As the Jamaican capital and its largest city, Kingston is the home of about 634,000 people. Situated on the south eastern coast of the island, the city is divided into two parishes: Kingston, consisting of historic but troubled Downtown and Port Royal and Saint Andrew parish. Jamaica is an island belonging to the Caribbean archipelago and tourists book holidays in this exotic place to make the most of the ocean breeze and white sands. When travelling to Kingston, reach further than the beach: try some of the city museums, parks and entertainment districts, as the Jamaican capital will not disappoint.

Jamaican sunset

1. Kingston parks and lush sanctuaries

Jamaica is an exotic island and its parks and gardens are great for a hot summer’s day. Whenever you’re looking for a bit of leafy shadow, go to Boone Hall Oasis; sit by the waterfall and just cool off. The park is great for a picnic, for a long walk or to simply get a glimpse of the hills of St. Andrews.

Another popular oasis is 40 minutes outside of Kingston and a stop for school groups and numerous tourists. Guardman’s Serenity Fishing & Wildlife Sanctuary features a mango orchard, a large animal collection including a petting zoo, exotic birds and many other fun activities, especially for children.

Rockford Mineral Baths have emerged after the strong earthquake of 1907 and today the spa is a popular place among locals and tourists alike. It’s nice to take a relaxing day just for massages, swimming and extensive soaking.

To learn more about the local fauna, visit Castleton, Hope and Royal Botanical Gardens and Zoo, the wildlife on this Caribbean island is quite fascinating. The tropical species of plants are also very interesting and unusual looking.

2. Museums and galleries

Bob Marley museum

Kingston has some uncommon museums to show its tourists. A popular venue among foreigners is Bob Marley Museum, providing information about the life and work of the legendary reggae superstar.

To learn about Jamaica’s history from the times of Arawak Indians through the modern age, visit the Institute of Jamaica and enjoy all aspects of a real natural history museum, free of charge.

For some bona fide art, the National Art Gallery has on display real treasures, including works of artist Edna Manley, wife of former Prime Minister Norman Manley and Kapo, author of controversial religious images.

3. Sports and leisure

Thanks to its amazing landscapes, Jamaica is the perfect place for sports enthusiasts. If you love adventure, try John Crow National Park in Blue Mountains for hiking, bird watching, mountain biking in the second largest national park. Hollywell Recreational Park is another lush oasis tucked high within the mountains and a great place to escape from the noisy city centre.

Golf lovers have the possibility to cultivate their hobby at Caymanas Golf Club, a well respected course dating back from the 1950s. If tennis is what you prefer, go to Crowne Plaza or Le Meridien Pegasus for great courts and a friendly staff.

Port Royal

Spectator sports such as cricket and horseracing are also available for tourists, just travel to Sabina Park and Gregory Park for a truly fun afternoon.

4. Port Royal

If you’ve ever seen the adventure movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”, you’ve surely heard of Port Royal. Once a hedonistic pirates’ den, Port Antonio changed its landscaping and statute after the violent earthquake of 1692, when Port Royal emerged into the sea and became the only sunk city in the Western hemisphere. The most popular tourist attraction is Fort Charles, the oldest building, dating back from the days of British occupation in 1662.

5. Spanish Town

This heritage site is a real treat for history buffs. Once called Santiago de la Vega, the establishment was the island’s capital under the Spanish rule: explorers who were searching for precious metals. Top attractions include Jamaican People’s Museum of Crafts and Technology and St. James Cathedral (St. Jago de la Vega), the oldest Anglican church outside England.

Cathedral St. Jago De La Vega

Built in 1523, the cathedral is the resting place for numerous Jamaican governors and home to historic graves dating back from Jamaica’s first years.

6. Devon House

A popular attraction among locals and tourists alike is Devon House. The 127 years old construction is one of Jamaica’s leading national monuments and a symbol of cultural diversity, as it was built and was the home of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel.

7. Horror stories of Flat Bridge

On the Cobre River rises the legendary Flat Bridge. Story has it that in the late 1700s, slaves were forced into building this bridge and as two lives were lost, the bodies were buried into the mortar. The bridge is thought to be haunted, that is actually the reason why no rail has ever resisted: every time that was tried, the river rose and washed the rail away.

8. Jamaican beaches

The sea sights are usually extremely crowded and often dangerous places, so caution is recommended when enjoying a day at the beach. As a matter of fact, whenever strolling around downtown Kingston, a local companion is a good idea, to show you around.

Devon House

But for a great suntan and a long swim, Gunboat Beach and Fort Clarence are pleasant venues. However, a favourite picnic, swimming and boat riding island is Lime Cay, situated south of Port Royal peninsula.

A great activity in Jamaica is scuba diving around the old ship wrecks and the gorgeous reefs. Popular sites include the wreck of Cayman Trader, Texas Wreck, The Edge and beautiful natural Wreck Reef.

9. Shopping

Surrounding the famous landmark named Devon House, there are numerous boutiques and small shops, offering everything from Jamaican artwork to traditional food, cookbooks and memorabilia.

10. Party Jamaican style

Everyone has heard of the fabulous all night long parties from the island of Jamaica. Kingston is not only its political, economic and cultural centre, but a real entertainment nest as well.

Jamaica beach

The nightlife is legendary in these parts of the Caribbean archipelago, starting with Friday Night Jam – the open air street party. A popular venue for a fun night out is Peppers disco, but always ask for directions and advice from the hotel staff, to learn about the safest places in Kingston.

Everyone should go to the Caribbean at least once in a lifetime, as the landscapes are unique, the weather is hot and the sands – welcoming. Even though downtown Kingston is not exactly the safest place in the world, a trip to the amazing island of Jamaica is definitely an unforgettable experience. Splendid mountains, white beaches, clear waters and lush natural sanctuaries are just some of the many reasons why Kingston should be your next holiday destination.

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