Welcome to Jamaica: A Local’s Guide to the Heart and Soul of the Island - from one of LLI's Directors: Natalie Fagan Brown
As someone who grew up between the lush hills of Clarendon and the bustling streets of Kingston, I know there’s much more to Jamaica than its world-renowned beaches and reggae music. Jamaica is a vibrant mosaic of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re wandering through the cool mountains of the interior or soaking up the sun on the island’s golden coasts, Jamaica offers experiences that go far beyond the typical postcard scenes.
This city is much more than just the business and political centre of Jamaica – it’s the cultural heartbeat
Jamaica’s 14 Parishes: A Patchwork of Diversity
Jamaica’s diverse landscape is divided into 14 parishes, each with its unique offerings:
Kingston and St Andrew: The Pulsing Heart of Jamaica
Moving to Kingston as a teenager was a vibrant change. Kingston, the capital of both Kingston and St. Andrew, is the cultural and commercial hub of Jamaica. It’s here I attended St. Andrew High School for Girls, a place where my world broadened, and I embraced the city’s eclectic energy. Kingston is known for its role in shaping reggae music, the lifeblood of Jamaica. Visit the Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road, the home of the legendary musician. For a glimpse into Jamaica’s political history, Devon House, once the residence of Jamaica’s first black millionaire, George Stiebel, is a must-see.
In the heart of Kingston, you’ll find Emancipation Park, a beautiful green space symbolising our nation’s freedom. Further uptown, the National Gallery showcases Jamaica’s artistic talents, while downtown is buzzing with the local markets, especially Coronation Market. And for adventure seekers, Blue Mountain Peak awaits. Climbing the tallest peak in Jamaica offers a spectacular sunrise, where on clear days, you can glimpse Cuba in the distance.
St. Catherine: Land of Legends
To the northwest of Kingston lies St. Catherine, home to Spanish Town, the island’s former capital. Rich in history, Spanish Town is where the Old King's House and Rodney Memorial stand, showcasing colonial-era architecture. Take a trip to Hellshire Beach for mouthwatering fried fish and bammy, or explore the stunning limestone caves at Caymanas Estate.
St. Thomas: Nature's Retreat
Venturing further east, St. Thomas offers natural treasures like Bath Fountain, another mineral-rich hot spring. St. Thomas’s capital, Morant Bay, is infamous for the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865, a pivotal event in Jamaica’s fight for justice and equality. Don’t miss a drive along the scenic Bath to Port Morant Road, which winds through lush greenery and coffee plantations.
Portland: The Island's Hidden Paradise
Portland, with its capital Port Antonio, is a lush, tropical paradise. This is the birthplace of Jamaican tourism, thanks to movie stars like Errol Flynn who fell in love with its charm. Here, you can explore Frenchman’s Cove, an iconic white-sand beach with turquoise waters, or take a bamboo raft down the Rio Grande. For a more adventurous experience, visit the Blue Lagoon, a mysterious and stunningly deep blue body of water.
St. Mary: Tranquil and Historical
Heading west, you reach St. Mary, a quiet, agricultural parish where banana plantations once dominated. The capital, Port Maria, boasts historical sites like Firefly Estate, the former home of playwright Noël Coward. For a laid-back experience, head to James Bond Beach, where Ian Fleming wrote his famous spy novels.
St. Ann: The Garden Parish
St. Ann, known as the “Garden Parish,” is where you’ll find the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most popular attractions. The capital, St. Ann’s Bay, has deep ties to the island’s history as the birthplace of Marcus Garvey, a national hero. Nearby, Ocho Rios is a thriving tourist town, offering everything from zip-lining through the jungle to luxury shopping at Island Village.
Trelawny: From Sugar to Sprinting
Famous for both its sugar plantations and its contribution to sports, Trelawny is the birthplace of Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt. The capital, Falmouth, is rich in Georgian architecture, and the Martha Brae River offers tranquil rafting through scenic landscapes. History buffs should visit the Greenwood Great House to glimpse colonial-era life.
St. James: Montego Bay's Magic
The parish of St. James is home to Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second capital and a hub for international tourism with its pristine beaches and luxurious resorts. Doctor’s Cave Beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters, while Rose Hall Great House gives visitors a glimpse into Jamaica’s haunted past, with the legend of the "White Witch" haunting its halls.
Hanover: Small but Mighty
Further west lies Hanover, the smallest parish, but one that packs a punch with its capital, Lucea, offering a blend of colonial history and seaside beauty. Nearby, Negril, though shared with Westmoreland, is famed for its Seven Mile Beach and jaw-dropping cliff diving at Rick’s Café.
Westmoreland: Land of Relaxation
The capital of Savanna-la-Mar reflects a quieter side of Jamaica, but Westmoreland is famous for Negril’s laid-back vibe and thrilling sunsets. Visit Roaring River for its natural springs and caves, or explore the nearby Bluefields Beach, perfect for a peaceful day by the sea.
Manchester: Cool, Calm, and Collected
Mandeville, the capital of Manchester, is a cool, misty town located in the island’s interior. Known for its old English charm, it was once a hub for the island’s bauxite industry. Visitors often enjoy golfing at Manchester Golf Club, the oldest in the Caribbean, or visiting the Marshall’s Pen, an 18th-century estate with historical significance.
St. Elizabeth: Jamaica’s Breadbasket
Last but not least, St. Elizabeth is a mix of farmlands and beautiful coastlines. The capital, Black River, offers the Black River Safari, where you can cruise through mangroves and spot crocodiles. Nearby, YS Falls is a stunning natural attraction, perfect for cooling off in its cascading waters.
Clarendon: The Land of Green Hills and Heritage
Clarendon, my first home, is one of Jamaica’s 14 parishes, located near the centre of the island. It’s a place where life moves a little slower, surrounded by rolling hills and sugar cane fields that stretch for miles. While many tourists bypass this region, Clarendon has its hidden gems.