The Best Free Things to Do in Jamaica
Day Note:
For free entertainment the beach is unbeatable. You can also wander around the ruins of the historical pirate city Port Royal or pack a picnic and hike to Hollywell. Rick's Cafe is always great for an evening out with no pressure to spend a dime while enjoying the lovely view, the pool, cliff diving and possibly even a live band.
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Hollywell Recreation Area
Contact:
Location:
- Hardware Gap
Our Local Expert Says:
At the foot of the Blue Mountains, great for hiking, picnics or camping
Description:
Every urban centre needs a place where people can escape from the pressures of metropolitan living. Kingston's hideaway is this park amidst the ridges and peaks of the fabled Blue Mountain Range. Visitors come for the picnic and camping areas, cabin facilities and beautiful trails through lush Jamaican rain forests and mountains. The park offers a panoramic view of Kingston and its environs, and it is a haven for indigenous species of birds. This sanctuary encapsulates the magnificence of the Jamaican mountains and is a must-see for visitors. Call for camp rates.
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Port Royal
Contact:
- +1 876 929 92 (Jamaica Tourist Board)
Location:
- Jamaica Tourist Board
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Visit the ruins of the old town, enjoy freshly cooked fish on the roadside or take a trip across to the beach at Lime Cay
Description:
As the pirate capital of the New World, Port Royal was labeled as "The wickedest city in Christendom." The bustling city sank beneath the waves during the earthquake of 1692, but left enough evidence to tell its story. Silent cannons still keep watch over Fort Charles as they did under the command of Admiral Lord Nelson. Many artifacts have been recovered and are displayed in the Port Royal Archaeological and Historical Museum. Today, tourists flock here to see the remnants of another era, enjoy fine restaurants and buy some souvenirs.
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Independence Park
Contact:
- +1 876 929 497
Location:
- National Stadium
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Popular with joggers. Don your sneakers and go for a walk in this park
Description:
Independence Park is the Mecca for Jamaica's sporting and cultural activities. You'll know you're there when you notice Bob Marley's statue just before turning into the park from Arthur Wint Drive. This is our National Stadium, the island's premier sports center where 36,000 spectators witnessed the qualification of the national football team for the 1998 World Cup. It is where the hoisting of the black, green and gold flag of Jamaica took place on August 6, 1962. A statue of Olympic gold medallist, Donald Quarrie, stands just outside the stadium.
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Blue Mountains
Contact:
Location:
- Blue Mountains
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
For those with stamina, the scenic Blue Mountain hike is the perfect activity
Description:
Challenge yourself with this truly breathtaking hike to Jamaica's highest point. Traverse the undulating and sometimes risqué foot path that leads to the Blue Mountain peak. Starting at Gordon Town and passing through Newcastle, this at times demanding hike takes you deep into the flora of the Blue Mountain with streams gushing from the most unexpected places. The exhilarating feeling of being high up in the clouds and away from civilization makes the burn well worth it. Be sure to arm yourself with the hiking basics and you may just want to overnight at the rustic cabins at Portland Gap before setting off for the peak in time for sunrise. Alternatively, you could try the downhill bicycle ride which involves no pedalling!
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Devon House
Contact:
- +1 876 926 815
- visit website
Location:
- 26 Hope Road
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Map
Our Local Expert Says:
Ice cream in the gardens, popular with lovers and great for the kids
Description:
Replete with old world colonial charm, Devon House is a mansion built by Jamaica's first black millionaire. Devon House features antique furnishings and paintings but its current claim to fame is its gardens which are ever popular with young lovers, its one of a kind ice cream with flavors unique to Devon House, its pastry shop which is also an antique brick oven aptly named The Brick Oven and its restaurants and craft shops. Just about anything you want can be had on the grounds of this beautiful mansion.
