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Jamaican Road Trips
5 Scenic Drives in Jamaica

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holland_bamboo_st_elizabethJamaican Road Trips | Holland Bamboo

By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

With winding roads that lead to hidden waterfalls, secluded beaches, and charming towns, a road trip in Jamaica promises to be an unforgettable journey.

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5 Scenic Road Trip Drives in Jamaica

Kingston to St. Elizabeth (Treasure Beach)

From the vibrant capital city of Kingston to the eco-friendly seaside town of Treasure Beach; its seaside travels along Jamaica's rough southern coast. You pass through several tiny towns and hopscotch across five parishes on this journey. Don't miss Mandeville, a colonial town with some cooler temperatures and Georgian buildings from the 18th century.

Continue to Lover's Leap restaurant in St. Elizabeth, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of Jamaica from its dizzying 1700-foot elevation, after crossing into another parish. Continue on down to Treasure Beach, a tranquil haven renowned for its farm-to-table culture and close-knit community that is located right on Jamaica's southern shoreline. Plan your journey to coincide with the Hawksbill sea turtles' annual hatching season, which runs from August through October so you can witness the wonder of these creatures returning to the sea in large groups.

St. Elizabeth to Westmoreland- Treasure Beach to Negril

This road trip's attractiveness lies in the fact that it travels through some of Jamaica's most pristine terrain. Drive through the charming Bamboo Avenue, a 4 km (2.5 mi) stretch of bamboo canopy creating an elegant arch on both sides of the road. For fried fish and peppered prawns, make a pit stop in the Middle Quarters neighbourhood. Continue from there to Border for the much sought-after bammy and escoveitched fish. After that tasty pause, it's on to Bluefields, a small town in Westmoreland parish with one of the finest public beaches you can find.

Ocho Rios to Port Antonio

Visit the parish of Portland, the capital of which is Port Antonio, to experience the more salubrious side of Jamaica. As you leave Ocho Rios, the busy tourist district behind, the journey becomes more leisurely as it meanders through charmingly understated coastal communities. Along the route, make sure to stop at places like GoldenEye, the former residence of the James Bond author Ian Fleming, and Firefly, where playwright Noel Coward not only vacationed but also produced some of his best-known works.

Kingston to Port Antonio

You've got the passport to some of Jamaica's most breathtaking scenery on this road journey. You will pass through several quaint towns and communities, such as Bath, Buff Bay, and Port Antonio, as you travel through the Blue Mountains, which provide mind-blowing views of the island. You can make pit stops at several attractions along the route, including the Blue Lagoon, Rio Grande, and Reach Falls.

Montego Bay to Negril

There are no wrong turns on this road trip. As you travel along the coast, you will witness beautiful white sandy beaches, your entire journey. Starting from the city of Montego Bay you will head to the quaint town of Lucea where you can make a quick diversion to visit the Lucea Old Fort; walk through the ruins and get an amazing view. From there to Negril you can spend some time on the seven-mile beach, visit the Negril lighthouse and make your final stop at the Ricks Cafe for the most arresting view of the sunset.

Tips for going on a road trip in Jamaica

  1. Be prepared for driving on the left side of the road - Jamaica follows British-style driving, so make sure you're comfortable driving on the left side of the road. Also, remember to rent a vehicle with a manual transmission, which will be much easier to operate if you are new to driving on the left side of the road.

  2. Plan your route beforehand - Jamaica is a relatively small island, but some roads can be winding and can slow you down; plan your itinerary carefully to avoid spending too much time in transit.

  3. Respect traffic rules - Jamaica has its own set of traffic rules, and you should follow them carefully to avoid any penalties or accidents. Some important tips include always having your driver’s license and vehicle insurance and registration documents with you.

  4. Bring plenty of water and snacks - Jamaica can get hot and humid, so staying hydrated and fueled up with snacks during your road trip is essential. While you will have access to many street food vendors on your journey, if it is a long road trip you might pass through areas with no food or snack shops in sight, so be prepared, just in case.

  5. Take your time - Jamaica is a laid-back country, and rushing through your road trip might mean missing out on some of the island's hidden gems. Take your time, stop at local villages and interact with locals, and you'll have an even more rewarding experience.

  6. Bring a map and prepare to ask for help. While you may connect to Google Maps, despite technology, the best way to navigate and not get lost is to have a good old-fashioned map on hand. You never know when you might lose cellular reception, plus it might make the journey a little more exciting, don’t you think? Even then you will most likely need the assistance of strangers on the road and they are always eager to help.

  7. Secure your belongings - Jamaica is generally a safe country, but some pockets are not as safe as we would love, therefore, it is always a good idea to keep your valuables locked away in the trunk of your car or out of sight inside the vehicle. For example, never exit your vehicle, leaving a handbag, purse, phone, wallet or anything of major value on your front seat or anywhere they might be visible from the outside looking in. While the chances of your vehicle getting broken into are slim it is better to take the necessary precautions. Keep your doors locked and never splash too much cash.

  8. Plan ahead for any specific activities - Jamaica is chock-full of activities, from hiking to swimming and more. Plan ahead and let the best ones you find determine where you start and end your road trip.

Whether you’re cruising along the coast, navigating the winding mountain roads, or exploring the historic towns, Jamaican road trips offer endless opportunities for adventure and discovery.

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References & Sources For Jamaican Road Trips

  1. McLeod, D. (n.d.). Best road trips in Jamaica. Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-road-trips-in-jamaica
  2. 5 scenic drives in Jamaica. (n.d.). 5 Scenic Drives in Jamaica. https://www.jamaicaexperiences.com/blogs/details/article/5-scenic-drives-in-jamaica
  3. Discover best road trips in Jamaica | ViaBoo. (n.d.). Discover Best Road Trips in Jamaica | ViaBoo. https://viaboo.com/roadtrips/Middle_America/Jamaica

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