365 Days of Things to See, Do & Eat in Jamaica

As a New Year approaches, I wonder how many Jamaicans and regular visitors to Jamaica know about this 365 days of Jamaica list. Published by jamaicans.com four years ago, this list gives you one new activity to do in Jamaica for every day of the year. Several are duplicates which is unfortunate because there are that many activities to do in Jamaica. Some would require months or even years of saving to make them possible and as a Jamaican, some are hilarious such as have Christmas dinner with a Jamaican family (the audience was perhaps intended to be foreign). Also, some of the places or activities listed are no longer available. That being said, I discovered this list about two years ago and it has become a master bucket list for me. Thus, for 2020 I gave publishing my own bucket lists a rest and instead published this list I’m most fond of. It has been reworded for clarity and duplicates plus activities no longer available have been removed, making this count less than 365 activities. At the time of publishing this piece, I’ve only completed 26% (86) of its activities. Let’s see 2020 takes me.

Where to Visit

View this post on Instagram

Still not brave enough to stand in the middle of the bamboo walk for an Instagram worthy picture, but this'll do. #observejamaica #visitjamaica #capturejamaica #drylandtourist

A post shared by Rochelle Knight (@rochelleknight_) on Dec 19, 2019 at 10:55pm PST

1. Take a Ride Down Holland Bamboo Avenue
2.  Visit the Birthplace of Poet Claude McKay
3. See the Restored Persian Water Wheel in Falmouth
4. See the Royal Accommodations at DeMontevin Lodge
5. Don’t Miss a Chance to Tour Kingston

   

6. Retreat into the Grand Ridge View and Bamboo Grove Campsites
7. Visit the Bay View Spa
8. Whistle Up Some Relaxation at Whistling Bird
9. Visit The Village of Bath

   

10. Travel Through History at the Outameni Experience
11. Feed Hummingbirds at Rockland Bird Sanctuary
12. Have a Seafood Feast at Hellshire Beach
13. Visit the Village of St. George
14. Get Relaxed at Shan Shy Fishing Beach
15. Head Over to the Hanover Museum
16. See the World War II Refuge: Gibraltar Camp
17. Visit the Bank of Jamaica’s Money Museum
18. Encounter Ghosts at the Edinburgh Castle
19. Trace the Steps of Pirates Mary Read and Anne Bonny
20. Visit Ward Theatre, an Icon of Jamaican Culture
21. See What’s Left of the Bog Walk Tube
22. Learn More about Marcus Garvey with a Visit to Liberty Hall
23. Go to Stony Gut
24. Refresh at the Rockfort Spa

    

25. Stop at Our Lady of Perpetual Help
26. Learn More: Marcus Garvey Reading Room
27. Visit 32 Market Street in St. Ann’s Bay
28. Party at Skyline Drive
29. Enjoy the Street Art on Fleet Street
30. See the Sites in Salem, Westmoreland
31. Family Fun at Fort Clarence Beach
32. Seaford Town: A Post-Slavery European Creation
33. Pay Your Respects to Nanny of the Windward Maroons
34. Play at Plumb Point Lighthouse
35. Make a Trip to Maidstone
36. Follow the Steps of Colonials on the Flat Bridge
37. Bridge the Gap: Spanish Town’s Historic Cast Iron Bridge
38. Take Part in the Taino Heritage Camp
39. Visit the Portland Bight Protected Area
40. Check Out Colbeck Castle
41. See Some History at Old Harbor Bay
42. Pay Your Respects at the Rio Nuevo Battle Site
43. Take a Stroll through Cinchona Botanical Garden
44. Take a Tour of Mico College
45. Take the High Road & visit Lime Tree Farm

    

46. Take a Dip at Frenchman’s Cove
47. Retreat to the Swift River
48. Visit the Goat Islands
49. Learn Something at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus
50. Take A Tour of Independence Park
51. See an Artifact of the Sugar Era: Drax Hall Waterwheel
52. Jamaica’s Industrial Past: The Kenilworth Ruins
53. Get Educated on a Visit to Jamaica College
54. Make It Legal: Visit Savanna-la-mar Court House
55. Sail Over to Pedro Bank
56. All In for the Alhambra Inn and Restaurant
57. Honor Jamaica’s Heritage at the Greenvale Railway Station
58. Enjoy an Eco-Tour at Highland Estate
59. Culture and Creativity beyond Reggae at the Sam Sharpe Square’s Montego Bay Cultural Center

    

60. “Heal Thyself” at Doctor’s Cave Bathing Club
61. Discover the Great House at Annandale Estate
62. Check Out the Crossroads of Jamaica at Half-Way Tree
63. Not so Gruesome Bloody Bay
64. Check Out the Geddes Estate
65. See the Training Ground of the Jamaican Defense Force
66. Don’t Miss William Grant Park in Kingston
67. Wade in the Waters at Walter Fletcher Beach
68. Travel to Trident Castle
69. Make a Trek through Abeokuta Paradise Nature Park
70. Bamboo River Rafting on the Martha Brae River
71. See Pictographs at Mountain River Cave
72. Refresh Yourself at the Bowden Hill Waterfall

    

73. Get to Know Konoko Falls
74. Take Your Time at Kwame Falls
75. Experience the Music of Reggae Falls
76. Enjoy the 14 Cascading Waters of Turtle River Falls
77. See the Secrets of Scatter Falls
78. Make Your Way to Mahoe Falls
79. Visit the Hidden Gem that Is Cane River Falls
80. Take a Trip to Tacky Falls

    

81. Good Hope Estate Park for Thrill Seekers
82. Jamaica Dunn’s River Falls: Cruise Tours with Snorkeling
83. Hike in to Nanny Falls and Its Legendary Healing Waters
84. Swim, Play, and Eat at Cosmo’s in Negril
85. Take a Drive through the Blue Mountains
86. Soak It Up at Bubbling Spring Mineral Bath
87. Follow the Maroon Trail “Cunha Cunha Pass”
88. Meet the Crocodiles in the Black River

    

89. Make a Splash at Makka Beach
90. Travel to Tapioca Village for Some Real Relaxation
91. Do Some “Wastin’ Away” in Margaritaville
92. Enjoy Falmouth by Trolley
93. Get Inspired at Port Antonio’s Carriacou Gallery
94. Go birdwatching.
95. Cave Exploration in Trelawny
96. Outback Adventure at Prospect Plantation
97. Cabarita River, Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica
98. Visit Hanover’s Animal Farm & Nature Reserve
99. Hike the Little Dunn’s River Trail
100.  The Legend (and Reality) of Folly Ruins
101. Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden
102. Jamaica’s Best Hideout: the Green Grotto Caves

     

103. Explore Jamaica’s Colonial History at Columbus Park
104. Visit Columbus’ First Landing Spot at Puerto Seco Beach
105. Speed at Kool Runnings Water Park
106. Climb Dunn’s River Falls
107. Dive into Port Royal
108. The Gardens of Somerset Falls
109. Check Out the Windsor Caves
110. See the Heart of Sugar-Producing Jamaica at Petersfield
111. Reaching for Reach Falls

     

112. Bamboo Rafting on the Rio Grande River
113. Rose Hall in Montego Bay
114. Ride Through St. Ann in Style: Chukka Cove
115. Mammee Bay Beach
116. Have a Luminous Experience at Glistening Waters
117. Take on the Waters at Bath Springs
118. Visit Navy Island in Port Antonio
119. Silver Sands Beach
120. Go Wild at Mayfield Falls
121. Treasure Beach
122. The Coyaba River Garden and Museum
123. Rick’s Cafe in Negril

     

124. Visit the Lighthouse in Negril
125. Negril Seven Mile Beach
126. The Dome at Jackies on the Reef
127. Enjoy Nature at Zimbali in Westmoreland
128. Tour Animal Farm & Nature Reserve
129. Hope for Endangered Animals at Hope Zoo
130. Paintball Fun at Paintball Jamaica
131. Boat In to Lime Cay
132. Don’t Miss Dub Club: The Best Party in Kingston
133. Turn the Clock Back at Seville Heritage Park

     

134. A Learning Experience: The Institute of Jamaica
135. Savor the Aroma: Mavis Bank Coffee Factory
136. Pal around the Royal Palms Nature Reserve
137. See the Guns of Fort Haldane
138. Stand Up in the Giddy House
139. Check out the Wonders of Lovers Leap
140. Hats Off to the Heroes: National Heroes Park
141. Find Your Thrill at Strawberry Hill
142. Sail to Floyd’s Pelican Bar

     

143. Hike Up Heron Hill
144. Revitalize at the Blue Hole Mineral Spring
145. Tune Up Your Soul at the Trenchtown Reading Center
146. Get in Touch with Reggae’s Heritage & Where Bob Marley grew up
147. Cruise the Cockpit Country
148. Muy Bueno! The Rio Bueno Seaside Village
149. Enjoy a Piece of Paradise (Abeokuta Paradise Nature Park)
150. Wander the Island Wild through Fern Gully
151. Wile Away the Time at Water Square
152. Repent Like a Pirate in St. Peter’s Church
153. See the Bubbling Springs at Firewater Pond
154. Explore the Lighthouse at Morant Point
155. Make a Visit to Mandeville
156. Appreciate Art at the National Gallery of Jamaica
157. Stop and Smell the Flowers: Cranbrook Flower Forest
158. Spend the Day in Harmony at Harmony Hall.
159. Pay Your Respects to William Knibb
160. Experience Falmouth’s Heritage
161. Get Bullish about Bull Bay’s Bobo Camp
162. Take in an Exhibit at National Art Gallery West
163. Enjoy Peace and Quiet at Holywell Park

     

164. Don’t Miss Alligator Pond
165. Take a Tour of Malvern
166. Visit River Bumpkin Farm
167. Go Underground at Cave Valley
168. Visit Firefly House, Home of Noel Coward
169. Check Out Lacovia
170. Visit the New Burwood Beach
171. Winnifred Beach
172. Turtle Beach
173. Mallards Beach
174. Steer Town Beach
175. Time Travel at Bellefield Great House & Gardens
176. Take a Drive from Treasure Beach to Black River
177. Cornwall Beach
178. Boston Bay Beach

     

53/178

Where to Stay

1. Make a Move to Mangos Jamaica
2. Enjoy a Stay at Melia Braco Village Jamaica
3. Give In to Hedonism II
4. Get Away From It All: Sunset at the Palms
5. Have a Holiday in Paradise at Jewel Paradise Cove
6. Drive Like a Reggae Legend at Geejam
7. Everything Eco at Zion Country Eco Beach Cabins
8. Live the Lushness at Strawberry Fields Together
9. Make a Splash at Jewel Lagoon Water Park
10. Escape to the Rustic Bloomfield Guest House and Banquet Hall
11. Avoid The Crowded Resorts With A Stay At The Blue House
12. Take the Family to Half Moon Resort
13. An All-Inclusive Sun Spot: Sunscape Cove
14. Spend a Family Day at Franklyn D Resort and Spa
15. Stay in Your Own Private Caribbean Cove at Tensing Pen Resort
16. Enjoy an All-Inclusive Stay at the Jewel of Runaway Bay Resort
17. Check In to Hand-Crafted Hermosa Cove
18. Sleep on the Cliffs of Negril
19. Enjoy the View from the Laughing Treehouse
20. Rustic and Luxurious Living at Great Huts
21. Life Is Better in a Beach Hut
22. Stay on the Cliffs at the Rockhouse Hotel
23. Samsara Resort: Small and Quiet with Ocean Views
24. Sleep in a treehouse in the Rainforest at Kanopi House
25. Take Your Sweetheart to Couples Tower Isle

0/25

What to Do

1. Horseback Ride from Ocho Rios or Runaway Bay
2. Take an ATV Ride from Negril to Sandy Bay
3. Participate in a Community Walk-About
4. Hike through Rasta Country
5. Spend a Saturday at the Races
6. Tube the Good River
7. Board the River
8. Take a Trip in a Glass-Bottom Boat
9. Don’t Miss the Mento
10. Slip on the Snorkel in Negril
11. Splurge on a Spa Treatment at Fern Tree Spa
12. Watch a Game of Cricket at Sabina Park
13. Shop at the Gallery of West Indian Art
14. Visit Half Way Tree to Watch a Sporting Event
15. Get Some Exercise with a View
16. Take a Tour of a Bauxite Mine
17. Have a Birding Adventure in Mandeville at Marshall’s Pen
18. Birdwatching at Orange River Ranch
19. Consider a Catamaran Cruise
20.  Experience the Thrill of Deep Sea Sport Fishing
21. Do Some Shopping at the Craft Market
22. Ride High with Kiteboarding
23. Downhill Bike Tour in the Blue Mountains
24. Don’t Leave Jamaica without souvenirs
25. Play a Few Holes at the Manchester Country Club
26. Jamaica Whitewater Expedition
27. Play a Game of Ludo
28. Play Dominoes with Jamaicans

    

29. Learn the Links at Cinnamon Hill Golf Course
30. Take a Ride on the Zion Bus Line
31. Sample the Surfing at Jamnesia
32. Go on an Adventure with South Coast Off-Road Safari
33. Get Down to the Roots at Inna De Yard
34. Volunteer Your Time and Help a Community
35. Go Coasting: Chukka Ocean Safari
36. Horses and History on the Heritage Beach Horse Ride
37. Go for the Big Ones: Deep Sea Fishing
38. Take to the Air with Parasailing
39. Get the Diving Experience without Diving (Glass bottom boat)
40. Tour Prospect Plantation: by Jitney and Camel
41. All Aboard for an ATV Adventure
42. Meet CHAMPS in Kingston
43. Check the Vibe at a Rastafari Village
44. Clear Your Head at Mystic Mountain
45. Spend a Saturday at the Brownstown Market
46. Visit a Jamaican EDM Festival
47. Get Rid of Your Blues with Jazz and Martinis
48. Go Rafting on the White River
49. Bring Out Your Inner James Bond
50. Play Golf on the Rose Hall Estate
51. Dance the Night Away
52. Feel the Music at Rebel Salute
53. Go Fishing

6/53

Food & Drink

1. Have a Bite at Lillian’s Restaurant
2. Celebrate Bussu in Swift River
3. Have Lobster at Cynthia’s
4. Sip Some Sorrel: Jamaica’s Traditional Christmas Beverage
5. Have a Slice of Jamaican Christmas Cake
6. Get Some Jerk
7. Live It Up at the Houseboat Grill
8. Stop For Fresh Fruit at the Sun Valley Plantation
9. Take Some Recreation at Redbones Blues Café
10. Give In to Your Tastebuds with the Seafood Market in St. James
11. Take Your Taste Buds on a History Tour through Falmouth & St. Ann
12. Dine on Lobsters at Booby Cay Island
13. The Zimbali Retreat’s Five-Course Farm-to-Table Meal
14. Go for the Crayfish at Soldier Camp
15. Celebrate Italian-Jamaican Fusion Cuisine
16. Join in the Jamaican Food and Drink Festival
17. Expand Your Dining Horizons with Jamaican Chinese Food
18. Savor Soursop Juice
19. Beverages at the Bar: Bamboo Blu in Mammee Bay
20. Relax at Ribbiz Ultra Lounge
21. The Best Thing on the Island: Fresh Fruit
    

    Sweetcups (pretty sure these have another name in other countries)

    

    Local grown peaches!

    

    Cheeseberries
22. Glory Be to the Gizzada
23. The Pleasure of Plantains
24. Grab a Plate of Rice and Peas, Please
25. Enjoy Belinda’s on the Rio Grande
26. Enjoy the Bounty of the Caribbean Sea with Escovitche
27. Try Jamaica’s Tasty Alternative to Spinach
28. Jumping for Joy over the Jamaican Patty

    

29. Required for Visitors: Partake of Jamaica’s National Dish
30. Find the Flavors of Jamaica in Great House Style
31. Have Brunch at the Boon Hall Oasis
32. Just Stop By Just Natural in Negril
33. Try the Fancy Seafood Bar and Grill in Ocho Rios
34. Try Some Jamaican Street Food

    

35. Start Your Day the Jamaican Way with a local breakfast
36. Get Your Fast Food Here (patties, Island Grill etc.)
37. Enjoy a Surfer’s Paradise at Longboarder’s Bar & Grill
38. Experience the Seahorse Grill
39. Do the Crop-to-Table Tour at Stush in the Bush Organic Farm
40. Have Drinks at the Montego Bay Yacht Club
41. The Ultimate Spicy Food Challenge: Peppered Shrimp

    

42. Rum on the Appleton Estate
43. Enjoy a Meal In Little Ochi
44. Dives and Deals: Jerk Chicken at Three Dives Jerk Center
45. The Real Deal: Conch Chowder at Dor’s Fish Pot
46. Jerk at the Pushcart Restaurant and Rum Bar
47. Love Your Lunch: Eat at Ibo Spice
48. Coronation Market: The Stomach of Jamaica
49. Rockhouse Restaurant
50. Something Good: The Historic Sugar Mill Restaurant
51. The Taste of Tradition at Scotchies in Montego Bay
52. Seafood and Sunsets on Pier 1
53. Get the “Run Down” and Try Some Run Down
54. X Marks the Spot: Xtabi at West End
55. Eat Bun and Cheese: An Easter Tradition
56. Dine at Sharkies
57. Sky Beach Bar and Seafood Grill
58. Savor a Chocolate Feast at Mount Pleasant Farm
59. The Pudding Man: Eat a Perfect Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
60. Eat Ice Cream at Devon House
61. Drink Coffee and Hike in Blue Mountains National Park
62. Have Dinner in a Cave
63. Enjoy Fine Dining at Jamaica Inn

24/64

Seasonal Experiences

Photo by Adrienne Andersen on Pexels.com

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

Photo by Adrienne Andersen on Pexels.com

1. Celebrate Bob Marley’s Birthday in February
2. Spend the Second Sunday in July at the Seafood Carnival
3. Spend Christmas Day with a Jamaican Family
4. Visit the Christmas Eve Grand Market
5. Attend a Christmas Concert
6. Munchies at the Montego Bay Jerk Festival
7. Savor the Joy of Jerk at the Portland Jerk Festival
8. Get Edgy: Kingston’s Edge Urban Art Festival
9. Listen to Stories at the Calabash Literary Festival
10. Taste the Legacy of India at the Westmoreland Curry Festival
11. Celebrate Carnival in Jamaica
12. Accompong Maroon Festival
13. Experience A Jamaican New Year’s Day

3/13

Done: 86/333=26%

Wrap Up

As mentioned in the introduction, this list is not my original work; it is taken from jamaicans.com but has been edited for clarity, practicality and currency. It’s a list I’ve been fond of for several years and I hope you were already aware it existed. Regardless, I trust you’ll find this format easier to follow. Best wishes for this holiday season and look out for my 2019 recap in two days. Thanks for your support this year. ❤ ✌🏽

Until the next post, keep up with Elle on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

View this post on Instagram

Bamboo is flexible, bending with the wind but never breaking, capable of adapting to any circumstance. I'd like to think we have that in common. #2020vision #bamboo #lessonsfromnature #jamaica

A post shared by Rochelle Knight (@rochelleknight_) on Dec 22, 2019 at 11:01am PST