10 Best Things to Do in Portland, Jamaica

Portland is often described as Jamaica’s most naturally beautiful parish. Located on the island’s northeast coast, this lush region is home to dramatic mountains, sweeping valleys, secluded beaches, hidden waterfalls and winding rivers. Unlike the busier resort towns on the north coast, Portland offers a quieter and more adventurous side of Jamaica. It’s a place where you can hike deep into the Blue Mountains, raft down a historic river, connect with Jamaica’s indigenous people and eat jerk in the place where it was born. If you’re planning a visit, these are the ten best things to do in Portland, Jamaica.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle10 Comments

The 10 Best Restaurants in Portland, Jamaica

Portland, Jamaica is one of the island’s most beautiful destinations. In addition to the lush mountains, majestic waterfalls, quiet beaches, and small coastal communities, the parish also offers some of the most authentic dining experiences in Jamaica. Unlike Kingston and Jamaica’s resort towns, restaurants in Portland often feel personal. Many are family-run, focused on fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional Jamaican cooking. During my travels through Portland, I’ve discovered several restaurants that left a lasting impression and added several more to my never-ending Jamaican bucket list. Whether you’re visiting Port Antonio, Boston Bay, or the hills overlooking the coast, these are the best restaurants to eat in Portland, Jamaica.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle8 Comments

Best Places to Stay in Portland, Jamaica

Tucked away on Jamaica’s lush northeast coast lies Portland, my favourite parish and one of the island’s most beautiful and underrated destinations. Think emerald mountains, rushing rivers, quiet beaches, and some of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the Caribbean. Unlike the large all-inclusive resorts in other parts of Jamaica, Portland and its capital Port Antonio offer a more intimate, authentic travel experience. There’s something in Portland, Jamaica for every budget as accommodations range from affordable campsites and eco-lodges to boutique hotels and luxury resorts. To help you choose, here are some of the best places to stay in Portland, Jamaica if you’re planning a trip, arranged from the most affordable to the most luxurious.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle4 Comments

The 10 Best Restaurants in Kingston, Jamaica

Kingston’s food scene has quietly become one of the most exciting in the Caribbean. From eagerly anticipated annual food festivals to bold Jamaican flavours and international cuisine, Jamaica’s capital city offers a diverse range of dining experiences that appeal to both locals and visitors. If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Kingston, Jamaica, this guide highlights ten standout spots worth visiting where locals actually eat. These restaurants represent a mix of elevated Jamaican cuisine, international favourites and local institutions that keep people coming back. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, looking for authentic jerk, or staying in Kingston and want to experience the city’s vibrant food culture, these are the restaurants you should know.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle14 Comments

Best Things to Do in Kingston, Jamaica (First-Timer Guide 2026)

Kingston is the cultural heartbeat of Jamaica — a city shaped by music, history, sports, food, academia, creativity and business. Unlike resort destinations, Kingston offers a deeper, more authentic travel experience rooted in real local life. Yes it’s noisy, chaotic and a little dirty, but I’m still very much in love with Kingston having lived here for almost all my life. If you’re visiting for the first time, this guide covers the most meaningful things to do in Kingston, from iconic attractions to hidden local gems. Also, check out my Kingston hotel recommendations.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle17 Comments

Best Places to Stay in Kingston, Jamaica

As a proud Kingstonian, I’m happy to see more visitors recognize that Kingston, Jamaica is worth visiting. Kingston is a vibrant, creative city full of culture and home to just over 600,000 inhabitants— but where you stay can completely shape your experience. Whether you want a luxury hillside escape, a boutique stay near nightlife, or a charming bed-and-breakfast, Kingston has something for every budget. Here are the ten best places to stay in Kingston, Jamaica in 2026 if you’re planning a trip, ranked from lowest to highest prices so you can choose a hotel that fits your travel style.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle9 Comments

7 Things to Do in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country

The Cockpit Country is Jamaica’s last true wilderness. With its dramatic limestone hills, thick impenetrable rainforests, numerous caves, sinkholes and vibrant Maroon villages, the Cockpit Country offers a rich mix of nature, history and culture. It’s also Jamaica’s largest mountain range at three times the size of the Blue & John Crow Mountains, measuring 780km2 and spanning five parishes. That being said, the Cockpit Country receives significantly fewer visitors because its karst landscape, high humidity, dense vegetation and limited surface groundwater make it an inhospitable and unforgiving destination. However, those who make the trek are in for a treat as the Cockpit Country is very beautiful and home to a large portion of Jamaica’s biodiversity. For travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, here are seven unforgettable things to do in the Cockpit Country.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle16 Comments

How to Celebrate Reggae Month in Kingston, Jamaica

Every February, Jamaica comes alive with rhythm, history and pure cultural energy as we celebrate Reggae Month. This isn’t just about music — it’s about honoring the legends, the communities, and the global movement that reggae created. If you’ve ever wanted to experience Jamaica beyond the beaches, this is the best time to visit. From Kingston’s musical landmarks to immersive cultural tours, Reggae Month offers travelers a deeper, richer connection to the island. Here’s exactly how to plan the perfect Reggae Month trip — including the best tours, where to stay in Kingston and how to get around.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle6 Comments

A Dreamy Day at the Strawberry Hill Resort

The Jamaican Blue Mountains are my favourite place on Earth– a tranquil highland escape of cool rolling mist, lush greenery, breathtaking views and rich history. Perched high in Jamaica’s Blue Mountains lies the Strawberry Hill Resort— the sort of escape that feels a world away from the bustling city of Kingston, although it’s only 20km away from the city centre. Strawberry Hill is a cozy boutique hotel consisting of white-washed cottages clustered across 26 acres. This mountainside retreat is part of Island Outpost, a collection of luxury Jamaican hotels and villas owned by Chris Blackwell, the former record producer behind Bob Marley’s breakout success. With that said, here’s how my recent day trip to the Strawberry Hill Resort went, and what to expect.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle21 Comments

Nonsuch Falls: Jamaica’s Tallest Waterfall

Tucked away in the quaint rural community of Nonsuch, Portland, lies the tallest waterfall in Jamaica. At 291 feet (89m) from its base, Nonsuch Falls is actually 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls, North America’s most visited waterfall! I’ve delayed my visit to Nonsuch Falls a few times to ensure I’d capture it at peak water volume which only happens just after heavy rains. My wait was rewarded with a memorable adventure earlier this month which far exceeded expectations. With that said, here’s everything you need to know to plan a visit to Nonsuch Falls.

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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle21 Comments