Relaxation is one of the top reasons why visitors come to Montego Bay, and the beautiful beaches here offer the perfect place to indulge in nothing but enjoying the glorious Jamaica weather. The beaches have white sand, clear water and coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling just 300 feet (92 meters) from the shoreline. Order cocktails from the beach bar and have them delivered to your rented lounge chair. The locals operate on “Jamaican time,” which means that service might sometimes be slow but it will always be friendly.
Doctor’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher Beach are the city’s major draws, offering calm water and white sand.
For adventure, try wave running, jet skiing and scuba diving, all of which can be done at the city’s main beaches. Aquasol Theme Park also offers a range of watersports, plus go-kart racing and tennis, making it an ideal place for families. Elsewhere, local crafts markets and grand colonial architecture provide a glimpse of Jamaican culture, both past and present.
Jamaica became a British colony in 1655, and slavery was introduced on sugar plantations soon after. At Rose Hall Great House you’ll get a glimpse of Montego Bay’s part in the country’s history of slavery. The plantation house was built in the 1770s and one of its former residents, Annie Palmer, referred to as the White Witch of Rose Hall, is said to haunt the home still.
Explore Sam Sharpe Square, the heart of the city. A bronze monument commemorates Sam Sharpe, the 19th-century Baptist minister who led a major rebellion that contributed to the end of slavery in the area. Today, he is considered a national hero. The cobblestone square is full of beautiful colonial architecture and is great for people-watching.
Restaurants and cafés line the major downtown thoroughfares of St. James Street and Market streets. Enjoy seafood brought fresh from the nearby Caribbean Sea, or try a dish seasoned with jerk spice, a Jamaican speciality.
Montego Bay is a quaint city on the Caribbean Sea, about three hours by car from Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. Pristine beaches, friendly locals and a rich culture make it a popular, family-friendly destination year-round.
Montego Bay
![Doctor\'s Cave Beach which includes a beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/109000/109950-Montego-Bay.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Where to stay in Montego Bay
![AquaSol Theme Park featuring outdoor art](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/60000/60425-Aquasol-Theme-Park.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Hip Strip
Hip Strip is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Doctor's Cave Beach and Jamaica Beaches, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Montego Bay.
![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Mango Walk
Though Mango Walk might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Doctor's Cave Beach and Dead End Beach.
![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Catherine Hall
Catherine Hall might not have many top sights, but Saint James Parish Church and Montego Bay Marine Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
![Beautiful aerial view of Montego Bay with a cruise ship in port. We stayed at the couples only, all-inclusive Couples Ocho Rios resort for 3 days and this was on our way to 4 days at the Couples Negril resort. I highly recommend both of the resorts.](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/d49bb3eff278012181b26d6714b40e47.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Coral Gardens
While there might not be top attractions in Coral Gardens, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Saint James Parish Church and Montego Bay Marine Park.
![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Albion
While Albion isn't home to many top sights, Saint James Parish Church and Montego Bay Marine Park are some notable places to visit nearby.
![Early morning in Montego Bay. All is calm](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/f6f95adc24ae2a91b5edf2eb251b32a3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Northern Estates
While there might not be top attractions in Northern Estates, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Rose Hall Great House and Greenwood Great House.
![Riu Montego Bay - Adults Only - All Inclusive](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2070000/2062100/2062016/f5561c29_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul. 26, 2024
![SeaGarden Beach Resort - All Inclusive](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/8000000/7620000/7615700/7615695/62686c5e_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul. 26, 2024
![Hilton Rose Hall an All-Inclusive Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/19600/19588/efb581bc_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul. 25, 2024
![Lawrence Pool House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/34000000/33140000/33137400/33137351/074e5a50_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul. 19, 2024
![Montego Bay Club Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/20000000/19820000/19810200/19810174/38c6a700_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Mar. 8, 2024
![Montego Bay Club Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/98000000/97210000/97201100/97201059/9ae81172_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jun. 28, 2024
Popular places to visit
Rose Hall Great House
Tour this grand English-style manor and former plantation, and discover its eerie history.
Doctor's Cave Beach
White sand, bright blue water and a nearby bar make this beach the perfect spot for a relaxing in the beautiful Jamaican weather.
Montego Bay Cruise Ship Terminal
Explore the waterfront in Montego Bay with a trip to Montego Bay Cruise Ship Terminal. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the local tours.
Sam Sharpe Square
This bustling central square with quaint cobblestone streets offers history and colorful Georgian architecture.
Sunset Beach Resort Au Natural Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sunset Beach Resort Au Natural Beach during your trip to Montego Bay? Stroll along the seaside or discover the beautiful waterfalls in this relaxing area.
Montego Bay Convention Centre
Learn about the events happening at Montego Bay Convention Centre during your trip to Montego Bay. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the golf courses.
Things to do
Dunn's River Falls & Ocho Rios Tour
New Options for Clear Kayak Drone PhotoShoot & Video, Montego Bay
Jet Ski and/or Parasailing Activity, Montego Bay
Margaritaville and Great River Rafting with Limestone Massage
Other places like Montego Bay
- Rose Hall Great House
- Doctor's Cave Beach
- Montego Bay Cruise Ship Terminal
- Montego Bay Convention Centre
- Montego Bay Marine Park
- Blue Diamond Shopping Centre
- Saint James Parish Church
- Half Moon Golf Course
- Westgate Shopping Centre
- Dead End Beach
- Cinnamon Hill Golf Course
- White Witch of Rose Hall Golf Course
- Sam Sharpe Square
- Cornwall Regional Hospital
- SuperClubs Ironshore Golf and Country Club
- White Witch Golf Club
- Fairview Shopping Center
- Three Palms Ocean Course
- Aquasol Beach Park
- Rocklands Bird Sanctuary
- Church Street
- Walter Fletcher Beach