Top 7 Scenic Road Trips in Jamaica

It’s well-known that Jamaica boasts stunning white sand beaches and captivating apricot sunsets. However, many travelers overlook the island's charm for road trips.

Whether you're seeking breathtaking mountain vistas, coastal drives, or a journey through charming neighborhoods, this largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean can be explored at a leisurely pace by car in about a week. Here are our favorite driving routes in Jamaica.

1. Falmouth

Top Historical Road Trip Montego Bay to Falmouth, Trelawny; 34km (21 miles)

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Falmouth is essential. A quick 45-minute drive from Jamaica’s second-largest city, Montego Bay, will lead you to one of the Caribbean's best-preserved Georgian towns, accessible via a well-maintained two-way highway for most of the route.

Much of Falmouth's 18th-century Georgian architecture has withstood the test of time. Drive through the historic district along Market St, stop by St Peter’s Anglican Church, and check out the former post office, a striking yellow building dating back to 1832.

Detour: Just outside Falmouth lies Glistening Waters (locally known as Luminous Lagoon), where bioluminescent organisms illuminate the water in a mesmerizing neon blue. Head there and book a night tour to witness one of nature’s rare and enchanting phenomena.

2. Negril Sand and Sunset Excursion

Top Romantic Road Trip Montego Bay to Negril; 80km (50 miles)

Featuring four miles of stunning white sand beach (despite its name), along with breathtaking sunsets, Negril is truly the ultimate romantic getaway. Located about an hour and a half from Montego Bay, the roads are smooth and well-kept, thanks to the town’s popularity among tourists.

Negril retains a relaxed vibe, with tree-lined streets, local eateries, and charming boutique hotels. Continue to the West End area for breathtaking limestone cliffs, where you can watch thrill-seekers leap into the clear blue waters of the Caribbean.

Next, head to the far western tip of Jamaica to see the striking white Negril Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1894.

Both the cliffs and the lighthouse offer stunning sunset views, and Negril is frequently hailed as one of the best places globally to witness the sun setting.

Arrive early at the multi-tiered cliffs of Rick’s Cafe—one of the premier sunset viewing spots—because it fills up quickly.

Detour: Stop by Barney's Flower & Hummingbird Garden to enjoy a variety of exotic plants and flowers. This garden is also home to the unique Jamaican swallowtail hummingbird.

3. South Coast Treasure Beach

Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Trip Kingston to Treasure Beach; 138km (86 miles)

Journey along the rugged southern coast of Jamaica from the vibrant capital city of Kingston to the eco-conscious beach destination of Treasure Beach. This route takes you through numerous small communities and spans five parishes.

In contrast to the north coast, the roads here are less developed and feature potholes of varying sizes—some large enough to swallow a small vehicle—so proceed with caution.

Take a break in Mandeville, where cooler temperatures and 18th-century Georgian architecture await. Be sure to visit the historic courthouse as well.

As you cross into another parish, head to the Lover’s Leap restaurant in St Elizabeth. Perched at a breathtaking 518m (1700ft), it provides stunning panoramic views of Jamaica. This spot is also steeped in Jamaican folklore, telling the tale of star-crossed lovers who leapt from the cliffs to escape their captors.

Continue your journey to Treasure Beach, a tranquil retreat located on Jamaica’s southern shore, celebrated for its farm-to-table culture and close-knit community.

Even though Treasure Beach is right by the ocean, be cautious of the waves due to the presence of rip tides. Always follow the “no swimming” signs and advice, even if the water appears shallow.

Cool off at YS Falls, one of Jamaica’s premier natural wonders, located about an hour north of Treasure Beach. This seven-tiered waterfall cascades into natural swimming pools, enveloped by lush greenery and towering trees.

Planning Tip: Time your visit to coincide with the annual turtle-hatching season (mostly from August to October) to witness hawkbill sea turtles returning to the sea in large numbers.

Excited to visit Jamaica? Discover the best times to plan your trip with our seasonal guide

4. Journey from Ocho Rios to Port Antonio

Best road trip for stunning beach views Ocho Rios – Port Antonio; 102km (63 miles)

This route emphasizes the beach experience, guiding you along the coastline from the bustling Ocho Rios to the pristine shores of Port Antonio. Leave the tourist hustle behind and follow the scenic road that curves alongside the ocean.

Follow the A3 road through St Mary Parish, then switch to the A4 road, which will take you towards Annotto Bay and eventually lead you to Port Antonio.

This is one of the more leisurely drives in Jamaica. The road is paved but features a few potholes, winding through small coastal communities and gradually ascending the scenic hills of St Mary.

As you pass through the tranquil village of Oracabessa, keep an eye out for the renowned Goldeneye Hotel, once the residence of author Ian Fleming and the birthplace of his iconic character, James Bond.

The drive leads down into Port Maria, where you'll encounter banana plantations and briefly traverse the inland mountains before returning to the coast at the A4 road exit.

The A4 road from St Mary takes you directly to Port Antonio in Portland parish, following the northeast coastline. You'll pass through Annotto Bay and Buff Bay, the first major towns in Portland, before continuing eastward.

Arriving in Port Antonio, you'll find a charming and unspoiled seaside town. Enjoy a meal at the marina and savor a Jamaican Red Stripe beer while listening to the gentle waves at Trident Castle.

Detour: While Goldeneye is stunning, Firefly boasts the finest view in all of Jamaica. Make a stop at this national heritage site, once home to English playwright Noel Coward. The expansive vistas overlooking the Spanish Main and the historic pirate lookout offer a breathtaking experience that’s truly worth your time.

5. Papine to Newcastle

Best road trip for scenic delights Papine, Kingston–Newcastle; 23km (14 miles)

This enriching one-hour journey to Newcastle winds through the UNESCO-listed Blue and John Crow Mountains, yet it remains a hidden gem for both locals and tourists. Once a British Army military outpost, Newcastle now serves as a training center for the Jamaica Defense Force.

To reach it, follow the route from Kingston to Papine, then proceed to the tranquil yet delightful village of Irish Town before continuing along the main road.

Make sure to stop along the way to capture stunning photos of the enchanting ridgelines or to sample some famous Blue Mountain coffee at places like Cafe Blue or Mavis Bank Coffee. This journey is an excellent way to spend your day.

While you might start your journey from Papine in light summer attire, be prepared for Newcastle's cooler and misty weather, so don’t forget to pack a jacket.

Detour: Bring a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic at Holywell National Park in the Blue Mountains. This park lies on your way to Newcastle and provides expansive views of Jamaica's stunning landscape. There are cabins available for rent if you wish to stay overnight, and guided hikes to a waterfall are also offered.

Traveling with family? Check out the best activities for kids in Jamaica

6. Journey from Treasure Beach to Negril

Best road trip for rugged scenery Treasure Beach–Negril; 99km (61.5 miles)

This road trip showcases some of Jamaica’s most pristine landscapes. Here, lush vegetation thrives, and the harmonious sounds of wildlife mingle with the local community's life.

Look for crocodiles in the Black River and cruise through the scenic Bamboo Avenue—a 4km (2.5-mile) stretch where bamboo trees create a beautiful archway along both sides of the road.

Bamboo Avenue has a few potholes scattered along the way. Exercise caution while driving, as the shadows cast by the bamboo can make these potholes less visible. Consider stopping in the Border community to grab some fried fish from local roadside vendors during your journey.

From Border, proceed to Bluefields, a quaint community in Westmoreland parish known for having one of the finest public beaches. The next significant town is Savanna-la-Mar, affectionately called “Sav” or “Sav-la-mar,” where you can restock on supplies. As the capital of Westmoreland, Sav boasts great facilities for renting vehicles, finding mechanics, and banking services.

Detour: About 20km from Treasure Beach, you’ll encounter Parottee Bay. Here, you can arrange a boat trip to Floyd’s Pelican Bar, a rustic bar perched on stilts in the Caribbean Sea, known for its incredibly fresh seafood. Keep an eye out for dolphins on your journey!

7. Buff Bay

Best off-road adventure Kingston–Buff Bay, Portland; 64km (40 miles)

Buff Bay, situated in Portland on the island's northeast coast, is renowned for its lush vegetation and frequent rainfall. If you're an off-roading enthusiast, this trip from Kingston to Buff Bay will take you through Jamaica's stunning, winding mountain roads for an unforgettable experience.

The route is fairly straightforward, consisting of a single road. However, be prepared for rough terrain and sharp, winding corners that can obscure oncoming traffic; proceed with caution and at a slow pace.

While a regular car can handle the journey, a 4WD is highly recommended for navigating the bumpy, unpaved roads that traverse the Blue Mountains, the tallest mountain range in Jamaica.

Before reaching Buff Bay, take a moment to stop in Newcastle and enjoy the enchanting, misty views of the iconic peaks. If you're in the mood for relaxation, continue east along the Portland coastline to bask on some of Jamaica’s most pristine beaches.

Local tip: The ideal time for this trip is during the dry season, as the area is prone to landslides in the rainy season, which can block the roads.

Driving tips for Jamaica:

• Remember to drive on the left side of the road.

• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.

• Speed limits range from 50km/h (30mph) to 80km/h (50mph) depending on the area.

• Always carry your ID and car rental documents, as police may stop you for checks.

• Roads marked with 'A' are typically in good shape, while 'B' roads are narrower and often have potholes, but are usually navigable with a standard rental car. Many 'B' roads are not marked on maps.

• Minor roads, especially in the Blue Mountains and Cockpit Country, can be challenging. A sturdy 4WD is advisable if you plan to venture off major routes.

• Main roads have good signage, but directional signs are sparse once you deviate from them.

• A journey that seems like 30 minutes on a map could take several hours on 'B' roads.

• Beware of unmarked sharp turns, steep climbs, or construction areas.

• Many roads are poorly illuminated at night.

• Drivers in Jamaica can be very aggressive, speeding through towns and overtaking in risky situations. Exercise extreme caution and drive defensively, particularly at night when you might encounter vehicles without lights or using high beams.

• Use your horn frequently, especially when approaching blind corners, and stay alert for pedestrians and livestock.