Art Galleries & Museums
Wassi Art Pottery Factory Tour
Famous island-wide for its uniquely colourful and tastefully hand crafted pottery, the Wassi factory’s wide selection of one-of-a-kind designs will amaze you. Visitors are welcome to tour the studio and watch a lump of Castleton Clay transformed into a work of art. The showroom is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm. They will ship worldwide by Fedex and package especially for air line carry-on. 876-974-5044.
Harmony Hall
This beautifully restored mid-19th century building, once a Methodist manse, now features a fine collection of works from Jamaican artists and sculptors. Well-attended exhibitions during the winter season are not to be missed and will include crafts and original jewelery pieces from local artisans.
Dining Out & Nightlife
Bibibips Restaurant & Bar
Indulge in flavourful Jamaican cuisine at this restaurant centrally located in the Taj Mahal Shopping Centre on Main Street. 876-974-1266
Cardiff Hall Restaurant
Visit this casually elegant spot located in Runaway Bay, for a great mix of local and international cuisine. 876-973-6671-4
Evita’s
For a taste of Italian food infused with Jamaican flavors and a captivating view overlooking Ocho Rios, go no further than this hillside restaurant located on the western side of town. Venetian-born owner, Evita Myers came up with the original idea of offering whole or half portions of her unique dishes to suit both the waistline watchers and those who want to sample as many different dishes as possible. Open 11 am – 11 pm. 876-974-2333-9
Faith’s Pen
The tantalizing aroma of jerk, rich woody smoke and spices greets you before you happen upon this truly Jamaican spot. With vendors set up side by side, Faith’s Pen is the go-to rest stop en-route between Ocho Rios and Kingston. A favoured location by locals and visitors alike, you will find the gamut of Jamaican cuisine here. Staples such as ackee and saltfish, fried dumplings, roasted yams, jerk chicken and pork are always ready to be served. Sit in your car and eat or at stone tables set-up in front.
Hard Rock Cafe – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
In the Taj Mahal Shopping Centre on Main Street, you will find the Hard Rock Cafe. The restaurant features wonderful music memorabilia and offers its usual menu and range of drinks. A Hard Rock souvenir store is located downstairs the restaurant. 876-974-7455
Irish Rover
This authentic Irish pub sits on the outskirts of Ocho Rios heading west in the community of Drax Hall. Here you can sample authentic Irish fare and Jamaican favourites or sip on your preferred draft while tapping your feet to lively Irish folk music. For the ultimate treat, visit on weekends for the live acts featuring local reggae bands. 876-972-9352
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritavile – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The famous Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville sister location in Ocho Rios offers similar daytime fun with it’s water trampoline and a happening grill and bar for lunch and cocktails. At nights, it transforms into a night club with urban local and international music pulsing into the wee hours.
John Crow’s Tavern
This sidewalk cafe/pub offers a wide menu which includes spicy jerk, hearty soups along with typical bar food such as barbecue wings. Large flat screen TVs are setup for you to catch your favourite sport/team in action depending on the sporting season. 876-974-5895
Passage to India Rooftop Restaurant and Bar
Dine on authentic Indian cuisine which promises to deliver the characteristic spicy flavours that will transport you to India! 876-795-3182
Ocho Rios Jerk Centre
Another casual spot favoured by locals, is the Ocho Rios Jerk Centre which offers the best in the traditional jerk fare and serves as an after work “watering hole” or a pit stop en route between Montego Bay and Kingston.
Ocean’s 11
This outdoor restaurant and bar is located on Fisherman’s Point just off Main Street Ocho Rios. Over looking the Caribbean Sea, this offers the perfect chill spot for after dinner drinks or a casual night out. Check out its Karaoke Night on Tuesdays! 876-974-6896
Scotchies – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Rustic and relaxed, Scotchies is the ideal place to indulge in the authentic Jamaican jerk experience. From the traditional jerk chicken and pork to Jerk lamb and lobster, they offer a variety of perfectly spiced dishes to satisfy the taste buds of visitors and locals alike. Be sure to order up a cold Red Stripe beer to go along with lunch or dinner.
The Ruins at the Falls Restaurant
A memorable luncheon awaits you at this special venue set beside a 40 foot waterfall amidst lush tropical gardens. Enjoy an expansive luncheon buffet including all beverages and house wines with vibrant Jamaican entertainment. Take the historic tour or shop in the art gallery and gift shop. Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 3p.m. Dinner (Starting in December) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Golf Courses
Super Clubs Golf Club
This 45-hole championship course has been host to many events including the Jamaica Open and the World Cup of Golf Qualifier. Beautiful views and a fast paced game characterize this golf experience. Want to learn the game or just sharpen your swing, there is a golf school on-site. 876-973-7319
Breezes Braco Golf Club
Also considered to be fast paced and challenging, the course is located just outside St. Ann. Enjoy a fun short round of nine holes here.
Sandals Golf & Country Club
Renovated in June 1992, Sandals golf course features greens rebuilt with Tifdwarf Bermuda grass and beautifully resurfaced fairways. This golf course is great Caribbean golf experience.
Historical Sites & Cultural Experiences
Bob Marley Birthplace and Mausoleum
In a quiet village called Nine Miles in the hills of St. Ann you will find the birthplace and mausoleum of the late reggae superstar, Robert “Bob” Marley. This interesting trek takes you the beaten path where you may be lucky and meet his mother!
Prospect Plantation Tour
One of the oldest-established plantation tours the island has to offer, this is still a working plantation which grows a little of everything. As such you will see tropical produce like sugar cane, banana, cassava, avocado, and pimento (allspice) in their natural habitat. They’ve recently added a herb garden and peacocks roam the property freely. For a little adventure take a horseback tour instead of a jitney tour or opt to use the trail bikes. Or if you can’t bare miss being out on the green, they also have a mini golf course. 876-994-1058.
Seville Great House and Heritage Park
Discover the very beginnings of this island’s rich history and people. The site marks the area where Jamaica’s first inhabitants, the Taino Indians made their largest settlement over 1500 years ago. 876-972-2191
ReggaeXplosion
Trace the evolution of Jamaica’s indigenous music through a vivid presentation starting from the 1950’s to present day. Soundtracks, other recordings and images bring to life this celebration of the island’s music. 876-974-8353
Walker’s Wood
Jamaica’s vibrancy and flavours are often brought to life in our music, art and of course foods. Our spices and unique methods of blending them has created a cuisine reflecting the melting pot of cultures and a definitive taste found nowhere else. Tucked away in the hills just beyond Ocho Rios is the Walker’s Village home to the world renowned seasoning and sauce factory. Tour this community based company, sample the sauces and of course purchase for take home packages.
Firefly
Once a holiday refuge for the luminaries of the day, the historic home of playwright Noel Coward has played host to Queen Elizabeth II, Laurence Olivier, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor to name a few. Stop by for a tour and learn more about this beautiful home named for the luminous insects that come out in the evenings. 876-725-0920