"Stay on Silver Sands Beach Located in the small town of Duncans Bay, off the North Coast Highway, Silver Sands is easily in the top three most breathtaking beaches in Jamaica . A half-mile long, the beach is flanked by cliffs, the water is sparkling clear and the sand powdery white. Although it’s private and accessible only to guests of Silver Sands Villas, it’s worth staying at least a couple of nights to enjoy it. There’s an on site restaurant and bar to complete this glorious beach scene."

"Going Barefoot in Negril Negril, or the “Capital of Casual” as it's known in Jamaica , is everyone's favorite getaway, from locals to thevisitors who return year after year.The buzz of activity on Seven Mile Beach's powdery white sandsis temperedby the breathtaking, serene views of the West End's cliffs towering over the Caribbean. Lots of bars, hotels, and restaurantsline Seven Mile Beach, and local eateries and smaller boutique resorts are perched up on the cliffs. While there's more hustle and bustle and throngs of tourists on this end of Jamaica, the region still offers many secluded spots and unique experiences."

"Escape to Cosmo's Beach When you tire of the people watching, loud music and hustle and bustle of Negril's central Seven Mile Beach, walk or drive over to its northern stretch. The private Cosmos Beach section--with a minimal entrance fee, under US$5--faces the best seafood restaurant in town, Cosmo's. The beach is a wide, endless white expanse with thatched bars, dispersed hammocks, and calm sea views. You'll find a few fellow tourists, but you'll hardly notice them."

"Feel Inspired on Bob's Favorite Beach An often overlooked fishing village located just 10 miles south of Negril, Little Bay’s small, crescent-shaped shores and white sands will tug at your inner beach bum. There are a couple of local guesthouse options in these parts, and not much else happening within walking distance—except a slice of daily Jamaican life and some sea activities such as kayaking and snorkeling off the nearby reef. Bob Marley loved Little Bay so much, he had a house here and wrote lyrics from this beach. It’s an easy day trip from Negril and a nice spot for shutterbugs."

"Just next door to crowded Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay is a quiet and spacious stretch known as Cornwall Beach. You won’t see more than a couple of people at a time here during the week. Late afternoons and weekends attract a few locals who come to relax and enjoy the restaurant and bar.A small entry fee—under US$5—coversthe on-site facilities, including lounge chairs and snorkel gear. Cornwall Beach occasionally hosts a sunset beach party on Sunday afternoons with a “bottomless” Appleton mug option (that is, all-you-can-drink rum)."

"Surf at Boston Bay Beach Thisstunning white-sand stretch, just a five-minute drive east of Port Antonio,isthe only beach in Jamaica with waves high enough to surf. Boston Bay is also one of the few remaining public strands on the island. It continues to attract more locals than tourists and as such isnearly vendor-free. Youcan watch kids splashing about on their boards,or you canrent your ownfor a Surfing 101 lesson. Be forewarned: As at many beaches, sometimesthe waves are flat, but you can console yourself with a short stroll down the beach tothe famous Boston Bay jerk chicken stands."

"Slow Down on the Black Sands Along the southern coast,Treasure Beachis about as peaceful as Jamaican beaches get.A few well-known guesthouses and resorts are located in this fishing community, but you'll probably see more locals than tourists around, especially when compared with the rest of the island. The black-sand beaches,teeming with shorebirds, are attractive, and happily there's not much to do but catch the breeze, mingle with local families, and enjoy fresh seafood."

"Feel the Vibe on Winnifred Beach This gem of a beach, located in the lush eastern parish of Portland, isn’t visible to the naked eye. Halfway between Frenchman's Cove and Boston Bay, you’ll need a four-wheel vehicle to go down a very narrow and rugged path off the main highway, unmarked and bumpy all the way to the beach below. Anyone will be happy to direct you when you ask. And once there, you’ll find a gorgeous golden sand beach, dotted with trees and facing deep turquoise waters. A nice mix of locals and the occasional savvy or returning visitors relax here. There are jerk stands on site, serving some of the best local dishes, crafts vendors and occasional live Reggae. The water is a stunning deep turquoise and ideal for snorkeling off a nearby reef. It’s one of the few gorgeous stretches to remain public in Jamaica . Get there while you can."

"Hike to a Hideaway Frenchman's Cove is more than a beach. It's an idyllic escape. After paying a small entrance fee—used to preserve the grounds—you'll hike about five minutes through verdant gardens flanked by an emerald river stream, before the views open onto a glorious beach and the Caribbean Sea. This cove was once a favorite romantic escape for Elizabeth Taylor and Burt Reynolds, and it's not hard to see why. When you tire of the beach and waves, hop over to the river and swing from the vines into the fresh water. It's an ideal spot to spend the day, for couples or for families."

"Doctor's Cave Beach A Google search of beaches in Montego Bay will undoubtedly turn up Jamaica 's most well-known beach: the often-crowded, white sand Doctor's Cave Beach Club ($6 pp. entry fee). Although a small stretch, it is indeed hard to resist, with its multicolor umbrellas, clean water, and passing jumbo jets on their way to or from the nearby airport. Come here to mix and mingle or sit back and enjoy some people watching."

"Jamming on Reggae Beach The north coast is home to a handful of beaches that are accessible for a fee and attract cruise ship day-trippers. One of these is the laidback Reggae Beach (US$6 pp.)–a spacious blond stretch that's worth the short taxi ride. There are restroom facilities, along with a lively bar and grill. While it's popular, it doesn't feel cramped and makes for a fun day at the beach. (Image courtesy of Dub Dem Sound System)"

"Action-packed Hellshire Beach, the easy beach choicefor many Kingston residents, islined with dozens of wooden food shacks. Aunt May’s is a solid pick for a classic Jamaican beachside meal, serving fresh fish with festival (fried dumplings) or bammy (cassava flour flatbread), lobster, and other seafood.Hellshire is particularly busy on weekends, when locals take a break from their workweek, and sees relatively few tourists, so it has an authentic Jamaican vibe like few other beaches."

"Lime Cay, an uninhabited island about two miles off of Port Royal, is a favorite destination ofKingstonians for white-sand beaches, sunbathing, and swim time. This is an ideal deserted escape on weekdays, and weekends are usually only a bit busier andbring a fewvendors. Don't count on the vendors, though: Bring your own food, water, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear. Wear water shoes, as there can be urchins. To arrange a trip over,ask at your hotel, or inquire atthe bar onMorgan's Harbour called the Y-Knot—they'llhelp you find aboat rideor fisherman willing to take you to the island for no more than US$20."