Jamaica is packed with beautiful views and colorful towns. You’ll see it the moment you hit the road, bright murals on old shops, goats crossing the street, and mountains that stretch into the clouds. One minute you’re by the sea, the next you’re climbing through thick green hills.
On your trip, you’ll find the best places to take pictures in Jamaica tucked along the roads. Some are famous spots, others you’ll stumble on by chance. But to reach them all, you’ll need your own ride. That’s why renting a car in Jamaica is one of the best things you can do. It gives you the freedom to pull over when a view grabs you, or take a side road just because it looks interesting. Our blog will help you plan those stops, snap the best shots, and fully experience your road trip.
This drive from Montego Bay to Falmouth along the A1 takes about 42 minutes and covers 34 kilometers. Start your trip in Montego Bay at Sam Sharpe Square. You’ll see bright murals, street vendors, and old buildings that show the city’s history. The square is named after a national hero, and there are statues that tell stories of the past. It’s one of the photo spots in Jamaica.
Next, head about 20 minutes down the road to Rose Hall Great House. This 18th-century mansion rises above the coast and looks out toward the Caribbean Sea. It’s known for ghost stories, but most visitors come for the white columns and wide porches. The inside has antique furniture and spiral staircases that make great frames. Try to arrive around sunset. The warm light adds a golden glow to the building, making your photos softer. You can also frame the sea from the back garden in your shot.
End your drive just outside Falmouth at Glistening Waters Luminous Lagoon. This place is famous for water that glows in the dark. Tiny organisms light up when the water moves. Join a guided boat ride at night and watch the glow trail behind you. Use a tripod if you want long-exposure shots that capture the light clearly. It’s not easy to photograph with a phone, but the view will stay with you even without a camera. You’ll pass city color, old-world charm, and natural wonder in just under an hour of driving.
Start your drive in Ocho Rios, a lively coastal town filled with photo spots. Begin at Dunn’s River Falls where water flows down natural rock terraces and ends at the beach. Climb the falls for action shots or stay off to the side for wider views. Go early to see soft light and morning mist. Bring a dry bag and waterproof shoes to protect your camera.
Mystic Mountain is a top pick for panoramic views not far from the falls. Ride the SkyExplorer chairlift slowly through the forest. From above, you’ll see layers of green and the blue coastline peeking through. At the top, step out onto the viewing deck. Use a wide lens or panorama mode to capture the full spread of hills, sea, and jungle.
As you continue west along the A1 highway, make a stop at Rio Bueno, just before reaching Montego Bay. This river meets the sea in a calm, shaded area surrounded by trees. The light here is soft, and the water is clear. Use your waterproof gear if you still have it ready. Look for reflections on the surface and tree branches that naturally frame your shot.
The drive from Treasure Beach to Black River covers about 23 kilometers. Start at Lover’s Leap, one of the highest points along Jamaica’s southern coast. The cliffs rise 518 meters above the sea and offer wide views of the Caribbean. There’s a small platform where you can stand and shoot over the edge. The story behind the name was two lovers who leapt to escape separation.
Next, head to Pelican Bar. It’s not on land, so you’ll need a short boat ride from Parrotee Point or Treasure Beach. The bar is built from driftwood and sits on a sandbar in the middle of the sea. From the deck, you can photograph the clear water all around you. On sunny days, the light reflects off the sea and gives everything a soft blue glow. Watch for pelicans gliding nearby or resting on the roof. If you visit in the afternoon, you might catch the golden light touching the waves.
End your trip at YS Falls near the Black River area. This waterfall is surrounded by thick greenery, rope swings, and quiet pools. The water flows over several levels, and there are many photo angles you can choose from. You can also walk along wooden paths or cross small bridges to get different views. Late afternoon is the best time to visit when light comes through the trees in soft streaks.
Western Jamaica takes you beyond the usual tourist spots and into quieter parts of the country. Start your journey in Orange Hill just a few kilometers inland from Negril. This area is known for its open farmland and high views. The sky feels bigger here, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. You’ll see rolling hills, scattered trees, and farmers tending their crops. The open land gives you clean horizons and wide-angle shots that feel calm and natural.
From there, head down to Little Bay, a small fishing village with a peaceful stretch of coastline. The water is clear and calm, and the shore is often empty. You’ll find small boats, rocky edges, and driftwood scattered along the beach. It’s a great place for relaxed photos that show Jamaica’s quiet side. Locals might be out fishing or fixing nets, giving you moments that feel real and unposed. The light bounces off the water in soft tones, perfect for slow, simple shots.
Finish your day at the West End Cliffs, located on the far side of Negril. These cliffs are famous for sunsets. The edge of the rock drops straight to the sea, and when the sun begins to lower, everything turns gold. People gather here, but it still feels open. You can capture silhouettes of cliff jumpers, birds in flight, or just the shape of the coast.
This inland route is quieter and feels far from the coast, but it offers rich landscapes and deep cultural roots. Begin your trip near Maggotty, a small town tucked in the hills. Just outside the center, you’ll find Breadnut Valley Falls (Maggotty Waterfalls), a group of small cascades hidden among trees and rocks. The path to the falls is narrow and rough, but the reward is worth it. The water flows into cool pools surrounded by thick greenery. It’s quiet here, and the natural shade gives your photos soft light. Bring water shoes and keep your gear light for the short hike.
Next, visit Accompong Village, home to the Maroon community. This village has a strong history and a proud culture, separate from the rest of Jamaica. The houses are built with simple designs, and the streets wind through the hills. You can take photos of hand-painted signs, local gatherings, or the landscape around the village. Ask before taking close-up shots. This is a living community, not just a tourist stop.
On your way back toward Santa Cruz, make sure to drive through Bamboo Avenue. This long stretch of road is shaded by tall bamboo that curves overhead like a tunnel. Early morning is the best time to visit—the light comes through the leaves gently, and there’s barely any traffic. As you drive through, you’ll notice how the green archway naturally frames the road.
The best places to take pictures in Jamaica are often far from public transport routes. Shared taxis and minibuses rarely reach remote waterfalls, clifftop views, or small beach villages. Schedules can also be unreliable, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, which are times for the best light. Without your own vehicle, it’s hard to plan for golden hour shots or stay long enough to wait for the perfect frame.
Renting a car means you get to call the shots. You don’t have to rush or wait around for taxis that may not even show up. You can take that winding road if it's eye-catching or stop when the sky suddenly turns golden. Some of the best spots, like Maggotty Waterfalls or the West End Cliffs, aren’t close to bus stops. With your own car, you have the time to visit many roadside attractions in Jamaica as you like.
Before setting out, plan your route and mark fuel stations in advance. Some stretches between towns, especially in the south or hill country, don’t have nearby gas stations. Use GPS offline maps and download navigation apps, as signal can drop in the countryside. Drive slowly on rural roads. Some are unpaved, narrow, or have sharp bends, especially near waterfalls or mountain viewpoints.
Jamaica is full of photo-worthy spots like coastal cliffs, quiet waterfalls, and scenic roads you’ll want to stop for. But you won’t reach most of them by bus. With your own vehicle, you can wait for the perfect light, take your time framing shots, and never worry about missing the last taxi. With FinalRentals, it’s easy to book a car in Jamaica. You get 24/7 service, and you can pick up your car right after landing. All vehicles are in premium condition, and you can drive with peace of mind.
