Kingston

Kingston is both the capital and largest city in Jamaica. Found on the southeast coast, it sits on a harbor that is among the world's largest. This has a lot to do with its founding and subsequent growth. More than 600,000 people call this bustling West Indies city home, and while it has a reputation for being dangerous, visitors can minimize their risk by staying out of the bad neighborhoods. The reward of a Kingston visit is the chance to select from the most bars and cultural attractions that you will find anywhere in Jamaica. The beautiful Blue Mountains are on the northern edge of town, and if you want to enjoy some beach time, that is an option as well.

Visitors to Kingston don't usually arrive with beach time in the forefront of their minds. That being said, there are some good beaches near the city that can satisfy the need for sun and surf if you are in the Jamaican capital. These beaches include those found to the southwest of the city. Hellshire Beach, Gunboat Beach, and Fort Clarence Beach are the names of these strips of sand, and they are very popular with locals. Security is in place to help keep visitors safe, and there are both food stands and changing facilities to take advantage of.

Moving past Fort Clarence Beach, you will find Naggo Head Beach, which is known for its cool atmosphere. Food stands are once again in place at this beach, so you can get something to eat when you're not swimming.

The small island of Lime Cay offers another beach that Kingston visitors might keep in mind. You can find Lime Cay on the fringes of the harbor, and this makes it the closest beach to the city. On the weekends, many Lime Cay visitors enjoy cookouts on the sand, and regardless of when you visit, a picnic might be in order. It's simply a great place to indulge in outdoor eating, and the clean waters are ideal for swimming.