South Coast Jamaica is a region of diversity: a bit off the beaten path, this place is known for its rugged coastline, secluded beaches, and elegant architecture. All around the region, from the coast to the city center, you'll experience Old World charm and Caribbean flair.

The beaches on the South Coast Jamaica often are less crowded their counterparts in the north, but they're equally picturesque and match perfectly the Jamaica image of a beach that many travelers. Like Doctor's Cave Beach on Montego Bay and Hellshire Beach near Kingston, these stretches of sand and sun are known for crystal clear waters and beach-friendly climate.

Sheltered by the Santa Cruz Mountains, Treasure Beach is protected from harsh weather meaning it's fantastic to visit at spring break and Christmas. The most visited of all of the beaches on the South Coast of Jamaica, this treasure trove of shoreline is a favorite place for strolling for shells, soaking in the sun, and swimming. The Sunset Resort and several smaller boutique hotels line the beach, offering a full array of amenities and beach activities to visitors who come to soak in the sun and scenery.

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On Jamaica South Coast vacations, you'll also have the chance to connect with culture. While you're exploring, don't miss the chance to sample the local cuisine, built around fresh seafood. A 90-minute drive from Montego Bay, the town of Black River is known for Georgian architecture along High Street, a reminder of Colonial days, as are the nineteenth-century sugar plantations in Savanna-La-Mar. For an interesting vantage point of this area, you could step aboard a motorboat for a guided tour of the Black River and its surroundings. In areas not built up, wetlands still flourish, home to frogs, lizards, crocodiles, and other amazing island creatures.

Other interesting places to explore along the South Coast Jamaica include YS Falls, complete with a natural swimming pool and footpaths. The nearby Idlers' Rest Beach Hotel is located on one of the isolated beaches on the South Coast of Jamaica. Retaining the charm of the historic fishing village of Black River, the hotel offers spacious, air-conditioned suites, airport shuttles, daily breakfast, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Many people embarking on Jamaica South Coast vacations include time in Mandeville, a city that seems to tower above the sea below. Here, you could taste Pickapeppa, a spicy sauce made in Jamaica and shipped around the world; tour the High Mountain Coffee factory; and learn how rum is made with a tour of the Appleton Estate rum distillery. Producing sugar and rum since 1749, the plantation is a fascinating place to visit. After an introductory video, visitors can see the whole process in action from the donkey-driven cane mill to the final product. Mandeville, like much of the South Coast Jamaica, retains its English roots, especially with the guesthouses and hotels tucked neatly around the town green.

Nearby South Coast Jamaica places include Bamboo Avenue, a lush canopy of trees; and Christiana's colorful gardens. You'll also have the chance to explore one of the island's caves and most fascinating rivers with a trip underground to Quashie's River Caves in Trelawny.

For those who want to add some golf to their Jamaica South Coast Vacations, they will relish the time spent at the Manchester Golf Club. Built not long after the Scots invented the game, the oldest course in the Caribbean features challenging holes, Old-World charm, and scenic settings.