Palisadoes Strip Drive
A scenic coastal strip in Kingston, Jamaica, perfect for leisurely drives, walks, and enjoying stunning views of the harbor and city.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, great for photos
Palisadoes Strip Drive
Best Time
Cooler temps, great for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic coastal strip in Kingston, Jamaica, perfect for leisurely drives, walks, and enjoying stunning views of the harbor and city.
"Lovely place to walk, run or just stroll. It is clean and the view of the ocean, harbour and mountains are lovely."
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Run
Locals love using the promenade for their weekly runs. It's a clean and scenic route for exercise. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Great for Photos
The strip offers beautiful backdrops for photoshoots, especially during the early morning, evening, or at night. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kingston Harbour Views
Along the strip
Panoramic vistas of the sea, harbor, downtown Kingston, and Portmore. Stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Coastal Promenade
The strip itself
A clean and scenic path perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling with refreshing sea breezes.
Local Refreshments
Ends of the strip
Find vendors selling fresh coconut water and sugarcane juice – perfect post-activity treats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Breeze
A Scenic Drive with a Purpose
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Run
Locals love using the promenade for their weekly runs. It's a clean and scenic route for exercise. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Great for Photos
The strip offers beautiful backdrops for photoshoots, especially during the early morning, evening, or at night. :camerawithflash:
🥥 Refreshing Drinks
Don't miss the chance to grab fresh coconut water or sugarcane juice from vendors at the ends of the strip. :tropical_drink:
🌊 Relaxing Beach Access
While not ideal for swimming, the beach on the opposite side offers a relaxing atmosphere and lovely views. :ocean:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Perfect for a Run
Locals love using the promenade for their weekly runs. It's a clean and scenic route for exercise. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Great for Photos
The strip offers beautiful backdrops for photoshoots, especially during the early morning, evening, or at night. :camerawithflash:
🥥 Refreshing Drinks
Don't miss the chance to grab fresh coconut water or sugarcane juice from vendors at the ends of the strip. :tropical_drink:
🌊 Relaxing Beach Access
While not ideal for swimming, the beach on the opposite side offers a relaxing atmosphere and lovely views. :ocean:
🚗 Scenic Drive
Enjoy a drive along this unique geographical feature connecting Kingston to the airport. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Palisadoes Strip as a refreshing escape from Kingston's hustle, ideal for walks, runs, and enjoying scenic harbor and city views. The availability of local refreshments like coconut water is a highlight. Some reviewers wish for better waste management to enhance the cleanliness of the area.
"It is my quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Kingston City. There are plenty of relaxing activities to do along the strip like fishing, jogging or walking. It's beautiful for photoshoots in the early morning, evening or night.
There's a beach on the opposite side, while it's not fit for swimming, it's still relaxing and enjoyable."
Shantel McKoy
"Lovely place to walk, run or just stroll. It is clean and the view of the ocean, harbour and mountains are lovely. At the either end of the walk in the evenings, you will find a man selling coconut water and cane to refresh you after a long workout! Love it!"
Simone Christie
"Love using the promenade for my weekly runs! Only wish is that there could be some work to rid the area of solid waste."
Kevin Clarke
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Palisadoes Strip is easily accessible by car from Kingston. It's the main road leading to the Norman Manley International Airport. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Kingston to take you there.
While direct public buses might be limited, you can take a bus towards the airport and then a short taxi ride. It's more common for locals to drive or take taxis.
The Palisadoes is a long, narrow sand spit that forms the southern boundary of Kingston Harbour, connecting the city to the airport. It's a significant geographical feature of Jamaica.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to access the Palisadoes Strip for walking, jogging, or enjoying the views. It's a public area.
The Palisadoes Strip is accessible at all hours, though it's most pleasant and safest during daylight and early evening.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy fishing, jogging, walking, cycling, or simply relaxing by the water. It's a popular spot for recreation and photoshoots.
The beach on the opposite side of the strip is generally not recommended for swimming due to currents and conditions, but it's still a nice place to relax.
Facilities are minimal. While there are no dedicated restrooms, you'll find vendors selling refreshments and plenty of open space to sit or stand.
It's generally safe, especially if you're with others or near the airport vicinity. However, like any public space, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings for sunrise and soft light, and evenings for sunset and city lights are highly recommended for stunning photos. Nighttime also offers a unique ambiance.
You can capture beautiful landscapes of the harbor, city skyline, ocean, and the unique geography of the strip itself. It's also great for portraits with a scenic background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place for a casual outing without the need for extensive planning. Pack some snacks and drinks, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon or evening with the family, taking in the sights and sounds of Kingston Harbour. Remember to bring sun protection, especially if visiting during the day.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze as you exercise, with constant views of the harbor and the city skyline. It’s a fantastic way to combine your fitness routine with experiencing the local environment and enjoying the beautiful Jamaican coast. Don't forget to hydrate with the local coconut water after your session! :athleticshoe: :tropicaldrink:
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) is particularly magical, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Nighttime also presents a unique opportunity to capture the city lights reflecting on the water. The strip's unique geography and its role as a gateway to the airport also make for interesting visual narratives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geography of the Palisadoes
This strip is not just a geographical curiosity; it's a vital piece of infrastructure. It serves as the land bridge connecting the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) to the mainland of Kingston. The drive along the Palisadoes offers a distinct perspective, with the calm waters of Kingston Harbour on one side and the more open Caribbean Sea on the other. Travelers often remark on the feeling of being between two worlds as they traverse this narrow passage.
While the sea-facing side of the beach isn't ideal for swimming, its presence adds to the natural beauty and the sense of being by the coast. The strip is also a popular spot for observing local life and enjoying the coastal environment, making it more than just a transit route.
Recreation and Local Life on the Strip
Beyond exercise, the strip is a social hub. Families and friends gather here to hang out, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in the expansive views of the harbor, downtown Kingston, and Portmore. The vendors selling fresh coconut water and sugarcane juice at either end of the strip are a quintessential part of the experience, offering a refreshing taste of Jamaica after a workout or a long walk.
While the strip is cherished, some visitors and locals have noted the presence of solid waste, expressing a wish for more consistent cleanup efforts to maintain its pristine beauty. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains positive, highlighting the strip's value as a place for relaxation, exercise, and community connection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit