A much less trodden path, as far as vacations go, the parish of St Mary is often furthest from the mind when one envisions a Jamaican adventure.

Home to many unlikely must-see vacation spots, the north eastern parish promises an unforgettable, relaxing getaway without having to break the bank.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a historian at heart or believe water is in fact your true habitat, St Mary has something for you!

Not sure where to start? Plan your perfect vacation using Our Today‘s fun things to do in St Mary checklist.

1. Picnic at Castleton Botanical Garden

The Castleton Botanical Garden is one of four botanical gardens located on the island and was donated to the government in 1869 by an English Colonel named Castle.

At its inception, the garden was intended to be an area to preserve plants introduced to the island.

Straddling the Junction main road which links the parishes of St Mary and St Andrew together, the garden is a nature lovers paradise and the perfect picnic spot for anyone looking for a getaway from the bustle of city life.

The garden is located on 15 acres of land and is bordered by the main road on one side and the Wag Water river on the other.

The garden’s flora includes the most exotic, often indigenous ferns and majestic palms including the Cestrum Nocturnum (Night Jasmine), Spathodea Campanulata (Flame of the Forest), Litchi Chinensis (Chinese Guinep) and Sanchezia Nobilis (Hummingbird Fountain).

2. Explore the Rio Nuevo Battle Site

The unassuming village of Rio Nuevo was the site of Jamaica’s most important battle between the Spanish and the English in the year 1658.

The battle was Spain’s last attempt at recapturing the island from the British and following their defeat Spain formally ceded control of Jamaica to England under the Treaty of Madrid in 1670.

The battle site is now home to a museum depicting artefacts discovered on the site and tells the tale of the monumental battle.

Outside the museum are plaques honouring the Spanish and English soldiers who fought in the battle.

3. Hike to Tacky Falls

The Tacky Falls is just one of Jamaica’s many hidden treasures and a truly uncommercialized natural product.

Located in the forests of Islington with no marked trails to find it, getting to the 60m waterfall requires a 15-minute adventurous trek along a narrow and steep trail guided by capable Islington residents.

The waterfall is named in honour of former slave Tacky, who inspired and led a series of islandwide rebellions against British enslavement in 1760.

It is said that the caves located at the lower tier of the falls, were the final resting place of Tacky’s men who after defeat chose to commit suicide rather than return to slavery.

4. Tour the Sun Valley Plantation

The Sun Valley Plantation is a working plantation and botanical farm owned and operated by Lorna and Nolly Binns. 

A 90-minute guided tour of the plantation features a tale of the property from the slave era to present day, with a lesson on tropical fruits and the medicinal values of the trees, herbs, and spices located on the plantation. 

Not just a treat for the eyes, the tour is a treat for the taste buds as it incorporates the sampling of a variety of fruits on the plantation straight from the trees.

5. Swim in Pleasure Cove

Pleasure Cove is a privately managed beach that is free to the public located on the border of St Ann and St Mary.

Nestled on the western side of the White River Bay, it boasts white sand, calm water and a bar and restaurant.

It is the perfect getaway for water lovers and makes an excellent location for a Sunday evening family trip.

READ: How to vacation in Jamaica: Portland Edition