The Hip Strip / Gloucester Ave.
Energetic, stunning and exciting, Montego Bay on Jamaica's north coast embodies a spirit that invites us all to come out and play. A definite favorite among travelers in search of a good time, the second city is a great place to have your fill of relaxation and revelry. Treat yourself to something special with selections from Mobay's extensive list of hotels, attractions and nightclubs. There are options for every taste and budget in Jamaica's “complete resort”.
With its sparkling white sand beaches, assortment of water sports activities and tours, pulsating nightlife and tantalizing cuisine Montego Bay is undoubtedly one of Jamaica's most romantic destinations. Montego Bay's Gloucester Avenue, also known as the “Hip Strip” is home to some famous spots ranging from sun-splashed shores awash with crystal-clear water to interesting shops offering a slice of authentic Jamaican apparel and restaurants that double as venues for events and amazing live entertainment. The Hip Strip is also known for some great Caribbean sunsets and tropical panoramic views of the bay.
Visitors to the strip can choose from a plethora of activities in and out of the water, including: go-carting, banana-boat rides, personal-watercrafting, kayaking, pedal boats, glass bottom-boat excursions, snorkeling and beach volleyball. Here are some of our suggestions for where to go when you get there:
Doctor's Cave Beach
Founded in 1906, Doctor's Cave Beach Club is nestled between the Marine Park and the Hip Strip. The translucent water is known for its mineral content and their world-famous white-sand beach is clean and inviting. More than just a great beach the “Groovy Grouper” Beach Bar and Grill located at Doctor's Cave provides a variety of meals and drinks to satisfy the taste buds. Conveniently located right on the beach, the Groovy Grouper Beach Bar and Grill provides a great variety of meals and drinks the whole family will enjoy! Whether or not you happen to find yourself hanging out at the beach, you have to eat here, the prices are very reasonable and the food is terrific. Their convenient cyber cafe keeps you in touch with the world but in this kind of setting why would you want to?
Margaritaville Caribbean Bar and Grill
Famous for themed parties, fantastic food and serving tropical margaritas beachside, Margaritaville is one of the most popular party spots in the island. Ideal for couples, spring breakers and in general anyone looking for good food and a great time. The Margaritaville located on Montego Bay's Hip Strip is arguably the most popular of the three. Locals and tourists alike flock to this location for two-tier open-air bars, two giant water trampolines connected by a log cross or the floating Margaritaville deck anchored offshore and a spectacular 120ft water-slide that winds right through the bar and into the warm blue Caribbean Sea below. There's also a Jacuzzi, and a night-time disco. Enjoy their world-famous “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, tropical margaritas (of which there are 52 to choose from) and exclusive shopping, sunbathing on the seaside pier or simply taking in the amazing view.
Blue Beat Jazz Lounge
Martinis and jazz music are the order of the day at Blue Beat located right next door to Margaritaville on Montego Bay's “Hip Strip”. The only bar of its type in Jamaica, Blue Beat serves up live jazz and blues music in a cosy setting with atmospheric lighting and cool blue decor to help set the tone. Since its opening in 2004 it has become a well established watering hole (not to mention the extensive menu). A decidedly more upscale place, elegant, with comfortable couches and lounge chairs to the side and a small, crowded patio out back overlooking the harbor. The outside lounge area is the best place to be on a typically hot, humid Jamaican night, a patio with couches and chairs just a handrail away from the dark ocean below.
Aqua Sol Theme Park
Located on the Walter Fletcher Beach Complex on Montego Bay's “Hip Strip”, the Aquasol Theme Park offers activities for the young and young at heart, including watersports, tennis courts, kid's games, table tennis and the MoBay 500 go-cart racing course. There is also a white sand beach for splashing fun, and even a disco at night. As well as a Sports Bar and Grill, with 42 Televisions and all your favorite Jamaican and American food items. The watersports activities are many! There are water trampolines, jet skis, banana boat rides, waverunners, kayaks, pedal boats, glass bottom boat and snorkeling. Aqua Sol also boasts a professionally managed Gym and a gift shop. No matter the reason for one's visit, the Montego Bay Hip Strip remains a stirring street, visited by people from all over the world.