Jamaican tourism is built on pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, breathtaking resorts, world-famous waterfalls, delectable food, and Reggae music.

Places like Kingston, Montego Bay, and Negril are magnets for tourists from all over the world.

But wouldn't you like to wander off the beaten track to get to know the real Jamaica?

If so, then you need to visit St. Elizabeth, the parish on the southwestern coast of Jamaica.

St. Elizabeth is one of the more laid-back parishes on the island, with peaceful beaches, waterfalls, fishing villages, cliffs, lush vegetation, and untouched countryside.

It's difficult to single out just five things to do in the “Breadbasket Parish”.

But we've done our best to shortlist five things to do on a long weekend in St Elizabeth for your next trip to Jamaica.

Floyd's Pelican Bar

Located just off a town called Parottee near Treasure Beach and Black River, Pelican Bar is a thatched-roof bar built on a shoal about four miles into the sea, owned by a local fisherman from the fishing village of Parottee.

Visitors get to the bar by a 20-minute boat ride, and it's the ideal spot to chill and watch the sunset with a Red Stripe, go snorkeling, or simply enjoy the 360-degree view.

Bask in the miles of sun-baked beachfront and seaside homes during the ride to and from Pelican Bar. 

YS Falls

Though not the most popular waterfall in Jamaica, YS Falls is considered by many to be the most breathtaking.

YS Falls is a seven-tiered waterfall separated by freshwater pools ideal for swimming. The water cascades 120 feet over towering limestone rocks surrounded by lush foliage.

YS Falls is located in a valley on private property but is open to the public for a fee. The property was once a sugarcane plantation, and visitors get to the falls via a 10-minute tractor ride.

A wooden walkway takes you to the top, where you get to enjoy spectacular views or a canopy ride to the base. At the base, there is a playground and picnic tables amid tropical gardens and trees.

Lifeguards are on duty and visitors receive safety instructions and are harnessed in and ushered by guides. Accompanied tube rides on the river are also available.

Beaches 

The best location from which to base your visit is east of the capital city, Black River.

The center of this beach town is the four-mile stretch of fishing coves along Frenchman’s Bay, Calabash Bay, and Billy’s Bay - popularly known as Treasure Beach - which is more of a region than a village.

You won't find large hotels and nightclubs here, but this is the ideal destination if you are looking for a relaxed and authentic vacation experience.

The bay areas provide strong currents perfect for surfing. You can take a gentle hike along the footpaths, and the town also has a lot of bars and restaurants serving authentic Jamaican food.

The town is also very close to Floyd’s Pelican Bar if you are down for some adventure. Calabash Bay is another one of the more prominent beaches in the area.

Located in a secluded cove, it is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and even fishing. Further along Calabash Bay is the Old Wharf, the most private of the four beaches in the area.

Be sure to bring your sandals or water shoes as the darker sand in this area gets really hot in the afternoon sun.

Alligator Pond

Alligator Pond is a small fishing village on the southwestern coast of St. Elizabeth which got its name from the Don Figuerero Mountain range visible from the beach.

Some locals say the mountains resemble bumps on an alligator’s back.

Technically it is located in the parish of Manchester, but it is right on the border of St. Elizabeth.

The fisherman in Alligator Pond catches some of the best fish on the Island, along with conch, oyster, lobsters, shrimp and more.

Hut-like bookshops and bars border the sand but Alligator Pond is mostly known for the very popular Little Ochi Seafood Restaurant.

Here you can select the fish you want from their aquarium and say how you would like it to be prepared - then relax at your table in a bungalow where your meal will be served, freshly cooked.

Alligator Pond is also home to an annual seafood festival — an ideal event for seafood enthusiasts.

Appleton Estate Rum Tour

Appleton Estate has been blending rum in Jamaica since 1749 (the oldest In Jamaica) and is situated in the Nassau Valley, between the Nassau Mountains and the Cockpit Country.

The rums bear the name of the estate which is now owned by J. Wray & Nephew, Jamaica’s largest producer of rum.

Visitors get a tour of their time-honored manufacturing and bottling process, after which they will be treated to complimentary samples of cane juice, wine, and all types of flavored rum they produce.

The tour is available from Monday - Tuesday.