What kind of Jamaica vacation do you want? Are you ready for adventure — ziplining, horseback riding, Jeep safaris? Jamaica can do that. Maybe your idea of bliss is relaxing on a beach with no to-do list. You're in the right place for that, too, on the spectacular beaches of the North Shore. Dining? Golf? Oh, have you come to the right place!

Take a look at the amazing options available during your time on the North Shore of Jamaica.

The Best Beaches in the Caribbean
The photos you've seen of crystal white sand and sparklingly clear turquoise water? They're all true. Journey from your villa to any of these beaches that dazzle and aren't limited to the guests of the mega hotels on the North Shore.

Puerto Seco Beach: Head east from Ocho Rios to escape the crowds of cruise-ship passengers and find this gorgeous beach (almost) all to yourself. A snack bar and other facilities mean you aren't totally stranded.

Doctor's Cave Beach: In the heart of Montego Bay, this spectacular beach features some of the top snorkeling on the North Shore. The clubhouse features changing facilities and a beach bar. If it feels just a bit too crowded for you, slip around the corner to the east to enjoy the more secluded Cornwall Beach, where the snorkeling is just as terrific.

Mammee Bay Beach: If you're looking to do more than relax in the sun, head to this half-private, half-public beach where windsurfing and wakeboarding are the big draws.

Active Fun — and Golf, Golf, Golf
You can only sit on the beach for so long. Fortunately, Jamaica has plenty of options for staying active. Enjoy a bike tour that takes you from the top of the Blue Mountains down to the base, passing waterfalls and charming villages on the way. You can go tubing down the White River or explore the rainforest canopy on a zipline. Horseback riding down the beach has been a thing in Jamaica for decades, or turn your visit a little more trendy with a tropical dogsled adventure.

And if you're a golfer, you'll think you're in paradise. Check out these top North Shore courses:

The White Witch Golf Course: Named for the famed ghost inhabiting the historical Rose Hall (check it out after you're done golfing), this course features spectacular ocean views from almost every hole — and the caddies are always helpful.

Sandals Golf and Country Club: Golf Digest has picked this course out as one of its favorites — and you'll see why when you play the challenging narrow fairways of this par-71 course.

Cinnamon Hill Golf Course: This sister course to the White Witch takes you from the mountains to the seaside and back again, with holes designed by Robert Von Hagge to make you play at your best.

Dining on the North Shore
Jamaica's ready to treat you to some amazing food, whether you're grabbing spicy jerk during your adventures or sitting down to a relaxing dinner. Check out these North Shore that spots that won't disappoint:

The Lobster Trapp: Scotch bonnet peppers bring the kick to the butter drowning your lobster at this spot in Hopewell, but don't ignore the incredibly fresh fish choices on the menu — and don't miss the fermented noni.

Evita's Italian Restaurant: You'll feel as if you've time traveled when you dine in this 150-year-old "gingerbread" house. That delicious Italian menu puts a Jamaican spin on every dish (try the lasagna with ackee fish).

Scotchie's: This Ocho Rios institution may look like a shack, but you won't find more authentic jerk anywhere. The sides (coconut-infused rice and peas, roasted breadfruit) are pretty fabulous as well.

If a vacation to Jamaica is in your future, check out our villas for rent to take your adventure to the next level.