Gordon Town - Image 1
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Gordon Town

4.6
·491k reviews·, Jamaica

Gordon Town offers a serene escape with stunning rivers, waterfalls, and unique Ital dining experiences, blending nature with local culture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays & Early Mornings

Quieter vibes at community rivers

CrowdLow
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Gordon Town - Image 1

Gordon Town

Best Time

Weekdays & Early Mornings

Quieter vibes at community rivers

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Gordon Town offers a serene escape with stunning rivers, waterfalls, and unique Ital dining experiences, blending nature with local culture.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Discover a hidden gem in Gordon Town, Jamaica, where nature's beauty meets delicious Ital cuisine by the river."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Pretty Close Ahead

Reservations are a must for the popular riverside dining experience.

💰 Free River Fun

Burrell River and Mammie River offer free, community-driven river experiences.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pretty Close Riverside Dining

Pretty Close Riverside Dining

Gordon Town, St. Andrew

Savor Ital cuisine and fresh coconut water by a serene river. A true 2-in-1 experience!

TikTok+1
Penfield Falls

Penfield Falls

Gordon Town Hills

Discover an untouched gem with raw, rugged beauty and soul-refreshing waterfalls.

Instagram
Louise Bennett-Coverley Square

Louise Bennett-Coverley Square

Gordon Town, St. Andrew

Honor Jamaica's cultural icon with a visit to this square featuring a bronze statue.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Riverside Escape

Gordon Town's star attraction, Pretty Close, offers a unique 2-in-1 experience of Ital riverside dining and a refreshing river hike. Reservations are essential, so book ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. TikTokInstagram+1

Embrace the Natural Beauty

Beyond the popular Pretty Close, Gordon Town is a gateway to Jamaica's natural wonders. Explore Penfield Falls for a raw, untouched experience or enjoy free community rivers like Burrell River and Mammie River. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays & Early Mornings
Why
Quieter vibes at community rivers
Crowd
Low
When
Wednesday - Sunday
Why
Pretty Close is open for dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you tried the dining experience plus waterfall hike experience in Gordon Town? I’ve been multiple times and it’s amazing. @Prettyclose1876 Add this experience to the list of things to do in Kingston & St. Andrew. It’s a 2-in-1 experience where you get access to Ital riverside dining (meal & coconut water) and a river hike. #river #riversidedining #waterfall #coconut #kingston #placetovisit ...
@explorewithtash_
52.2K likes • 684.9K views

🎯 Book Pretty Close Ahead

Reservations are a must for the popular riverside dining experience. TikTokInstagram+1

💰 Free River Fun

Burrell River and Mammie River offer free, community-driven river experiences. Instagram

Hidden Gem 💎 Riverside Dining Experience in Jamaica. 📍Pretty Close , Gordon Town St.Andrew Cost: $6500 JMD - reservation needed. #prettyclose #riverdining #gordontown #riverside
@braidsbymeg
30.3K likes • 363.4K views
🎨 Very talented artist! 👏🏽 This awesome artwork was created right in Gordon Town , St Andrew 🏞️✨ Big up the local creatives keeping the culture alive through art and passion! 💯🔥 #ArtInJamaica #GordonTown #JamaicanArtist #StreetArt #CreativeEnergy #TalentedArtist #IslandVibes #Culture #Jamaica #ArtLovers #SupportLocalArt
mckoysnewsnetwork
14 likes • 273 views

🚗 Easy Access from Kingston

Gordon Town is a short drive, about 20-30 minutes from Kingston. Instagram+1

🎨 Admire Local Art

Keep an eye out for talented local artists and vibrant street art. Instagram

Located in Gordon Town, Called Pretty Close …just 20 minutes from Kingston. Follow them @prettyclose876 reservations only … #876lifestyle #jamaica #prettyclose876 #blackpeopletravel #jamaicavacations #fun #beautifuldestinationsaroundworld
onya_saskia_sky
99 likes • 2.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Pretty Close Ahead

Reservations are a must for the popular riverside dining experience. TikTokInstagram+1

💰 Free River Fun

Burrell River and Mammie River offer free, community-driven river experiences. Instagram

🚗 Easy Access from Kingston

Gordon Town is a short drive, about 20-30 minutes from Kingston. Instagram+1

🎨 Admire Local Art

Keep an eye out for talented local artists and vibrant street art. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Gordon Town's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. The riverside dining at Pretty Close is a standout, offering delicious Ital food in a serene setting. While some find the community rivers' vibe variable, the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting the area as a hidden gem worth exploring for its tranquility and authenticity.

What People Like

Unique riverside dining
Beautiful natural scenery
Authentic Ital cuisine

What People Dislike

Reservations needed for Pretty Close
Community river vibe varies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Gordon Town is conveniently located about 20-30 minutes outside of Kingston, making it an accessible day trip. Taxis or private drivers are common options for reaching this scenic area. Instagram+1

Gordon Town is generally considered safe for tourists, especially when visiting popular spots like Pretty Close or during daylight hours. It's always advisable to stay aware of your surroundings. TikTok

Exploring Gordon Town can be done by car or taxi. For specific attractions like Penfield Falls, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for navigating natural terrain. Instagram

While direct public transport might be limited, you can often find route taxis heading towards areas near Gordon Town from Kingston. Confirming routes and schedules locally is recommended. Reddit

Gordon Town is located in St. Andrew, near Kingston. The travel time from Montego Bay to Gordon Town is approximately 3-4 hours by car, so it's best visited as a day trip from Kingston. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, reservations are essential for Pretty Close's riverside dining experience. Contact them via WhatsApp or their social media to secure your booking. TikTokInstagram+1

The Pretty Close experience typically costs around 6500 JMD, which includes Ital riverside dining and a coconut water. Prices may vary, so it's best to confirm when booking. TikTok

Penfield Falls is described as an untouched gem, and while specific entrance fees aren't widely mentioned, it's advisable to inquire locally or with tour operators for any potential charges. Instagram

Yes, Burrell River and Mammie River are community rivers that are free to visit. The vibe can depend on when you go, so weekdays or early mornings are recommended for a quieter experience. Instagram

Pretty Close is generally open from Wednesday to Sunday, offering a great option for weekend getaways or mid-week escapes. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Pretty Close offers Ital riverside dining, featuring delicious Jamaican dishes like Ital stew, salt mackerel, rice and peas, and fried fish, all served with fresh coconut water. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, the rivers in Gordon Town, including the one at Pretty Close and community rivers like Burrell River, are great for swimming and enjoying the natural water. TikTokInstagram+1

For a river hike, wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and water-friendly shoes or sandals. Bring a towel and swimwear if you plan to swim. TikTokInstagram

Gordon Town is home to talented local artists, and you might encounter vibrant street art. The Louise Bennett-Coverley Square also features a bronze statue honoring the cultural icon. Instagram+1

Yes, Gordon Town offers a great experience for families, with opportunities for dining, relaxing by the river, and enjoying nature. Pretty Close is noted as being good for family and friends. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The serene riverside settings at Pretty Close, the rugged beauty of Penfield Falls, and the vibrant street art scattered throughout Gordon Town offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram+1

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography in Gordon Town, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing ambiance. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local guidelines and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in Gordon Town, especially near residential areas or natural reserves. Reddit

The bronze statue of Louise Bennett-Coverley at the square is a prominent photo opportunity, allowing visitors to connect with Jamaica's rich cultural heritage. Instagram

A versatile camera with good low-light capabilities is recommended for capturing the natural beauty and potential evening dining scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscapes and waterfalls. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Gordon Town offers a refreshing escape for families looking to connect with nature. The riverside dining at Pretty Close is noted as being good for families, providing a relaxed atmosphere where kids can enjoy the unique Ital cuisine and the natural surroundings. Instagram The opportunity to swim in the rivers and explore gentle trails makes it an engaging outing for children. TikTokInstagram

Beyond Pretty Close, the free community rivers like Burrell River and Mammie River offer safe and fun environments for kids to play and swim. Visiting during quieter times, like weekdays, can ensure a more enjoyable experience for families. The chance to see local art and learn about cultural figures like Miss Lou can also add an educational element to the trip. Instagram+1

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Gordon Town presents excellent opportunities. The community rivers like Burrell River and Mammie River are completely free to access, offering a beautiful natural experience without any cost. Instagram Packing your own snacks and enjoying the natural scenery can be a perfect, low-cost day out. Reddit

While Pretty Close has a set price for its dining experience, it's often considered good value for the unique 2-in-1 nature and dining package. TikTokInstagram For transportation, utilizing local route taxis where available can be more economical than private hires, though confirming routes and fares is always recommended. Reddit

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts

Gordon Town is a haven for nature lovers. The Penfield Falls offers a chance to experience Jamaica's natural beauty in its raw, untouched state, providing a truly immersive experience. Instagram The various rivers, including the one at Pretty Close, are perfect for swimming and enjoying the sounds of nature. TikTokInstagram

For those who appreciate the tranquility of flowing water and lush greenery, the riverside dining at Pretty Close provides a serene backdrop. The opportunity for river hikes allows for further exploration of the verdant landscape. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Pretty Close Experience: Dining and Nature

Pretty Close in Gordon Town offers a unique dual experience that has captured the attention of many visitors. It combines the tranquility of riverside dining with the adventure of a river hike. The dining aspect focuses on Ital cuisine, a Rastafarian dietary practice emphasizing natural, plant-based foods, served with refreshing coconut water. This unique culinary approach, coupled with the serene natural setting, makes it a memorable stop. TikTok+2

The experience extends beyond the meal, inviting guests to explore the surrounding natural beauty. The river hike allows visitors to connect with the lush environment, and the presence of waterfalls adds to the allure. It's often described as a '2-in-1 experience,' highlighting the blend of relaxation and gentle exploration. Many recommend booking in advance as it's a popular spot, especially for special occasions. TikTokInstagram+1

This destination is particularly praised for its ability to offer a taste of authentic Jamaican culture and nature away from the more crowded tourist hubs. The combination of good food, beautiful scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere makes it a highly recommended spot for those seeking a more immersive experience in the Kingston and St. Andrew area. TikTokInstagram

Exploring Gordon Town's Natural Waterways

Gordon Town is blessed with several natural waterways, offering diverse experiences for visitors. Penfield Falls is highlighted as an 'untouched gem,' providing a raw and rugged encounter with nature. This spot is perfect for those seeking a less commercialized and more authentic connection with Jamaica's natural landscapes. The sound of crashing water and the pristine environment are said to refresh the soul. Instagram

For those on a budget or looking for more accessible river experiences, Burrell River and Mammie River are excellent free options. These are community rivers, meaning their atmosphere can vary depending on the day and time of visit. To enjoy a quieter experience, visiting on weekdays or early mornings is advised. These rivers offer a chance to immerse yourself in local life and enjoy the natural beauty without an entrance fee. Instagram

These natural attractions underscore Gordon Town's appeal as a destination that caters to various preferences, from adventurous exploration of hidden waterfalls to relaxed enjoyment of local river spots. The accessibility of these natural wonders, some free of charge, makes Gordon Town a compelling choice for nature lovers and budget-conscious travelers alike. Instagram

Cultural Significance and Local Art

Gordon Town is not only a place of natural beauty but also holds cultural significance. The renaming of a square in honor of the late cultural icon, Louise Bennett-Coverley, known affectionately as 'Miss Lou,' highlights the area's connection to Jamaica's heritage. The Louise Bennett-Coverley Square features a bronze statue of Miss Lou, a testament to her enduring legacy in Jamaican literature and culture. Instagram

The area also boasts a vibrant local art scene. Talented artists contribute to the community's creative energy, often showcasing their work through street art and other artistic expressions. This artistic presence adds another layer of richness to the Gordon Town experience, offering visitors a glimpse into the local culture and the passion of its creatives. Instagram

Exploring these cultural and artistic facets of Gordon Town provides a deeper understanding of the area beyond its natural attractions. It's a reminder of the importance of local heritage and the thriving creative spirit that defines many Jamaican communities. Instagram+1

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