I will be visiting Jamaica and staying in Montego Bay for the first time this December. I have fantasies that there are little places on the beach where you can go to hear live music in a very casual but friendly atmosphere. I know that Negril is the nightlife epicenter but is there anywhere good in Montego Bay?

There aren't any little places on the beach. All the nightspots in MoBay are on the so-called Hip Strip, Gloucester Avenue, but the most popular place by far is Margaritaville. There are places where you can hear live music, but nightlife isn't my forte, so I'll bow out of any specific recommendations.

Keep in mind I haven't been to Mo Bay in years, but when we did last go there, I didn't feel very safe walking around the streets at night. Hopefully that has changed. I know I have seen posts that say if you are staying in an AI there it's best to stay on the property.

Is there any way that you could spend at least one night in Negril? It's only about an hour and a half away, and if you're interested in nightlife/small casual clubs with great music, that's really the place to go.

I second Weadles on Negril and as far as the other answer goes, please do not post any more replies on Jamaica as all you ever seem to say is stay within the walls of your AI. Was your stop in Mobay off a cruise? Jamaica is a wonderful island and those with even the mildest bit of adventure in their soul seem to "get it".

I have to mildly disagree with Spook. I consider Jamaica my second home, and have been going there for over 25 years. That being said, there are many areas that I wouldn't knowingly wander into alone. Would I suggest that you stay only at your resort? NO, unless you want to feel like you're in Miami only with better weather. However, I would strongly suggest that you exercise caution and show the same kind of respect that you would on any other island where you're unfamiliar with the customs and the terrain.

I agree with that Weadles, I was just on a little rant at people that continually post " stay at your resort and you'll be okay". My Jamaica experience consists of 2 nights Mobay, 5 nights Port Antonio, 5 nights Treasure Beach and over 100 in Negril and I'll admit Mobay has it's scary parts but then again why would you go to those areas anyway?

We're on the same page about this stuff, Spook. I don't understand the point of traveling if all you do is "experience" your hotel. But I've definitely had some moments of discomfort and idiocy (on my part) in both Mobay and Negril.

I'm glad to see my side of the island mentioned - Treasure Beach, in the beautiful parish of St. Elizabeth. Sometimes it feels like only Montego Bay, Negril and Kingston exist on the map! Quite safe here in St. Bess, and well worth exploring, but not really for the nightlife, I must admit.

IT'S LONG BUT, PLEASE READ........I feel a lot of people go to Jamaica and expect a little more then what they get. If you go with an open mind then you should adapt more easy. If you have never experience a different life style then meddle class and up then you might be a little uneasy. Jamaica is not the US. They love tourist it's there money. They will come up and try and sell you things and sometimes will keep at you and can make you uneasy. Once approached just tell them no thank you, I shopped yesterday keep walking with a smile. They usually say o.k. thank you cause they feel you have help one of their families, household out by buying from one of them. If you go dressed up with fancy jewery not a good thing. Plain clothes shorts, sun dress, tees and sandles. You don't want to stand out. On the hip strip they have a bar called the dead end it's passed Doctors cave about 5-10 min. they play music all day. It's a local hang out for them after dark pretty wild. But, we was with locals we've known for years and got to experience the dead end. I luv Jamaica and has really learned where to go, what to do and where to stay. I love to stay at Beachview Apts. cheap and Safe, Safe, Safe. Security guy sits at gate after 6p.m. till morning. Hotel Glorianna safe also has security guard too. I really love blending in with the locals and experience all that I can These places is not 3-5 stars at all but I feel totally at home. I tried Sunset Beach, Wexford, Sandles and it's just like I'm at home so, I turned to living a little on the local side and fell in love. It's my second home. Me and my son (14) next trip is April 2010 for 7 days. Can't wait. O, go visit Lethe District (Rafting) It's a long ride to get there but ask for Tall Chris 6'8 or short Chris and they will give you the best tour on the River. Ask for pedicure with Lime stone, awesome. ask to get a tattoo on you from a plant. I could go on and on about my favorite place. Just go with an open mind and enjoy, blend and have fun. Any questioned just let me know. I only know about MBJ. Please go to one of the schools and visit(take crayons, paper, pencils, etc....) for the little ones you will be amazed they start school at the age of 2. I went there and I was so shocked that they had on diapers and was sitting at a desk learning. Experience Jamaica don't get stuck in a resort it's so much you can see and do besides eat, drink and sunbathe. All you have to do is find a great tour guide and he will be at your side as long as you need him for a fee/tip. they will even wait while you go party and as soon as you walk out they will be right there. Some will even go in with you to make sure your comtable. There's websites to hire them. I could go on and on so, enjoy and ask me anything about MBJ. I will glad to respond Best vacation...................

511slimgoodie, I really enjoyed your post! So great to hear from someone who loves Jamaica so much, and has sensible and positive advice to offer. I come back from each trip feeling both renewed and changed by the people I meet. I'd hate to just stay at my hotel and only meet people like my neighbors at home. A local once said to me about Jamaica, " Order chicken, but expect fish." Keeping an open mind and trying to blend in and learn from the locals is the way to go. Thanks again!