Flocking To: Discovering New Destinations
The Flocking To series by T Magazine takes you on a journey to places that may already be on your travel radar, offering insights from both seasoned travelers and locals. Sign up to receive our monthly dispatches directly in your inbox, alongside weekly cultural recommendations, monthly beauty guides, and the latest from our print editions. Have questions? Reach out to us at tmagazine@nytimes.com.
Even if Kingston, Jamaica isn’t on your travel itinerary, you’ve probably been influenced by its vibrant soundscape. The birthplace of iconic music genres like ska, reggae, rocksteady, dub, and dancehall, Kingston’s influence resonates globally. This coastal city is renowned for its rich musical heritage and distinctive culinary offerings, including beloved Jamaican classics like beef patties, jerk chicken, and tender oxtail. “I often say, if the U.S. is an economic superpower, then Jamaica is a cultural superpower,” states visual artist Ebony G. Patterson, a Kingston native who now divides her time between Kingston and Chicago. “So many roads pass through here.”
As Jamaica’s capital and cultural nexus, Kingston is located on the southeastern coast. The city has a storied history of resilience, having been rebuilt following a devastating 1692 earthquake that decimated Port Royal, then a bustling harbor town and pirate haven. Again in 1907, Kingston faced destruction due to another major earthquake followed by a fire, leading to the restructuring of the city’s infrastructure. By 1923, the merging of Kingston and St. Andrew parishes officially formed the approximately 175-square-mile area now commonly referred to as “Kingston.”
Approximately one-fifth of Jamaica’s population, 2.8 million people, resides in this area. Visitors are encouraged to explore Kingston by car or charter a catamaran to navigate the harbor, as suggested by jewelry designer Mateo Harris. Beneath the waters lie remnants of the old pirate city, waiting to be discovered. Kingston’s culinary and cultural treasures often reveal themselves to those willing to venture beyond the surface. “Most people don’t know that we have amazing Indian and Chinese cuisine; these communities have made a significant impact on the country,” Harris notes. “Our national motto is ‘Out of many, one people,’ reflecting the diverse influences that shape our culture.”
While Kingston’s music scene is undeniably powerful—once boasting the highest number of recording studios per capita globally, including the legendary Studio One where Bob Marley recorded—Patterson emphasizes the thriving community of visual artists. Although commercial galleries are few, the dedication to artistic creation remains strong, with venues like the National Gallery of Jamaica and artist-led initiatives such as New Local Space cementing Kingston’s status as the island’s cultural epicenter.
Though the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 3 Travel Advisory for Jamaica this past summer, Patterson advises against letting safety concerns overshadow the island’s richness. “There’s a lot of sensationalizing of all of what Kingston is,” she explains. “Like any city, some of that’s true, but it’s not exclusively so.” She advocates for experiencing Kingston beyond its beaches, urging travelers to explore its diverse landscapes. “When people typically think about Jamaica, they don’t necessarily think about the mountains,” she says, “but if you have time, a journey to the Blue Mountains, which border St. Andrew to the northeast, offers a serene contrast to the lively city.” Below, Patterson, Harris, and other locals share their favorite spots in Kingston and beyond, showcasing Jamaica’s multifaceted allure.
The Insiders
- Ebony G. Patterson, Visual Artist
- Mateo Harris, Jewelry Designer
- Additional local experts
