It is quite easy to walk down the streetside (s) of the road....any of the bars or restaurants can be used to access the street from the beach. Many of the hotel properties will allow you to walk through them...if the property security does ask, just let them know where you're staying (not sure if you'll have an arm band from Swept Away?)...that you're taking a walk to see what the main beach is all about, and that you would like to not only access the roadway, but also get the "vibes" of the property you'll be cutting through, just as a comparison for a future stay..."maybe"....
If for some strange reason you're denied access from one property, thank the security guard for his time, and walk on up the beach to another spot to cut through...it won't be a problem.
Once you're on the roadside, if crossing over to the other side, PLEASE follow these rules:
Look left, look right...look left again, look to the right again. WAIT for a lull in traffic..wait until vehicles are far enough away. NEVER feel like you need to sprint, jog, or skitter across the road. I'm not saying you need to stroll across like Jamaicans might do, or like those of us who live here, but traffic is not so congested that you can't take a few minutes to wait and cross over at more than a walk.
ALWAYS walk AGAINST the flow of traffic, not with it.
When cars "beep" at you, it means "I Have Space, Do You Need A Ride?"....the horn beeping is the taxi driver's equivalent of the taxi sign mounted on the top of vehicles at home. There are route taxis (public) and private charter taxis...if planning to use one (or even thinking of maybe using one)..just know the difference between the two systems.
Be sure that if you're doing some sightseeing, or chatting together to decide where to go or what to do next, you stand well back on the road shoulder, and keep your eyes on the road, as some cars do pass each other incorrectly (on the inside shoulder itself)...or pull over without using a signal.
The roadside can get warm during the middle part of the day when walking a long distance, but there will always be a breeze on the beach itself, plus you can take a dip in the water anytime...wear your swimsuits and maybe bring a towel and a bottle of water along, and your camera. You can make an outing of your walk and then have something to share with others at the resort or at home after you've gone exploring.
There is an unspoken agreement that all small / independent properties on the beach have = buy something from the bar or restaurant and in exchange, feel free to use the lounge chairs and fresh water shower. When you're ready to move on, and another place grabs your interest, just have another drink or something to munch on, stay awhile, repeat as needed.
Take time to chat with the locals you'll meet, look at what they have to sell if interested, don't be shocked or intimidated at the number of approaches you'll receive, but also do not feel intimidated. Negril's main beach has many "roaming entrepreneurs" as well as little stands, stalls, shops. You may not make it the whole five miles to the town center, but rather take in a portion of the beach, and still have a good time.
Watch the pricing at the different 'drink stops'...the fancier tourist restaurants/bars will have tax and gratuity to add on to your bill...the little, funkier, more local spots will not...the price is what it is.
Print out a copy of the map and take it with you (11 x17 paper works best)...highlight the spots you want to visit based on what you've read about on message boards, or what you've seen pics of. If you find spots not on the map (especially along both sides of the road) let me know. The map team will have an update for 2010...my job is to walk the whole beach and west end part of town to verify changes...any help from those of you who do make treks, no matter how small, and want to let me know of your discoveries, I'll welcome you're input.

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