Jardines de Hershey


Once lush – now largely overgrown – gardens formerly owned by the famous American chocolate tycoon Milton Hershey who ran the nearby sugar mill. There's an element of charming wildness in the winding paths, abundant green foliage and partially dammed river, although the thatched-roof restaurants and other facilities are a little run-down. The spot is mainly enjoyed by Cuban families who come to swim and relax.

From Playa Jibacoa, it’s a pleasant 4km walk south of Santa Cruz del Norte.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Central Camilo Cienfuegos

0.9 MILES

Standing disused on a hilltop like a huge rusting iron skeleton, this former sugar mill, 5km south of Santa Cruz del Norte, was one of Cuba’s largest and…

2. Parque Escaleras de Jaruco

9.92 MILES

This wild park, 6km west of Jaruco via hushed unmarked lanes, is a protected area featuring forests, caves and strangely shaped limestone cliffs. Havana…

3. Puente de Bacunayagua

15.79 MILES

Marking the border between Havana and Matanzas provinces, this is Cuba’s longest (314m) and highest (103m) bridge. Begun in 1957 and finally opened by…

4. Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario

21.55 MILES

Havana is a city of many secrets, but few are as serendipitous as the church also known as the Catedral de los Campos de Cuba (cathedral of the Cuban…

5. Iglesia de Monserrate

22.24 MILES

For a mappable view of mildewed Matanzas on one side and the broccoli-green Valle de Yumurí on the other, climb 1.5km northeast of the center up Calle 306…

6. Alamar

22.27 MILES

East across the river from Cojímar is a large housing estate of prefabricated apartment blocks built from 1971 by micro brigadas (small armies of workers…

7. Museo Farmaceútico

23.07 MILES

Museo Farmaceútico is one of Matanzas' showcase sights. Founded in 1882 by the Triolett family, the pharmacy was the first of its type in Latin America…

8. Parque Libertad

23.08 MILES

A few blocks directly west of Plaza de la Vigía is Parque Libertad, the anchor of Matanzas' cultural life and home to several of the city's most…