If you can bear to tear yourself away from the exciting buzz of Jeddah, there’s an absolute wealth of things to do and places to visit just outside the city. These nearby destinations are all around a two-hour drive or less from Jeddah’s centre, but offer experiences that feel like a world away.
Snorkelling in warm, clear waters, stargazing in the desert wilderness, exploring rose-scented mountain cities and more. Get a feel for Saudi’s beautiful outdoors and have some fun on these top day trips from Jeddah.
1. Drive out into the desert wilderness for some sandy fun
Jeddahwis really know how to make the most of the desert. There are some brilliant desert camps less than an hour’s drive out of Jeddah, where you can get stuck into all sorts of fun, sandy activities. Various packages are available with an array of operators, depending on when you want to go (half-day tours are popular too).
Adventure lovers can go dune bashing, buggy riding, camel riding, sand boarding or rock climbing from these campsites. Those in search of a more mellow trip can opt for a peaceful sunrise or sunset experience, perhaps sipping on Arabic coffee. Many desert safaris also include a BBQ meal under the stars, with traditional Saudi cuisine served.
How to get to the desert camps from Jeddah: Most desert camps are about 40-50km southeast of central Jeddah and by far the best way to go is with a tour operator – that way you can make the most of the activities available, and don’t have to worry about hiring a suitable vehicle for the sandy terrain. Saudi Arabia Tours offers a relaxed eight-hour trip that includes transfers both ways, a meal, a tour guide, activities and plenty of snacks and drinks.
2. Have an action-packed day in King Abdullah Economic City
KAEC (pronounced ‘cake’) is an ultra-modern city just over an hour’s drive north of Jeddah. Designed and built with expats and Saudi’s international-facing younger generation in mind, this city has watersports, beaches, games and activities galore. Visit Juman Park for a maze, mini golf course, swimming pool and tennis courts, plus lots of shady lawns.
Next door to the park is a massive go-karting track, which should keep any adrenaline fans happy. Meanwhile, if you’re after more of a seaside jaunt, don’t miss Yam Beach, where there are pristine sands and sunbeds, plenty of clean, well-maintained facilities plus donuts and banana boat rides on offer. All in all, KAEC makes for a very family-friendly day out.
How to get to King Abdullah Economic City from Jeddah: It couldn’t be easier to make a trip to KAEC. If you’re driving, pass King Abdulaziz Airport, then take Route 55 north and you’ll be there in about one hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, take the train from Jeddah Al-Sulaymaniyah Station directly to KAEC – tickets are around SAR75 and the journey takes just half an hour.
3. Enjoy the rose-scented air of mountain city Taif
An absolutely dreamy day out is a trip to the beautiful Damask rose-scented city of Taif. Known as the City of Roses, there are more than 700 farms here producing the flowers, which are used all over the world, in perfumes for the likes of Chanel and Guerlain. They’re also used closer to home – the Kaaba in Mecca is washed with a mixture of Zamzam water and Taif rose oil. Roses flower between February and April when tourists can visit farms and tour factories to see how the perfumes are made. Taif is also a popular summer destination as its mountain location makes it a cool retreat in the hot months, and there’s still plenty to see, including the historic souk, Shubra Palace and beautiful mountain viewpoints.
How to get to Taif from Jeddah: It’s easiest to take a tour to Taif that includes transfers each way from Jeddah. Golden Destination has a relaxed private tour option. Driving yourself is perfectly possible, but remember that if you’re not Muslim, you can’t pass through Mecca, and need to turn off Highway 40 onto Route 298 before you reach the checkpoints – this is known as the ‘Christian bypass’ and is well marked.
4. Explore your adventurous side on a Moon Valley hike
Moon Valley – the name says it all. This otherworldly destination is full of weird and wonderful rock formations, caves and desertscapes, perfect for all sorts of adventure activities. Hike to the summit of Moon Mountain for sensational views, ride quad bikes over the rocky terrain, or bring a mat, as many do, for a spot of yoga or meditation. Moon Valley is also a popular overnight camping spot, as the stars seem to shine extra bright in the dark, pollution-free sky, and constellations are clearly visible.
How to get to Moon Valley from Jeddah: Moon Valley is an hour’s drive away, 90km north of Jeddah. If you’re driving yourself, make sure you have the right vehicle – 4X4s are recommended as the ground is rough and rocky once you get to the site. Alternatively, book a guided hike, including transfers from Jeddah with Abha Trips or one of the many other operators that run from Jeddah.
5. Relax on Bayada Island, also known as the ‘Saudi Maldives’
Who needs the Maldives when you can go to Bayada Island, a tropical paradise of clear blue waters, coral reefs and soft white sands? A day trip here means a chance to get out on the Red Sea, soak up the scenery, the sun and the cool breezes, relax on the sand, or do some snorkelling and swimming. Utter bliss.
How to get to Bayada Island from Jeddah: Unless you’re lucky enough to be a boat owner, you’ll need to book a tour for this day trip. Most groups meet at Al Ahlam Marina in Obhur (Jeddah’s northern district) and it is approximately a 40-minute boat ride from there to the island. Try Rich Experience or Discover Saudi’s boat tours. Booking at least two days in advance is recommended.
