After diving into the vibrant array of things to do in Jeddah, from strolling along the picturesque Jeddah Corniche to exploring the historic Al-Balad district with its ancient buildings, you might find yourself curious about what lies beyond the city’s bustling atmosphere. Day trips from Jeddah offer a unique opportunity to discover the natural wonders and cultural heritage of the surrounding regions, providing a deeper glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes and historical depth.
Venturing from Jeddah, the extensive list of things to do in Saudi Arabia unfolds, from the majestic mountains of Taif to the enchanting desert landscape of the Empty Quarter. These excursions not only allow you to experience the kingdom’s rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty but also to explore ancient archaeological sites and traditional markets, offering a comprehensive view of Saudi Arabian heritage.
Selecting where to stay in Jeddah is crucial for travelers looking to seamlessly blend urban exploration with the discovery of Saudi Arabia’s wider attractions. The ideal accommodation combines convenience with comfort, placing you within easy reach of Jeddah’s main sights while providing a restful base for your adventures beyond the city limits, ensuring a memorable and enriching travel experience.
Discover Best Day Trips from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
1. Taif, Saudi Arabia

Taif, known as the City of Roses, is famous for its cool climate and beautiful gardens. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Jeddah, nestled in the mountains.
Distance: Approximately 170 km
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Cool climate, beautiful gardens, rose fields
Best Time to Visit: April-May (during the rose harvesting season)
Entrance Fees:
- Rose Garden: Free
- Shubra Palace: $2
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Al Rudaf Park, Al Hada Mountain, Shubra Palace
Travel Tip: Visit during the rose harvesting season (April-May) to see the rose fields in full bloom and experience the local rose festival.
2. Al Lith, Saudi Arabia
Al Lith is a tranquil coastal town offering pristine beaches and excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities. The drive from Jeddah takes around 3 hours.
Distance: Approximately 210 km
Travel Time: Roughly 3 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Pristine beaches, deep-sea fishing, coral reefs
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Boat Trip to Farasan Islands: $50
Budget: Approximately $60-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Farasan Islands, Red Sea beaches, local fishing spots
Travel Tip: Take a boat trip to the Farasan Islands from Al Lith for a splendid day of snorkeling and exploring coral reefs.
3. Al Wahbah Crater, Saudi Arabia

Al Wahbah Crater, a volcanic crater with a salt field at its base, presents a unique natural landscape. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Jeddah.
Distance: Approximately 350 km
Travel Time: Around 4 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Volcanic crater, salt field, unique natural landscape
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Crater Entrance: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Crater rim, surrounding desert, nearby picnic spots
Travel Tip: Pack a picnic and good hiking shoes to explore the crater’s surroundings and its breathtaking views.
4. Jizan, Saudi Arabia

Jizan, located on the Red Sea coast, is famous for its rich cultural heritage and tropical fruit farms. The journey to Jizan from Jeddah takes about 6 hours by road.
Distance: Approximately 700 km
Travel Time: Approximately 6 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Cultural heritage, tropical fruit farms, Farasan Islands
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Farasan Islands Ferry: Free
Budget: Approximately $60-$120 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Wadi Lajab, Farasan Islands, Jizan Fish Market
Travel Tip: Explore the nearby Farasan Islands for their historical sites and vibrant marine life.
5. King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah Economic City, a modern development on the Red Sea coast, offers beaches, golfing, and a range of dining options. It is about a 1-hour drive from Jeddah.
Distance: Approximately 125 km
Travel Time: Around 1 hour by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Modern development, beaches, golfing, dining options
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Beach Access: Free
- Golf Course: $50
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: KAEC Beach, Royal Greens Golf Club, Bay La Sun Marina
Travel Tip: Visit the KAEC beach for a family-friendly day out with plenty of activities and facilities.
6. Yanbu, Saudi Arabia

Yanbu, known for its beautiful Red Sea beaches and historical significance, is around 3 hours away from Jeddah. The area is a blend of ancient heritage and modern industry.
Distance: Approximately 350 km
Travel Time: About 3 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Beautiful Red Sea beaches, historical significance, scuba diving
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Scuba Diving: $50
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Yanbu Corniche, Al Fairouz Park, Yanbu Historical Area
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to go scuba diving or snorkeling to explore the vibrant underwater life.
7. Abha, Saudi Arabia

Abha, a city in the Asir Province, is celebrated for its cool climate, mountainous terrain, and cultural festivals. It takes about 7 hours to reach Abha by car from Jeddah.
Distance: Approximately 500 km
Travel Time: Roughly 7 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Cool climate, mountainous terrain, cultural festivals
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Cable Car: $10
- Asir National Park: $5
Budget: Approximately $60-$120 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Al Soudah Park, Habala Village, Asir National Park
Travel Tip: Ride the cable car for stunning views of the mountains and visit the Asir National Park.
8. Umluj, Saudi Arabia
Umluj, often called the ‘Maldives of Saudi Arabia’, is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The drive from Jeddah takes approximately 4 hours.
Distance: Approximately 400 km
Travel Time: Around 4 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: White sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, nearby islands
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Boat Tour: $50
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Umluj Beach, Mango Farm, Red Sea Islands
Travel Tip: Enjoy a boat tour to the nearby islands for a day of relaxation and exploration of untouched beaches.
Plan Your Perfect Day Trip with Our Trusted Travel Partners
🚗 Find the Best Car Rental Deals with Rentalcars.com and GetRentacar.com
🏨 Discover the Best Accommodations with Booking.com
🌟 Discover Amazing Experiences with GetYourGuide.com and Tiqets.com
📶 Stay Connected with Airalo.com
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/jeddah-l99843?activity_type=dayTrip
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.