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Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, the "Land of the Two Holy Mosques", is a country steeped in history, culture, places to stay, and natural beauty. Saudi Arabia, home to the sacred cities of Mecca and Medina, draws millions of pilgrims annually as the spiritual heart of Islam. Beyond its religious significance, the Kingdom has modern cities like Riyadh and Jeddah and stunning landscapes like the Rub' al Khali desert and the Red Sea coast. Al-Ula, the Edge of the World, and Diriyah are famous attractions that give you a glimpse into the country’s deep cultural roots and natural wonders. Saudi welcomes around 20 million tourists every year looking for spiritual and adventure experiences. If you want to go beyond the main sites, hundreds of day trips will show you the real Saudi Arabia. In this blog, we will explore the 10 best day trips in Saudia Arabia! So, let’s get in!

From Madinah to Yanbu

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

It takes around two and a half hours to drive from Medina to Yanbu, which is 230 kilometers away. One of the nation's two primary destinations for undersea exploration in the Red Sea is Yanbu; the other is Jeddah. You may get outfitted for a day under the water at several professional dive centers, including Diving Bubbles, Dolphin Free Diver, and Saudi Diving Center. One of the most well-known diving spots is Seven Sisters, which is home to hammerhead sharks all year round along with walls of soft and hard coral with vibrant colors. Eels, rays, lionfish, clownfish, turtles, and octopuses may also be seen swimming in the uncharted waters. A Chinese tugboat that sunk here in 1947 is a nearby shipwreck coated in coral from World War II.

From Madinah to Hegra

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

Hegra is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Saudi Arabia, the ancient Nabataean capital and a key trading hub along the spice and incense route, lies 356 kilometers from Medina—a four-hour drive. Known for its vast necropolis of 131 intricately carved tombs adorned with Roman, Greek, Egyptian, and Nabataean motifs, Hegra reflects the region’s deep cultural diversity. While it’s a long journey from Medina, the trip is well worth it. For a breathtaking view of the Milky Way over the monoliths, consider staying overnight.

From Jeddah to Al Madinah

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

Travel to the second-holiest city in Islam, Al Madinah, for a spiritual and historical adventure. Visit the Prophet's Mosque, and other important religious sites as part of an educational day trip from Jeddah. Al Madinah also provides a rich cultural experience, classic architecture, and busy souks. Although non-Muslims cannot enter the Prophet's Mosque, they are welcome to visit Medina and admire its stunning façade. The city's rich history and spiritual ambiance make it a worthwhile destination.

From Jeddah to Al Wahbah Crater

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

Visit the Al Wahbah Crater, a natural wonder northwest of Jeddah, to take a trip back in time. This enormous volcanic crater, which is said to be over 400,000 years old, is one of the most daring day excursions from Jeddah. It provides breathtaking vistas and a rare window into the natural history of the area. Hike the nearby trails, explore the crater bottom, or just take in the stunning surroundings. From the Red Sea city, it will take you around three hours and forty-five minutes to travel here.

From Jeddah to Riyadh

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

Explore the historical and contemporary attractions of Riyadh on a brief visit to this Saudi capital. There is a lot of antiquity mixed with the ideal amount of modernism, from the skyscrapers of KAFD to the magnificence of Murabba Palace. One of the best places to visit in Riyadh is the National Museum of Saudia Arabia as it showcases the Arabian prehistory and culture of centuries old. Moreover, you can also shop at Diriryah Market for an exceptional experience.

Madinah to Khaybar Fort

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

Khaybar, located 180 kilometers north of Medina, is a two-hour drive through the desert. Overlooking an oasis of lush date palms, its abandoned mud-brick and stone fort has stood watch for generations. Once a key stop along the incense and spice route between Hegra and Medina, Khaybar is also known for the Battle of Khaybar in 628 AD between the Prophet Muhammad and the Banu Nadir clan. Ancient ruins surround the fort, offering a glimpse into the past. Whether driving independently or on a luxury tour, sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water are essential for exploring this historic site.

From Dammam to Qatif

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

The history of Qatif goes all the way back to the Bronze Age. Even though the Eastern Province has rapidly modernized, Qatif has managed to preserve much of its historical beauty, though some of its most famous features, such as Qatif Castle, have disappeared over time.

This town's historic souq offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Arabian life and a genuine shopping experience. The two surviving towers of Tarout Castle, which is located on Tarout Island and is said to have been constructed by the Portuguese in the 16th century, are visible and serve as a reminder of the island's lengthy history. Evidence of archeological activity on the island itself dates to 4,300 BCE. It takes around 30 minutes to drive from Dammam to Qatif, which is roughly 30 kilometers away.

From Jeddah to Taif

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

Are you looking for a cooler way to escape the heat in Jeddah? This is one of the interesting day trips from Jeddah that will take you directly to the highlands of Taif, a picturesque city set in the heart of the Sarawat highlands. Across verdant valleys, see ancient locations like Al-Shareef Castle, or just unwind and take in the cool mountain air. Taif is also renowned for its mouthwatering fruit and honey, which makes it a fun family outing. The trip takes about two hours.

From Dammam to Al Ahsa Oasis

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

Al-Ahsa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts nearly 2.5 million palm trees sustained by an ancient irrigation system that has supported the region for millennia. The oasis includes the cities of Hofuf and Al Mubarraz, along with several smaller settlements. A key attraction is Qasr Ibrahim, a recently renovated Ottoman-era fortress featuring a 1500s mosque. Visitors can also explore vast date plantations to learn about the cultivation of one of Saudi Arabia’s most prized exports. Located about 150 kilometers southwest of Dammam, Al-Ahsa is a 90-minute drive away, making it an accessible and worthwhile destination.

From Dammam to Uqair

Top 10 Day Trips in Saudi Arabia

A short drive from Dammam leads to the seaside village of Uqair, home to a historic mudbrick fort and a Roman-era theater dating back to the second century CE. Uqair was once believed to be the site of Gerrha, an ancient pre-Islamic trade hub. The town also played a key role in Saudi Arabia’s modern history, hosting pivotal early 20th-century negotiations between international diplomats and the kingdom’s founder, Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman. Located about 85 kilometers from Dammam, Uqair is an easy one-hour drive, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

In short, one of the best things to do in Saudia Arabia is to board these day trips. From Uqair to Riyadh, every destination offers great experiences and adventures. With so much to see and do, Saudia Arab deserves to be on your travel bucket list this summer.

 

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  • Isla Coventry

    Isla is known as one of the best female solo travel bloggers today. She has been to Europe, UAE, and America and has penned down her experience in her blogs to inspire other travel enthusiasts.

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