Jeddah is a modern and colorful city that takes immense pride in preserving its ancient culture. This city is a perfect example of a destination that adorns a veneer of urbanization while keeping its true soul hidden. Equipped with a stunning seafront promenade, historic neighborhood, impressive museums and well-preserved culture, Jeddah has several factors to keep its tourists entertained for many days. So, it is important to explore deeper to know more about this city that keeps its cultural identity close to its heart.
Venturing further, you will be able to uncover the real essence that this modern city withholds. However, if you love to take a break from this vast city, then you will be delighted to know that fascinating towns with high altitudes and natural wonders are located at a short drive from Jeddah. Taking these day trips from Jeddah will help you discover Saudi’s treasure trove of new places and unique experiences. We have compiled a list of some of the best places to take a break from the regular sightseeing experience. Make sure to include these 5 fascinating places on your day trip radar to get the most from Jeddah.
List of 5 Best Day Trips from Jeddah
1. City of Taif
This city located atop the Hijaz cliffs looks completely different from the other cities in Saudi. With an altitude of about 1900 m, the city enjoys a moderate climate even during the summers. Despite being a city, this place is popular for its agricultural produce, such as figs, pomegranates and grapes. But, their exotic pink roses with the enticing aroma are very famous in this region, as Saudi’s perfume sector heavily depends on these blooms.
During the months of March and April, the mountain air is filled with the sweet rose scent while the flowers are harvested and sent to the factory for rose oil extraction. Taking a tour of the oldest rose perfume factory will help you witness the farmers weighing delicate roses on their antique scales.
Getting to Taif: The city lies on the east side of Jeddah and it is a 2-hour drive to cover around 175 Km.
2. Al Bahah
As you travel through the Hijaz cliffs, you will find Al Bahah sitting at a 2500 m altitude, making it higher than the previous destination on our list. It can be considered an oasis, as it is dotted with over 40 lush green forests. Enjoy the scenic view of the mountains while passing through the winding roads and spot several baboons looking at you curiously.
This historical site earned its distinct identity, as it had the ancient Zahran and Ghamid tribes as its dwellers. The unique qasbah watch tower built with 1001 stones is a famous point of tourist attraction. During the day trips from Jeddah, you can also visit the oldest 400-year village, Dhee Ayn, which has magnificent buildings of solid stone. Enjoy nature at its finest by visiting the Ragadhan Forest, Al Malad dam and Khairah Forest Park located close to Al Bahah.
Getting to Al Baha: if you wish to spend a day at Al Bahah, then leave Jeddah early morning to reach here. From Jeddah, it takes around 5 hours to cover the distance of 385 Km.
Related Reading: Malls In Jeddah
3. Al Uqair
This place is popular among the Jeddah day trip tourists for its historical ruins and amazing structures. This ancient site can make you travel back in time about 200 years ago when trade was at its peak. The Colonial Fort built in the 19th century served as the gateway for traders coming from every corner of Arabia.
The people of this region believe that Gerrha, Eastern Arabia’s ancient city was located here. This desert kingdom shrouded in deep history has survived the extreme shifting of desert sands for several centuries. Walking around the historical ruins that are depleting slowly can be a memorable experience to relive the days of a bygone era.
Getting to Al Uqair: The ruins of Al Uqair lies at a distance of 841 miles from Jeddah. Travel to Judah village when you drive through the Jeddah – Dammam highway. Then take the 2nd exit leading you to Buqayq town and reach the major intersection in the east. Then pass the exit with a board that states Uqair beach and take the straight road that leads to this beautiful historical spot.
4. Farasan Islands
This beautiful island near Jeddah is the perfect choice to spend your weekend in Jeddah, as it is loaded with an array of attractive features. It lies on the south side of Jeddah and is a huge cluster of coral islands located in the Red Sea. This island is a protected area and consists of more than 170 tiny islands. Ottoman and Roman civilizations stayed on this island during the 1st millennium BC. Biodiversity remains the major point of attraction in this island cluster. It is home to some endangered species like the Arabian gazelle and the winter welcomes migratory birds to this region.
The region is filled with mangrove trees that act as the colorful birds’ breeding ground. Flamingoes, Osprey, Pink-backed Pelican, Scooty Falcon, White-eyed gull, Crab Plover and Red-billed Tropic. The island teams up with rich marine life that includes three dolphin species, 50 coral species and 200 fish varieties. However, parrot fish is the star attraction of the Farasan islands. You can take ferry rides for free to travel between the Farazan Islands and Jizan Ports.
Getting to Farasan Islands: Take the Jeddah-Jizan highway to reach Jizan, which lies about 800 Km from Jeddah. Then reach the Jizan Port through King Fahd road and get a ferry ticket. Take a free ferry ride to reach Farasan Islands in an hour.
5. Al Lith Valley
Strategically located on the southeast side of the city, this valley is one of the best places for Jeddah vacations. This silent valley is famous for its hot springs that are nestled between the lush green vegetation and ochre-colored cliffs. Tourists love the burbling hot springs in the ground that is loaded with medicinal properties.
This tranquil location with the healing hot springs has the right temperature to cure your aching and sore joints. This destination is ideal for capturing some good pictures, as the lush green valley with cliffs in chestnut color and steaming hot springs can make a good backdrop. This isolated valley is well-connected with roads and can help you rewind and relax after a dip at the hot springs. Come prepared with a set of spare clothes during this day trip from Jeddah, as you will be soaked up after visiting the hot springs.
Getting to Al Lith Valley: From Jeddah, you have to cover about 200 Km to reach Al Lith Valley through the Jeddah-Jizan highway.
Apart from these 5 best day trip destinations from Jeddah, you can also visit Hassan Enany Mosque built in Mediterranean architectural style, hike through the Moon Mountain with a striking terrain filled with unique rock formations, be awestruck by the infrastructure at its finest at the Obhur Creek and set your camp at Mudhalyif village at night.
Packing your bags already? Do let us know which of these destinations is your first choice for your day trip from Jeddah.