Jeddah’s position on the Red Sea coast — with mountains to the east, open coast to the north and south, and the historic Hejaz region surrounding it — gives it a range of accessible day trips that few Saudi cities can match. Within two hours you can be in cool mountain air at 1,800m, at a near-empty Red Sea beach, or walking through a UNESCO-listed historic district.
Taif: The Mountain Escape (90 Minutes)
Taif is the most popular and most rewarding day trip from Jeddah. At approximately 1,800m above sea level in the Hejaz mountains, the city is 10–15°C cooler than the coast — a significant relief during the summer months when Jeddah’s heat is at its most intense.
The drive: The Al-Hada mountain road from Jeddah climbs steeply through dramatic switchbacks. The scenery is some of the most striking in the Hejaz — bare granite peaks, hanging valleys, and sudden views of the coastal plain far below. The road is well maintained and signposted. Allow 90 minutes from central Jeddah.
What to see in Taif:
- Shubra Palace — a striking Ottoman-era palace built for the Sharif of Makkah, now a regional museum. Entry approximately SAR 20 as of 2026, open 09:00–17:00 except Friday.
- Taif Rose Festival (March–April) — Taif produces most of Saudi Arabia’s rose oil. During the brief season, farms along the mountain roads welcome visitors to see the harvest. The rose oil and rose water sold here is the real product, not a tourist version.
- Al-Rudaf Park — the main public park in Taif with pomegranate orchards and walking trails. Free entry.
- Al-Shafa and Al-Hada — smaller mountain resorts between Jeddah and Taif with hiking trails and cooler air. Al-Hada has a cable car (gondola) with views across the Hejaz mountains; approximately SAR 40 for a return ride as of 2026.
Practical: No reservation needed for the drive. Taif’s restaurants and cafes are straightforwardly accessible. Budget SAR 100–200 for entry fees, fuel, and a lunch stop.
Al-Shallal Entertainment Park (Southern Jeddah, 20 Minutes)
Al-Shallal is one of the largest entertainment complexes in Jeddah — technically within the city, but usually treated as a half-day excursion given the drive from the northern Corniche. The complex includes an outdoor theme park with rides, an indoor ice rink, bowling alley, arcade, and several restaurants.
Best for: Families with children, or when the summer heat makes outdoor activities impractical. The indoor facilities are air-conditioned.
Opening hours: Approximately 10:00–midnight on weekdays, later on weekends. Check the Al-Shallal website for current hours as they change seasonally.
Cost: Entry to the theme park approximately SAR 75–130 per person for unlimited rides as of 2026; ice rink SAR 60–80 including skate hire.
Al-Rahma Mosque (Floating Mosque) — In Jeddah
Al-Rahma Mosque is a Jeddah city attraction rather than a day trip destination — it sits on the Corniche, 15 minutes north of downtown. At high tide, the mosque appears to float on the Red Sea surface, which is the photographic draw. Entry is permitted to non-Muslims outside prayer times (access to the main prayer hall is not permitted, but the exterior and surrounding platform are open).
Visit: Best at high tide in the late afternoon or early evening when the lighting is flattering and the mosque is silhouetted against the Red Sea. Combine with a walk along the Corniche.
Yanbu: The Red Sea Diving Coast (4 Hours)
Yanbu is Jeddah’s rival for Red Sea diving — with arguably better coral reefs (less traffic and boat disturbance than the sites immediately off Jeddah). The four-hour drive north makes it a long day trip but a doable one for serious divers.
Diving: Several dive centres operate out of Yanbu’s marina, offering half-day and full-day trips to the offshore reefs. Expect to pay approximately SAR 300–600 for a two-dive package including equipment as of 2026. The waters are clearest September through April.
Alternative: If Yanbu is too far, the Obhur Creek area north of Jeddah (30–40 minutes) has dive sites and snorkelling directly off the shore. Less dramatic than Yanbu’s offshore reefs, but accessible for an afternoon.
Makkah: Important Note for Non-Muslim Visitors
Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering Makkah at all times. This is enforced at checkpoints on every road into the city, approximately 8–12km from the city centre. There is no exemption or special permit system.
The scenic highway between Jeddah and Taif passes to the south of Makkah and provides elevated views of the surrounding mountains but not of the city itself. The mountain towns of Al-Hada and Al-Shafa on the Taif road are fully accessible to all visitors and offer the best of the Hejaz highland scenery without entering Makkah’s restricted zone.
For Muslim visitors, Makkah is approximately 75km from Jeddah — roughly 60–90 minutes depending on traffic, which can be heavy on weekends and during Umrah seasons.
Practical Tips for Jeddah Day Trips
- Car hire is the most practical option for all of these destinations — public transport connections are limited. Rental from approximately SAR 100–150 per day as of 2026.
- Timing: Leave Jeddah before 09:00 to avoid the worst of the city traffic. Return by 17:00–18:00 to avoid peak afternoon congestion on the main routes.
- Summer heat: Taif is the most comfortable destination in peak summer (June–August). All coastal and low-altitude destinations are very hot; plan beach and outdoor activities for early morning.
For guided day trips from Jeddah including Taif and mountain routes, see our Jeddah tours page.