Day Trips from Riyadh

Who says you need to travel far for adventure? Just outside Riyadh, you’ll find epic canyons, ancient villages, and even an oasis or two. Let’s explore!

We all know that Riyadh is jam-packed with thrill, but sometimes an escape from the city buzz is necessary. With its central location and excellent access to the nation's highways, and train network, Riyadh is conveniently close to many of the Kingdom's breathtaking and amazing landmarks. You can swim across the clear pools in Hidden Canyon or enjoy a dessert adventure at Red Sand—yes, an actual sanctuary in the desert. A history freak? Then Diriyah is your place. Love wildlife? Why not visit Nofa Wildlife Park, where you can have amazing experiences with exotic animals? We’ve curated a list of the best day trips from Riyadh. So, grab your gear, hit the road, and let’s explore the best quick getaways from Riyadh!

Hidden Canyon is an intriguing natural feature that resembles a little canyon and is basically an ancient, dry wadi (river). This place is best enjoyed in the winter when the rain floods the canyon bottom. You can enjoy a cool swim since the clear pool water collects between the carved-out rocks. Located just off Route 509, about an hour’s drive southeast of Riyadh, it stretches on both sides of a small dirt road. On most occasions, you'll have the place almost to yourself, but on weekends, expect the crowds to show up, families spreading out a picnic rug, and a fire brazier for roasting their meat.

Distance: 100 km (1 hour 25 minutes by car)

Just located southwest of Riyadh, close to the community of Al Awsat, rev your engine vigorously as you climb, descend, and navigate among massive brick-red dunes at Red Sands. You'll find hundreds of Riyadhians seeking a desert getaway for the weekend at this location, surrounded by the evocative Tuwaiq Mountains. Most will race one another on leased quad bikes or climb the towering red dunes using their 4x4s. Others will show up in the late evening when the sun has set and the intense heat of the afternoon has subsided. Before relaxing under the stars, a cup of kawa (native coffee) over BBQ coals is a must-try. It takes forty minutes to drive from the city center to the Red Sands.

Distance: Approximately 80 km (around 1 hour by car)

A day excursion to Diriyah, among the best places to visit in Riyadh and the "birthplace" of the Kingdom, will be a treat for history fans. This place has just undergone extensive restoration and holds great historic value for Saudi Arabia. A day excursion to Diriyah from Riyadh offers a lot of activities, like exploring castles and structures made of palm trunks and mud, as well as seeing the UNESCO-designated Al Turaif district remains. There are also several entertainment options in the neighboring Al-Bujairi Heritage and Tourism Park, such as kid-friendly rides, art classes, movie screenings, plus storytelling evenings. With a variety of foreign cafés and restaurants, Bujairi Terrace is an excellent eatery to stop by for a bite.

Distance: Approximately 20 km (20 minutes by car)

When looking for the best things to do in Riyadh, taking a day trip to Nofa Wildlife Park, which is southwest of Riyadh and an hour's drive away, serves as the best option. It feels like a world away from the chaos and hustle of the metropolis, offering an unforgettable escape. As your vehicle moves across vast plains dotted with grazing giraffes and leaping impalas, you'll also spot pygmy hippos, towering elephants, and Grévy's zebras. A safari excursion through this remote nature reserve promises breathtaking views and an immersive wildlife experience.

The variety of local and exotic birds plus reptiles at the on-site wildlife center also makes a stroll around the facility highly recommended. Reservations are required for entry.

Distance: 96.9 km (1 hour 2 min) 

There is nothing more spectacular than standing on the Edge Of The World, a journey to Jebel Fihrayn, another name for the unexpected geological marvel, is not to be missed. One truly gets an impression of being on the edge of oblivion from the unbroken vistas of the bleak horizon and the dramatic rising of towering, jagged cliffs out of the sand. It's worth hiring an experienced guide to accompany you here unless you're an expert off-roader (a 4x4 is essential). Pick-up and drop-off are usually included in tours, which also give enough time for touring, dinner, and entertainment in a tent here.

Distance: Approximately 90 km (1.5 hours by car)

Heet Cave is located on the face of Mount Al Jubayl, tucked away behind an industrial area. Although descending the sedimentary rock strata that line Ain Heet's walls requires a good amount of effort (Ain means eye and refers to the shape that defines the cave entrance), the reward is a stunning, glistening lake at the bottom. You can have a swim and play around, get a snorkel and mask, or even put on complete scuba diving gear to go deeper, depending on your degree of skill. The body of water itself is thought to be 30 meters deep and 150 meters long. Furthermore, Heet Cave may not be appropriate for little children due to the sharpness of the drop and the stony terrain beneath the feet. It's crucial to proceed carefully and wear shoes with rubber soles.

Distance: 53.2 km (58 minutes by car)

Although there are many positive aspects of Saudi Arabia’s fast-paced contemporary city, Riyadh, but taking a moment to embrace a slower pace of life offers numerous benefits at Ushaiger Heritage Village. Ushaiger lies northwest of Riyadh, a vast community that is mostly unaffected by contemporary life and was populated by the Bedouin ancestors of individuals who first came to the region 1,500 years ago. In addition to admiring the unique Najdi architecture, visitors may explore the village's meandering alleyways, crisscrossing walkways, and small streets. They can even enter some of the empty mud dwellings. Making a stop at the neighboring Al Salem Museum allows you to speak with locals regarding the fascinating past of the area.

Distance: 200 km (2 hours 29 minutes by car)