A day trip from Riyadh means a chance to escape from the capital’s fast pace, reconnect with nature and get a glimpse into a very different side of Saudi culture.
From historic mudbrick villages to desert dunes, there are plenty of places to visit near the Kingdom’s capital that feel like a world away. Here are five of our favourite day trips from Riyadh.
1. Delve into desert history in Ushaiqer Heritage Village
More than 1,500 years ago, Bedouin people settled in this lovely spot surrounded by olive groves and springs. The peaceful mudbrick village became a popular stopping point for pilgrims on their way to Makkah (Mecca) and now serves as a showcase for the history of the area. There are small mud houses to explore, narrow streets to wander, market stalls to browse and a small museum dedicated to the region’s past.
How to get to Ushaiqer Heritage Village from Riyadh: The drive from central Riyadh to Ushaiqer takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, heading northwest out of the capital. It’s fine to park in or just outside the village when you arrive. Guided tours with operators such as Saudi Arabia Tours are also available with stops to take pictures of camels and sand dunes along the way.
2. Go dune-bashing in Red Sands
Red Sands is Riyadh’s favourite desert playground, with locals and tourists alike flocking here at the weekend to relax, have fun and take a short break from the city. Bring a sandboard to slide down the dunes at top speed, go for an adventurous desert hike, or try some exhilarating dune-bashing. There are several quad bike rental outlets on the highway near the dune-bashing area. If you prefer a more chilled-out experience, bring barbecue supplies and find a quiet spot among the dunes to enjoy a peaceful sunset meal while admiring the stunning red sandscape.
How to get to Red Sands from Riyadh: It’s very easy to get to Red Sands from Riyadh, as it’s just a 45-minute drive away, taking Jeddah Road out of the city. Dune-bashing areas, quad bike rentals and supermarkets are clearly marked on Google Maps. If you’d prefer a family-friendly tour, try Saudi Arabia Tours, who offer pick-up and transfer, quad-biking and optional extras such as camel-riding or a traditional lunch.
3. Go on safari in Nofa Wildlife Park
Wildlife lovers will relish the chance to reconnect with the natural world at Nofa Wildlife Park, where visitors can book a safari driving tour of the grounds to see hippos, elephants, giraffe and zebra. There’s also a visitor’s centre which can be explored on foot, home to ostriches, porcupines and baboons. Can’t get enough of the animals? Make a weekend trip out of it and stay at the nearby Nofa Riyadh resort, where there’s also an adventure playground with a zip wire, the Nofa Bird Centre and Picnic Area, and horseback riding available to keep the whole family entertained.
How to get to Nofa Wildlife Park from Riyadh: It’s only an hour’s drive southwest of Riyadh, taking the Jeddah Road, to get to Nofa Wildlife Park. Pre-booking is essential to take the Nofa Safari Drive Experience.
4. Visit the birthplace of Saudi in Diriyah
History buffs will be in their element on a day trip to Diriyah, which as the ‘birthplace’ of the Kingdom, has enormous cultural significance for Saudi Arabia and has undergone significant restoration in recent years. There’s plenty to do on a day trip to Diriyah from Riyadh – the Al Turaif district ruins are a UNESCO Heritage Site, and you can explore castles and buildings that were built from mud and palm trunks.
The nearby Al-Bujairi Heritage and Tourism Park has a wealth of entertainment and activities including kid's rides, craft workshops, screenings and storytelling nights. Bujairi Terrace is a great place to grab a bite when you’re hungry, with a selection of international cafes and restaurants.
How to get to Diriyah from Riyadh: The drive from central Riyadh to Diriyah takes about 25 minutes, and there’s self-parking and valet parking at Bujairi. Alternatively, an Uber from the centre of town costs around SAR 50.
5. See salt flats in Al Qasab
The salt pans of Al Qasab are a remarkable sight, appearing like blinding white lakes in the middle of the desert, and surrounded by the huge dunes of the Ad-Dahna desert. A unique outdoor adventure, kids will like playing with the mounds of 'fake snow' and it’s fun to learn about the ancient production process. Around 200,000 tons of salt are produced here each year, and you can even take a little of that home with you when you leave. Many tourists combine a visit here with a trip to Ushaiqer Heritage Village (see above) as it’s just half an hour’s drive away.
How to get to Al Qasab from Riyadh: The salt flats are around 150km north of Riyadh, and you can drive there in two hours, taking Route 535 and Route 546.
