The Best Day Trips from Muscat

Muscat is a wonderful city that is rich in natural and architectural beauty. There are also many trips that can be taken from Muscat, to enjoy the charm and culture of the other regions in Oman. Here are the best day trips that visitors can take from Muscat for an unforgettable vacation in Oman.

An adventurous trip through the mountains

Oman is full of mountains, the Al Hajar Mountains in the north being the most famous. They extend from Musandam Governorate in the far north, by the Arabian Gulf, to the Al Sharqiya Region in eastern Oman, by the city of Ras Al Hadd.Al Hajar Mountains | © Kathryn James / Flickr

A trip to Jebel Shams

Jebel Shams, which means the Mountain of Sun, is the highest point of the Al Hajar Mountain Rang, reaching 3,009 m (9,872 ft) high. It is located 240 km (149 mi) from Muscat, and is believed to be the first spot where the sun rises in Oman. The mountain has two summits, northern and southern, but only the southern summit is open to the public, as the other has a military base.

Jebel Shams is also known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia. A trip to Jebel Shams is an adventurous experience for rock climbers and hikers. The views over the surrounding towns and villages are marvelous, as are the sunrises from here.Jebel Shams © Fabien LE JEUNE | Flickr

A trip to Al Jebel Al Akhdar

Al Jebel Al Akhdar, which means the Green Mountain, is another famous mountain within the Al Hajar Mountain Range. It is located around 150 km (93 mi) from Muscat. As its name suggests, the mountain is famous for its beautiful green plantations. Some Omanis live on the mountain, and it’s famous for its agricultural produce and honey bees.Sunrise on Jebel Akhdar | © Robert Haandrikman / Flickr

Explore the desert and the golden sand dunes

Oman has lots of marvelous deserts; most famous are the Wahiba desert in the Al Sharqiya Region in eastern Oman, and Al Rub Al Khali Desert (the Empty Quarter) in the Dhofar Region in southern Oman. These deserts have golden sands and sand dunes, and diverse and spectacular wildlife.

For a day trip from Muscat, head to the Wahiba Sands in the Al Sharqiya region, only 239 km (148.5 miles) away. Visitors can go sand boarding, or enjoy a day with the Bedouin tribes in their unique tents.Wahiba Sands © Nicolas Renac | Flickr

Enjoy the sandy beaches and crystal waters

Although Muscat has some of the most gorgeous beaches in Oman, other regions have amazing sea life, such as dolphins and turtles. A day trip to explore these beaches is definitely worthwhile.

Day trip to Ras Al Jinz

Ras Al Jinz is located in the city of Ras Al Hadd, at the easternmost point of Oman and the Arabian Peninsula. It is a natural reserve for green turtles, which come to the beach to lay their eggs. Local companies organize special tours for visitors to watch the turtles lay their eggs early in the morning, and the small turtles return to the sea after hatching. It is a charming experience and a must-visit place for a day trip from Muscat.Turtles at Ras Al Jinz | © Andries3 / Flickr

A Day Trip to Musandam

The Musandam Governorate is a peninsula at the northernmost point of Oman. It is surrounded by the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and it has several spectacular beaches, such as Khassab Beach. The waters here are full of dolphins, so boat trips here are a must.Dolphins in Musandam © Robert Haandrikman | Flickr

A walk through Oman’s history and forts

Oman’s history is rich with ancient stories and unique events that can be told through its magnificent forts and castles. A walk through Oman’s history on a day trip to its unique forts shouldn’t be missed.

A day trip to Al Dakhliya

The Al Dakhliya Region is the centre of Oman. It has some of the most unique forts and castles in the country, such as Nizwa Fort, Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle. Visiting these forts and castles, with their traditional local souks, is unforgettable.Nizwa Fort | © Michael Homan / Flickr

A day trip to Al Batinah

The Al Batinah Region in northern Oman is another spectacular region full of historical secrets. Less than two hours from Muscat, visitors can enjoy the architectural and historical beauty of Al Rustaq Fort, Al Hazm Castle and Nakhal Fort.Nakhal Fort © Andries3 | Flickr