Best Weekend Getaways From Jeddah This Summer

Published June 2026.

When Jeddah's summer humidity settles in, the best option is to point the car somewhere cooler, greener or by the water. The best weekend getaways from Jeddah this summer range from a 90-minute drive up to the Taif highlands to a Red Sea dive town up the coast, plus a mega theme-park run for those who fancy a longer road trip. Here's where to go, what it costs in SAR, and how long it takes to get there.

Why a weekend escape makes sense when Jeddah heats up

Coastal Jeddah stays hot and sticky well into the evening through the summer months, so the best breaks either climb to altitude or build the day around water and shade. The good news: you don't need a flight. A tank of fuel and an early start can land you in cooler mountain air or on a quieter stretch of reef before lunch.

We've grouped the trips by distance so you can match the getaway to how much time you've got — a single day trip, an overnight, or a full weekend.

Taif and Al-Shafa — the cool mountain escape

If you only make one trip this summer, make it Taif. Sitting high in the Sarawat mountains, it's noticeably cooler than Jeddah, and the terraced slopes of Al-Shafa — famous for roses and fruit orchards — feel like a different country compared with the coast.

Spend the morning wandering Taif's old lanes and souqs, then head up to Al-Shafa for mountain views and fresh air. The Al-Shafa Cable Car is the highlight: a return ticket costs typically around SAR 65, carrying you over dramatic escarpments. History buffs can also visit Souq Okaz, the historic market site, which generally has free entry outside its scheduled festival events (event-day fees vary).

What it costs and how to get there

• Drive time — roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from Jeddah via Route 15
• Taif city centre — no entry fee; wander the souqs and parks freely
• Al-Shafa Cable Car — return ticket typically around SAR 65
• Souq Okaz — generally free outside scheduled events
• Best for — families, couples and anyone chasing cooler temperatures

Taif works beautifully as a day trip, but if you can swing an overnight stay you'll get to enjoy the cool evenings properly. Need a room? Browse accommodation listings on Saudi Living before you set off.

Yanbu — the quiet Red Sea dive town

For a change of pace, Yanbu rewards anyone willing to put in the drive. It's a relaxed coastal town north of Jeddah with some of the clearest, least-crowded Red Sea diving in the region. Think healthy reefs, warm water and far fewer boats than the big hubs.

Even if you don't dive, Yanbu's Corniche and marina make for an easy, slower weekend — fresh seafood, a swim, and sunsets over the water.

Diving, the Corniche and getting there

• Distance — about 330 km north of Jeddah, roughly 3.5 to 4 hours by road
• Half-day dive package — marina dive centres typically charge around SAR 300–600 for two dives with equipment
• Corniche & marina — free to stroll; plenty of cafés and seafood spots
• Best for — divers, snorkellers and anyone wanting a quieter coast

Given the drive, Yanbu is best as a full weekend rather than a single day. Book your dive slots ahead in summer, when demand climbs.

Qiddiya City — Six Flags and Aquarabia (a longer haul)

Let's be clear up front: Qiddiya City sits near Riyadh, not near Jeddah, so this is a proper trip rather than a quick getaway — most Jeddah families combine it with a flight or a longer road journey and make a few days of it. But if you're planning a bigger summer adventure, the twin attractions of Six Flags Qiddiya City and the Aquarabia water park are worth the detour.

Six Flags Qiddiya City is a full-scale theme park with coasters and thrill rides, while Aquarabia is its water-park sibling — ideal for beating the summer heat.

Tickets and what to know before you book

• Six Flags standard ticket — starts at around SAR 275; child tickets from around SAR 170
• Aquarabia single day — typically around SAR 275–325
• Combined summer pass — around SAR 499 valid through 22 September 2026
• Family bundle — around SAR 2,399 for five people
• Hours — generally 4pm to midnight; both are usually closed Monday and Tuesday

Because the parks open in the late afternoon and run into the night, you dodge the worst of the daytime heat. Plan your travel and hotel around those evening hours.

Stay close to home: Al-Balad and Al Shallal on the Corniche

Not every getaway needs a road trip. If you want the holiday feeling without leaving the city, start with a walk through Al-Balad, Jeddah's historic old town, where the coral-stone houses and old city gates come alive in the cooler evenings. Pair it with Al Shallal Theme Park right on the Jeddah Corniche for an easy win — especially for families with kids who'd rather not sit in a car for hours.

• Al-Balad — free to wander; best explored in the evening when the heat eases
• Al Shallal entry — around SAR 35
• Rides wristband — around SAR 79
• Gaming card — around SAR 100
• Fast Track — around SAR 249
• Al Shallal hours — 4:30pm to 12am Saturday–Wednesday, and 4:30pm to 1:30am Thursday–Friday

With sea breezes rolling in off the Corniche and late closing times, it's a low-effort way to make a weekend evening feel special.

How to plan the best weekend getaway from Jeddah this summer

1. Match the trip to your time — Al-Balad or Taif for a day, Yanbu for a full weekend, Qiddiya for a longer break.
2. Travel early or late — beat the heat by driving at dawn or building your day around evening hours.
3. Book ahead in summer — dive slots, theme-park passes and Taif hotels fill up fast on weekends.
4. Keep hydrated and sun-smart — even the cooler mountain air at Al-Shafa can catch you out at altitude.
5. Check opening days — several attractions close early in the week, so confirm before you set off.

Whatever you choose, keep an eye on seasonal events — pop-up festivals and shows often appear across the Kingdom over summer. Browse what's on in our Saudi Living events listings, and sort out where to stay with our Saudi Arabia accommodation listings before you lock in your plans.

FAQs

What is the best quick weekend getaway from Jeddah in summer?

Taif is the top pick for a fast, cooler escape — it's only about 1.5 to 2 hours away via Route 15, and the Al-Shafa highlands are noticeably fresher than coastal Jeddah.

How much does the Al-Shafa Cable Car cost?

A return ticket is typically around SAR 65, giving you sweeping views over the Taif escarpments.

Is Qiddiya City close to Jeddah?

No — Qiddiya City is near Riyadh, not Jeddah. Six Flags Qiddiya City and Aquarabia are best planned as a longer trip, often with a flight or an extended road journey.

Can I go diving on a weekend trip from Jeddah?

Yes. Yanbu, about 3.5 to 4 hours north, is a favourite for clear, quieter Red Sea diving. Half-day packages with two dives and equipment typically run around SAR 300–600.

What's a good getaway without leaving Jeddah?

A stroll through historic Al-Balad followed by Al Shallal Theme Park on the Corniche is a strong choice — Al Shallal entry is around SAR 35 with a rides wristband around SAR 79, and it stays open late into the night.

Which days should I avoid for the theme parks?

Six Flags Qiddiya City and Aquarabia are generally closed on Monday and Tuesday, so plan your visit for later in the week or the weekend.

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