Weekend Staycation in Jeddah-Why You Should Visit Jeddah!

Jeddah is just an 1,5 hour flight away from Riyadh making it the ideal weekend getaway destination in Saudi Arabia with all the cool things to do in Jeddah.

Sometimes we don’t have to travel far or abroad for a relaxing weekend getaway! Saudi Arabia offers many great destinations for families to choose for a staycation.

Jeddah has always been a favorite staycation destination of mine in Saudi Arabia because it offers so many fun activities. There are so many fun things to do in Jeddah and each trip we discover something new.  It´s easy to find flights to Jeddah on five different domestic airlines that fly to Jeddah daily from all major cities in Saudi Arabia. The best thing about Jeddah for me is definitely the Red Sea and all the leisure opportunities it offers to visitors.things to do in Jeddah with kids

I travel to Jeddah several times a year with my children for some much needed Vitamin Sea and always feel so energized from the ocean breeze and change of scenery. Sometimes a weekend trip to Jeddah feels like you’ve actually gone abroad, the landscape and local culture are so different from what we have in Riyadh.

I would say Jeddah is a must visit at least once for everyone living in Saudi Arabia! Whenever my mom visits Saudi Arabia (she’s visited us 8 times already!) I always take her to Jeddah for a weekend, because nothing beats the Red Sea breezes and the Jeddah vibe.things to do in Jeddah with kids

So what are the best things to do in Jeddah, especially if you’re traveling with kids? I’ve gathered a list of my favorite things to do in Jeddah with kids (and of course why not for adults too) for some ideas and travel inspiration! Jeddah has developed a lot during the past years and there’s constantly new things to do in Jeddah especially around the newly opened Jeddah Corniche area.

Things to Do in Jeddah

Visit the new Jeddah Waterfront and Corniche

A must see when in Jeddah is the new Jeddah Corniche and waterfront area. The new Jeddah Corniche has become a hot spot for families to spend time together ever since its opening in 2017. You’ll find a beautifully landscaped waterfront area with parks, recreation facilities, children’s playgrounds, fountains, beaches and cafes. The best way to explore the Corniche is on foot, so make sure you to stay closeby with walking distance to the best spots on the Corniche to avoid traffic, especially on weekend evenings. Check out where to stay on the Corniche at the end of this post.

things to do in Jeddah with kids things to do in Jeddah with kids

Al Balad

A visit to Jeddah is not complete without a visit to the historical city, Al Balad. A UNESCO listed heritage site, the area is best visited in the early mornings or in the late afternoon/ evenings. Learn about the history of Jeddah by visiting Naseef house and browse through the colorful souks. More things to do in Al Balad here: 10 Things to do in al Balad, Jeddah

things to do in jeddah

things to do in jeddah

Fakieh Aquarium

Located just on the Corniche, it’s very easy to walk to the aquarium and spend several hours learning about the colorful marine life that can be found in the Red Sea. The Jeddah aquarium is a perfect way to experience the underwater world of the Red sea without the need of getting wet! Kids will be in awe of all the different kinds of fish and corals and a walk through the ”fish tunnel” where visitors can watch sharks, turtles, rays and fish swim above them.

Day at the Beach 

There are some family friendly private beaches to visit for a day trip located in Jeddah’s North Obhur area. The whole family can swim together at Lafontaine beach, Coral Beach Resort, Salhia beach, Silver Sands beach, Fal beach, Sheraton, Oia, and La Plage beach. Women can swim in bikini and swimsuit on the private beaches. Most of these places do require a yearly membership but some allow day passes as well. For the best public beaches in Jeddah, the ones on the New Corniche area are safe with calm waters that allow for children and men to swim.

Another option is driving further up north to Durrat AlArous where you an rent a villa or apartment next to the beach. There’ a very nice Marina with restaurants and shops, you could hire a boat out for the day from Durrat.

things to do in Jeddah with kids

The most beautiful beach in Jeddah

Day out at Red Sea

Red Sea divers, Blue Reef divers, and many other dive operators can arrange boat trips for day trips out to the reefs for snorkeling, diving, fishing and swimming. This would be ideal for older children already comfortable in the water. The reefs outside of Jeddah are a great place to explore with kids, the colorful corals and the many different kinds of fish will keep kids entertained for a long time.Things to do in Jeddah- fishing at Red Sea

Things to do in Jeddah day out at Red Sea

Eating out

Jeddah has plenty of great family friendly restaurants, many of which can be found along the Corniche and in the Red Sea mall.  Papaya restaurant, which is right next to Souk Shatee, is located inside an indoor tropical garden with small fountains and daylight coming in from the glass roof. Recommended especially for breakfast and lunch time. For the evenings, try out the restaurants near the waterfront, for views out to the Red Sea restaurants next to New Corniche. A new beautiful outdoor place by the sea is restaurant Angelina.

For traditional Saudi food Hejazi style, head to Aseil restaurant or try The Social Kitchen, where you’ll be treated to one of the first Saudi female chef´s cuisines!

things to do in Jeddah

Restaurant Papaya in Jeddah

Corniche evening stroll

The new Jeddah corniche itself is lovely, clean and family friendly option to spend a relaxing evening. Numerous imaginative, safe playgrounds have been built along the Corniche and visitors can admire local Saudi artists works there too. You can stop by to watch fishermen fishing on the pier or have an ice cream in one of the many cafes on the Corniche. Don’t miss a visit to the JEDDAH-sign after sunset, the best place to take memorable shot of your Jeddah staycation!things to do in Jeddah

Bounce with whole family

If you fancy some indoor fun and physical activity to get the energy drained out of your kids, the biggest trampoline park in Jeddah, BOUNCE INC is the place to go.  They have lots of different activities like wall running and dodgeball and activities suitable for all ages plus a section dedicated just for women.

World’s tallest fountain

Many do not know that Jeddah is home to the tallest fountain in the world! The King Fahad fountain, Shooting sea water up to 300 meters high, is best viewed from the southern Corniche areas.

Al Shallal theme park

With an impressive artificial lake at its center, a planetarium, ice skating rink, boat rides, lots of rides for kids of different ages (and adults too) a day at Shallal theme park is highly recommend fun time for the whole family.

Al Tayibat Museum

The Tayyebat Museum for civilizations is an amazing museum which is built in Hejazi heritage village. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of the culture, architecture, traditional clothing and lifestyle of each region of Saudi Arabia.

things to do in Jeddah

Traditional Saudi clothing at Tayyibat civilizations museum in Jeddah

things to do in Jeddah

Red Sea Mall

Undoubtedly the best mall in Jeddah and located just minutes away from the new corniche area, Red Sea mall offers a variety of activities for kids, a vast selection of restaurants, and of course great shopping!

Where to stay in Jeddah:

For families traveling with kids the new North Corniche is a great option and  family friendly area to stay in Jeddah.  This is an ideal spot to be based because you can walk to the children’s playgrounds, beaches and parks from the hotel in a few minutes without having to worry about the traffic and parking hassles. At the Jeddah Corniche, you can watch the sun setting from your room and dine in the many different restaurants of the area within walking distance. Plenty of hotel chains are located along the Corniche.

Another great option for families is Om Shada suites, which is located in an ideal location near to airport. The new and clean apartments, furnished with Asir inspired decor, are located just off Madinah road, which makes it easy to drive up to North Obhur for a day at the beach and back to the city for the evening. Rooms are spacious, with living rooms, kitchen for self catering options, and they even have washing machines.

Interested in exploring Saudi Arabia further? Head to the Explore Arabia page for more destination in Saudi Arabia!

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  • Abaya marketOctober 18, 2018 - 8:41 am

    The Tayyebat Museum is nice to visit. I would like to visit The Tayyebat Museum.ReplyCancel

  • Susie of ArabiaOctober 25, 2018 - 2:51 pm

    Great tips! You are so thorough and helpful with all the information you provide. We appreciate it!ReplyCancel

    • LauraOctober 28, 2018 - 11:29 am

      Thank you very much Susie I appreciate the feedback!ReplyCancel

  • AileenOctober 25, 2018 - 3:15 pm

    For ladies especially you could add the Park Hyatt Evania spa. It’s right on the corniche near the fountain and it’s the only place in Jeddah with an outdoor ladies only swimming pool. For 550 riyal you get a 30 minute massage plus access to all the spa facilities including sauna, indoor massage pool and more. They also have a kids area.ReplyCancel

    • LauraOctober 28, 2018 - 11:29 am

      Thanks for the tip! It’s not easy to find outdoor ladies swimming pools in Saudi Arabia!ReplyCancel

  • LeenNovember 7, 2018 - 8:06 pm

    Would you mind referencing the pictures specifically the one with the steps leading into to ocean for swimming. Which beach resort is that? Love your posts as usual very thorough and presented beautifully :)ReplyCancel

    • LauraNovember 24, 2018 - 8:32 pm

      Thanks Leen! Not sure which image you’re referring to though :)ReplyCancel

      • LeenMarch 29, 2019 - 3:28 pm

        Hahaha I’m back a few months later visiting Jeddah. I was talking about the picture of the little guy jumping into the water. Is that a beach or resort in jeddah?ReplyCancel

  • Abdul moyeedNovember 11, 2018 - 11:04 pm

    Very niceReplyCancel

  • Jameela DeenNovember 24, 2018 - 4:47 pm

    Great post but I’d say the faking aquarium is a little small compared to other such places I’ve visited abroad but kids will still enjoy it. The tayyebat museum is a private museum and incredibly interesting but my god it’s hard to get in: the best thing is to get a small group together and contact a private guide to organize a visitReplyCancel

    • LauraNovember 24, 2018 - 8:31 pm

      yes that’s right it needs a larger group to get i the Tayyebat or try weekend evening when they have more traffic. The problem is that people don’t know about its existence nor do they know how to visit, so there’s not much visitors sadly! Because it’s such a nice musuem.ReplyCancel

  • Rimon hossainDecember 29, 2018 - 1:14 am

    Great tips! You are so thorough and helpful with all the information you provide. We appreciate it!ReplyCancel

  • EllaMayJanuary 20, 2019 - 9:05 am

    Oh my, Jeddah has chaged a lot since I was there in the 90’s when I used to work in an airline .How I wished I can visit the place again. Hopefully, they will issue tourist / visit visas soon.ReplyCancel

  • MaryMay 8, 2019 - 4:23 am

    Hi, I’m a female expat working here in riyadh and my aunt works in jeddah, she wants me to visit her in jeddah, so I’ll be flying solo, aside from the ticket and iqama, do I need anything to present at riyadh airport? ThanksReplyCancel

  • Firoz QureshieMay 27, 2019 - 4:18 pm

    Hey, Great Article.
    Jeddah is a great place to travel to. The Blue Abaya, Red Sea are the worth visiting places in Jeddah. If you are planning to visit Jeddah for your next trip, You can book flight tickets to Jeddah along with Jeddah Hotels Booking.
    The website provides the best deals and discounts on flight tickets. I have got great discounts on this site. Thought this will help you, people, as well.ReplyCancel

  • Sarah CooperJune 25, 2020 - 9:10 am

    Hi, I really enjoy reading your page. I am looking to explore Jeddah with the family. We really want to visit some of the private beach resorts that you have mentioned in your article, such as Lafontaine beach, Salhia beach, Silver Sands beach, Fal beach and La Plage beach, but my query is how and who do you contact to get day passes for these beaches? What kind of costs are incurred from a day trip pass? Thankyou for any information you can give us so that we can plan a long weekend away to Jeddah. SarahReplyCancel

  • ChristyJuly 8, 2020 - 9:14 pm

    Hi there,

    Thanks for the article. Do you know why the beach doesn’t allow women to swim?
    Where can you swim in the sea if you are a woman?

    Thanks!ReplyCancel

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