Riyadh is a busy city, especially during the workweek. That’s why weekend escapes are popular with locals and visitors. You’ll find peaceful nature spots, cultural villages, and scenic views within a short drive. Renting a car in Riyadh is the easiest way to enjoy these trips, whether looking for adventure, history, or quiet desert landscapes.
Renting a car from Riyadh is the easiest way to explore nearby destinations. You’ll need a valid driver's license and a credit card. Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may charge extra fees if you’re under 25. Foreign visitors should carry their passports and an international driving permit (IDP).
Before driving off, inspect the car for any damage and take photos. Check the fuel policy. Some companies require you to return the vehicle with a full tank. Ask about mileage limits to avoid extra fees. Ensure insurance coverage is included and know what it covers, especially for off-road areas like dunes or cliffs.
Leave early in the morning or after the evening rush to avoid city traffic. Roads are usually quieter before 8 AM and after 7 PM. Mornings are cooler and safer for desert drives. Try to avoid driving midday when temperatures peak. Sunset is also ideal for scenic spots like the Edge of the World or the Red Sand Dunes.
Riyadh has so many cool spots just a short drive away. All you need is a free weekend and a car. If you're in the mood for fresh air, quiet roads, and something different, here are some of the top places you can visit near Riyadh.
Driving distance: 20 minutes from Riyadh
Start your day in At-Turaif, the heart of old Diriyah. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has walking paths through restored palaces, mosques, and museums. Join a guided tour or explore on your own. You’ll see Salwa Palace, the first home of the Saudi royal family, and learn about early Saudi history.
By mid-morning, take a break at the Diriyah Museum or one of the cultural centers. Interactive displays and heritage exhibitions make it fun for all ages. You can also visit nearby art galleries or browse handmade crafts in small shops within the complex. In the afternoon, head to Wadi Hanifah, a green valley running through Diriyah. It has shaded walkways, small bridges, and quiet spots by the water.
End your day at Bujairi Terrace, a modern dining area with a view of the old town. The restaurants here serve everything from traditional Saudi dishes like kabsa, jareesh, and mutabbaq, to international options like pasta, grilled meats, sushi, and gourmet burgers. Cafés offer Arabic coffee, fresh juices, and sweet treats like kunafa and date cakes. You can dine outdoors while enjoying views of the At-Turaif district lit up at night.
Driving distance: 2 hours from Riyadh
Begin your day exploring the narrow alleys of Ushaiqer, lined with mud-brick houses that showcase Najdi architecture. The 1500-year-old village was once a key stop for pilgrims traveling to Makkah. Its name means "little blonde," referring to the nearby red mountain that gives the village its unique backdrop. Visit the Al Salam Museum with over 26 exhibition galleries and see artifacts like traditional clothing, jewelry, and old tools.
In the afternoon, relax under the shade of palm trees and explore the Hlewa Heritage Market, with over 70 shops selling livestock, handmade crafts, and clothes. For lunch, enjoy traditional Najdi dishes such as jareesh, qursan, and dates with Arabic coffee. These are often served in restored mud houses.
Driving distance: 1.5 hours from Riyadh
The Edge of the World is one of the most popular scenic drives near Riyadh. It features dramatic cliffs that rise high above the open desert. When you reach it, you can hike along the cliff edges. There are trails suitable for various fitness levels to explore the unique rock formations and spot fossils embedded in the rocks. The area was submerged under a tropical sea.
After your hike, find a shaded spot to relax and enjoy a picnic. You can bring traditional Saudi snacks like dates, nuts, and Arabic coffee. As the day progresses, explore nearby attractions such as the Mystery Bat Cave, where you can observe local wildlife and unique rock formations. Some tours also offer camel rides. Stay until sunset to see the sky transform with hues of orange and pink. There is no light pollution, so it’s an excellent spot for stargazing. Due to the rugged terrain leading to the site, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for this trip.
Driving distance: 1 hour from Riyadh
Start your day at Ain Heet Cave, a natural limestone cave with clear, cool water. The cave is known for its eye-shaped entrance and underground lake. It’s a great spot for light hiking, photography, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Next, visit Al Safi Dairy Farm, one of the largest integrated dairy farms in the world. Here, you can learn about modern dairy production and see over 50,000 Holstein-Friesian cows up close.
In the afternoon, explore Ayun AlSeih, also known as the "Eyes of Al-Seeh." These are two large sinkholes formed by meteor impacts thousands of years ago. They were once used as water reservoirs and are now a unique geological attraction. For lunch, enjoy traditional Saudi dishes like kabsa or grilled meats at local restaurants in Al-Kharj. Then, wrap up your day with a visit to King Abdulaziz Park in the northern part of Riyadh City. It’s one of the largest parks with walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic spots.
Driving distance: 1 hour from Riyadh
Kick off your morning with a short drive to the Red Sand Dunes, about 50 kilometers northeast of Riyadh. You’ll know you’re close when the sand starts glowing a deep orange-red under the sun. Locals love this spot for weekend adventures. Once you arrive, hop on a quad bike and take on the dunes. You’ll find rental stations nearby. Some bikes are stronger and better for climbing the bigger dunes, so ask if you're unsure. If you’re with friends, racing each other across the sand is half the fun.
After that, grab a sandboard and try gliding down one of the steeper slopes. Want to take it slow for a bit? Go for a short camel ride around the area. It’s a chill way to soak in the desert views and snap some great photos. As the sun dips, spread out a blanket for a cozy desert picnic. Locals call it a keshta. Sit on cushions, sip hot Arabic coffee, and snack on dates while watching the sky change colors.
Driving distance: 2.5 hours from Riyadh
Start your day in Shaqra, a small town that feels like stepping back in time. You’ll walk through narrow alleyways surrounded by mud-brick houses, wooden doors, and hand-carved windows. Head straight to the Shaqra Heritage Village, where everything has been restored to show what life was like generations ago.
Check out the Al Subaie House, now a museum filled with old photos, pottery, clothes, and tools. It’s small but full of character. Around the corner, you’ll find the Hlewa Heritage Market, a historic souk where shopkeepers still sell local herbs, handmade goods, and simple snacks. It’s a great place to wander, browse, and talk to locals.
After lunch, drive about 30 minutes to Al-Ghat, near the base of some low mountains. This place is even quieter. The Al-Ghat Heritage Village stretches across the valley and is one of the best-kept traditional towns in the country. The houses are large, some two stories tall, with shaded courtyards and palm trees.
Stop by the Al-Ghat Museum, inside an old palace, and check out old farming tools, ancient stone carvings, and even fossils. Then slowly walk through the town, past flowing canals and date farms. It’s where you can hear birds, feel the breeze, and forget you were in a busy city.
Driving distance: 1 hour from Riyadh
Start your day by driving to Lake Kharrarah at Al Kharrarah National Park. After heavy rains, this desert area transforms into a shimmering lake, surrounded by red sand dunes and acacia trees. It's a rare sight in the desert.
Bring along a picnic basket and enjoy breakfast by the lake. The calm waters and gentle breeze make it an ideal spot to relax. If you're up for an adventure, try some light dune bashing or sandboarding on the nearby dunes. The park is also home to wildlife, so watch for birds and other desert creatures.
After a leisurely morning, head to Hidden Valley, also known as Mawan Valley, near Ad-Dilam. This secluded canyon is one of Saudi Arabia's hidden gems, featuring towering rock formations and ancient geological structures. Hike through the valley's winding paths, exploring the unique rock formations. The Hidden Valley offers lots of opportunities for photography and quiet reflection.
Driving distance: 1.5 hours from Riyadh
If you’re craving some greenery after all the sand and stone, head to Rawdat Khuraim, also called the King’s Forest. It’s known as the "King’s Forest" because King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz used to visit his private farm there during the spring season for retreats. This protected nature reserve blooms with seasonal grasses and wildflowers after rain. It’s quiet, green, and full of birds.
Start your day with a peaceful walk along the edge of the reserve. Tall acacia trees provide shade, and there are plenty of clean picnic spots. If you're into birdwatching, bring binoculars. You might spot migratory birds depending on the season. The area is also home to gazelles and other small wildlife.
Our Riyadh travel guide has listed many worthy places to visit, so you don’t have to travel far from the city. Each trip offers something unique, from cliffs and caves to villages and dunes. Rent a car with Finalrentals to make your trip easier. It is simple, fast, and budget-friendly. You can book online and pick up your vehicle at multiple locations across Riyadh. With no hidden fees and cancellation charges, Finalrentals is a smart choice for your next weekend escape.
