The Jeddah Corniche is a long waterfront road that stretches about 30 kilometres along the Red Sea coast. It’s lined with parks, beaches, and landmarks all by the water. Exploring the Corniche with a rental car is more convenient because you can move at your own pace. You can freely stop whenever you see a beautiful sunset or a unique sculpture by the roadside. In this Jeddah travel guide, you will discover the best stops along the coast and find tips for driving around the Corniche.
The Corniche road is well-maintained, with lots of parking areas. Below are the best places to explore along Jeddah Corniche by car:
The Jeddah Waterfront or the "New Corniche" is a modern redevelopment project located at the northern end of the Corniche. It features long walking paths, gardens, and open public spaces that are perfect for a stroll by the sea. Numerous facilities are available, such as playgrounds, cafes, and toilets. The coastline is beautifully landscaped, offering wide coastal views of the Red Sea.
There are several large car parks and bays along this stretch, so you can usually find a spot close to the attractions. From central Jeddah, it takes around 20 to 25 minutes to drive here. It’s about 15 kilometres north of downtown, depending on traffic. It’s a great place to begin your Corniche journey.
King Fahd’s Fountain is an iconic sight on the Jeddah Corniche. It’s the world’s tallest fountain, shooting water up to 312 metres high. As you drive along the central Corniche near the Al Hamra district, you’ll spot this massive jet of water from afar. There are multiple viewpoints along the waterfront where you can pull over and admire the fountain. One popular viewing area is near the Jeddah Sculpture Park in the central Corniche, where you get an unobstructed look at the fountain out in the sea.
This attraction is best seen in the evening. After sunset, the fountain is illuminated, and its powerful spray creates a shimmering display against the night sky. You can park your car at one of the public parking spots along the Corniche road. It’s an ideal stop for photography. Visit at night if you want to avoid the daytime heat. Driving here takes 10 minutes from the city centre to the fountain area. The Corniche road is right next to the coast, so you won’t miss the fountain as you approach.
At the northern tip of the Corniche, about a 25-minute drive from central Jeddah, you’ll find the Al Rahma Mosque, commonly known as the Floating Mosque. This white mosque is built on pillars over the water. This gives the illusion that it floats on the Red Sea during high tide. Driving to the Floating Mosque is easy as it’s just off the main Corniche Road. There is a small parking area nearby, so you can park your car and walk a short distance to the mosque. It’s usually a quick stop.
You can spend 15 to 20 minutes here taking photos and enjoying the sea views. Red Sea waves gently lap around the mosque’s foundations, and you might even catch locals or pilgrims going inside for prayer. Dress modestly if you plan to enter. Even if you stay outside, this spot offers a great chance to stretch your legs and take in the view.
Scattered along the central Corniche is an open-air art display known as the Jeddah Sculpture Museum. It’s essentially an outdoor park area showcasing large sculptures and statues by various international and local artists. You’ll see abstract art pieces and historical monuments placed against the backdrop of the sea. This open-air museum is in the Al Hamra area not far from King Fahd’s Fountain, so it is almost in the middle of the Corniche.
Visiting this sculpture park by car is convenient because the artworks are spread out along several kilometres of the waterfront. Driving lets you cover more ground quickly instead of walking long distances. You can stop at different sections of the Corniche to see clusters of sculptures.
There are parking spots or lay-bys every few hundred metres where you can safely pull over. You can admire a bronze abstract figure, and a short drive later, you’ll find another piece like a giant Arabic calligraphy sculpture. It’s a great cultural sightseeing experience, as Jeddah is famous for its public art. By driving, you can comfortably see all the notable sculptures in 30 to 40 minutes, including time to step out and take photos.
Further along the northern Corniche, close to the new Waterfront, is the upscale Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina. This is a modern waterfront zone featuring a harbour filled with luxury yachts and a promenade. The yacht club is private for its members, but the surrounding marina area is open to the public for walking around. It offers calm Red Sea views and a glimpse of Jeddah’s high-end coastal lifestle. There are also a few seaside restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a drink or a meal while enjoying views of boats.
Reaching the marina by car is easy. It’s directly accessible from the main Corniche road in the north. From the city centre, it’s a 20-minute drive to get here. Once you arrive, you’ll find visitor parking areas near the marina complex. You can park and then stroll along the quayside pathways.
On the far north outskirts of Jeddah, beyond the official Corniche, lies the Obhur Creek (Obhur Bay) area. The South Obhur beach and bay shoreline is a serene coastal escape that’s best reached by car due to the distance. From central Jeddah, you’ll drive about 30 kilometres north, which takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
The South Obhur Corniche has a more relaxed vibe compared to the city’s main Corniche. You’ll find small public beaches, a few resorts, and picnic spots along the bay. The water is calm inside the bay, and you might spot people fishing or families having barbecues by the shore on weekends.
Driving here is worthwhile if you want to experience a quiet side of Jeddah’s coastline. You can park along the shoreline in designated areas or near the beach access points. There aren't as many facilities or shops, so consider bringing snacks or drinks for your visit. South Obhur is perfect for those who love scenic drives.
As you drive between Jeddah’s downtown area and the new northern Corniche, you will pass through the middle Corniche region. This stretch features several open park zones along the road. These parks are landscaped with grassy lawns, palm trees, and fountains, providing green spaces for relaxation right by the sea. For example, there are park areas around the middle of the Corniche that locals visit for picnics or evening walks.
One of the advantages of having a car is that you can easily stop at these park zones whenever you want a break. The route is scenic, with the sea on one side. You’ll notice lay-bys and small parking areas every so often, so if you spot an area with a playground for the kids, a gazebo with a view, or a suitable spot to pull over, you can simply stop. The Corniche is quite long, and there are rest areas along the way where you can take a break.
Driving along Jeddah Corniche is one of the best ways to experience the city’s coastal gems. You’ll appreciate the convenience of having everything you need in the car as you hop between these seaside attractions. For any visitor looking to explore Jeddah, a self-drive along the Corniche is a memorable experience. You can soak in the beauty of the Red Sea, the city skyline, and peaceful spots in between.
Rent a car in Jeddah with Final Rentals to make your Corniche trip easy and fun. You can pick up your vehicle from Madina Road, Al Bawadi District, or King Abdulaziz International Airport. Our fleet includes compact cars for short city drives and larger SUVs for long coastal trips. Every vehicle is well-maintained, so you can enjoy a steady ride along the Red Sea. For extra convenience, download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
