Top 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia

When you think of Saudi Arabia, what images spring to mind? Endless dunes, blazing heat, and a uniform desert landscape? For many, the idea of a scenic country with variety might not be the first impression. And that’s exactly the point. As travel writers Claire & Nick of The Restless Beans discovered during a month-long, 8,000 km road-trip around the kingdom, “It’s immensely varied, absolutely demolishing stereotypes of a dusty, dry, desert wasteland.” The Restless Beans+1

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Since opening to international tourism in 2019, Saudi Arabia has begun revealing its dramatic scenery: 3,000 metre mountains, rust-coloured canyons, volcanic craters, emerald-green seas, cliff-side villages, and ultra-modern coastlines. The Restless Beans+1
Crucially, to fully experience this variety — and the remote, lesser-visited pockets — a rental car and the willingness to explore are key. The authors note: “We decided to drive the entire country … the roads within cities are fantastic, the highways are great, and we had no issues over the 8,000 plus kilometres we drove.” The Restless Beans

Below are 11 of the most beautiful places that stood out — each different, each with its own character — drawn from their journey.

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1. Scenery Around Al Ula

In north-western Saudi Arabia lies Al Ula, already famous for the Nabataean site of Hegra (often styled as “Petra’s little cousin”). But what really blew the authors away was not just the archaeological site, but the surrounding scenery. From imposing mountains to broad sandy vistas that feel like Jordan’s Wadi Rum—but without the crowds. The Restless Beans+1

Why it stands out: The landscape here feels epic and raw. The fact that you can explore freely, almost alone, makes it even more compelling.
Tips: Drive from Al Ula towards Tabuk to soak in the full range of scenery. 2-wheel drive (2WD) is sufficient, parking is widely available, and there are no fees. The Restless Beans

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2. Al Khalaf Archaeological Village

Located in the Asir region (near Abha), this nearly abandoned mud-brick village reveals a lesser-explored side of Saudi heritage. What caught the eye were the “beautifully distinctive, decorated doors and hidden artwork” — part of the local women’s art form called Al-Qatt Al-Asiri. The Restless Beans

Why it stands out: It’s both historic and has character. Unlike heavily touristified sites, this one feels authentic and quietly intriguing.
Tips: Free parking opposite the mosque (coordinates provided in original). No entry fee,a  2WD car is fine. The Restless Beans

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3. Al Wa’bah Crater

A surprising geological gem: this 250-metre deep, 2.2-kilometre wide crater is set on a lava field in western Saudi Arabia and once thought to be a meteor impact site — now recognized as a volcanic “maar” crater. The Restless Beans

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Why it stands out: Remote, dramatic, and striking. The sense of being in the middle of nowhere intensifies the experience.
Tips: Free entry and parking; you can hike the rim but not the bottom (poisonous gases). Accessible with 2WD. The Restless Beans

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4. Al Hada Mountain

In the mountainous region surrounding Taif, Al Hada offers stunning panoramic views and an adrenaline-filled drive. On a clear day, you can even spot the clock tower of Mecca in the distance. The Restless Beans

Why it stands out: A mix of natural beauty and a touch of the extraordinary — the link to the holy city, dramatic weather, scenic road.
Tips: Free parking, no fee, 2WD is sufficient. Arrive with daylight for the views. The Restless Beans

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5. Al Hamra Corniche (Jeddah)

While Jeddah’s main Corniche is well known, the southern stretch—Al Hamra Corniche—offered the authors a quieter, more local-flavor experience: an oceanfront evening picnic, watching the fountain, enjoying the sunset. The Restless Beans

Why it stands out: It blends modern city life with sea breeze, relaxed ambience, and beautiful vistas—not just rugged nature or mountains.
Tips: Street parking is free (but busy on Thurs/Fri evenings). No fees. You don’t need a car if staying in Jeddah. The Restless Beans

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6. Asir Mountains

West of Abha lies the Asir region’s highest mountains — winding roads, dramatic drops, steep valleys, and sweeping views. The writers describe it as “endless, stretching views across stepped farms … if you have a rental car … spend a day exploring the many wiggly roads.” The Restless Beans

Why it stands out: It’s raw, adventurous, less polished than typical tourist spots—and that’s part of the charm.
Tips & Warning: Some roads are unpaved, and rain can cause rockslides. Best in a 2WD or 4WD with caution. Viewpoints listed in the original. The Restless Beans

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7. Ad Dilam (Pigeon Towers)

Near Riyadh, Ad Dilam features quirky historical pigeon towers, dunes, and rare solitude for visitors. “Some weird, unmaintained towers where pigeons nest … there will almost certainly be no people there.” The Restless Beans

Why it stands out: It’s different—a little odd, less polished—but compelling for off-beat explorers.
Tips: Free to visit; 2WD car okay. Combine with a detour to Hagla Lake if you have time. The Restless Beans

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8. Al‑Balad (Jeddah Old Town)

The UNESCO-designated old town of Jeddah, Al-Balad, offers a very different side of Saudi Arabia: historic architecture, winding alleys, coral-stone buildings, artful wooden creations, and authentic urban texture. The Restless Beans

Why it stands out: It’s still a lived-in neighbourhood, full of character, a contrast to polished tourist zones.
Tips: Parking paid (unless free on Friday); no entry fee. You can walk through; a car is not essential. The Restless Beans

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9. Rijal Almaa

A 900-year-old tower-house village with over 60 buildings, Rijal Almaa is nicknamed the “gingerbread village” for its architecture. It blends heritage and tourism: half the village is beautifully restored, and the other half remains in ruin, offering a layered experience. The Restless Beans

Why it stands out: Heritage meets scenery; part historic, part immersive tourism, still feeling very real.
Tips: Entry fee (20 SAR) for the village; parking is free. Visit the nearby Bees Tower honey refinery. Car essential. The Restless Beans

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10. Thee Ain (also spelled Dhi Ayn)

This village sits at the base of a cliff, surrounded by a lush oasis and set against white-marble mountains. “One of the most picturesque … gasp-at-the-sight-of-it places I have ever visited.” The Restless Beans

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Why it stands out: Remote, beautiful, serene. A place where nature and settlement meet dramatically.
Tips: Free entry; parking is free. 2WD okay. Nearest main city: Taif / Al Bahah. The Restless Beans

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11. Tuwaiq Escarpment (aka “Edge of the World” area)

Just outside Riyadh, the Tuwaiq Escarpment features sheer cliff edges towering over desert landscapes. It’s often referred to as the “Edge of the World.” The authors didn’t take the strictest route but did explore parts of the escarpment. The Restless Beans

Why it stands out: Overwhelming vistas, remote terrain, a sense of standing at the edge of nature.
Tips: Requires a 4WD with high clearance if you go off-road. Free entry; parking is free. Time for daylight. The Restless Beans

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Additional Places Worth Considering

If you have more time, these destinations surfaced in the same article as “places we wished we had visited” and are absolutely worth adding:

• Farasan Islands — 100+ tropical-style islands in the far south; crystal blue waters and relaxed island vibes. The Restless Beans

• Jizan Region — Gulf coast, Fayfa mountains, hot springs, and scenic nature. The Restless Beans

• Najran — Historic caravan city on the incense route, remote with deep cultural heritage. The Restless Beans

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• Al Hofuf — Oasis town, date culture, older city feel. The Restless Beans

• Madinah — Sacred city, historically rich, and now accessible to tourists. The Restless Beans

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Final Thoughts

Honestly? I never associated Saudi Arabia with “beautiful” in the conventional sense before. But as the authors conclude:

“There are so many beautiful places in Saudi Arabia, most completely unexplored (at least by foreign visitors), making the reality of being a tourist in such a vibrant country a genuine pleasure.” The Restless Beans

Whether you’re after dramatic nature, quiet heritage, coastline escapes, or modern seaside life — Saudi Arabia offers it all, often in lesser-crowded, off-the-beaten-path form. If you’re open to road-tripping, want to diverge from the usual tourist trail, and are curious, it might just surprise you.