The most rewarding day trip from Jeddah is up to Taif, 175 km east and 1,700 metres above sea level, in the Hijaz mountains. The drive climbs from the coastal heat to cool mountain air in about ninety minutes; the Saudi royal family traditionally moves there for the summer. Taif itself is known for rose plantations (the local Damask rose is distilled into the rose oil sold across the kingdom), an old souk, and views over the escarpment.
Obhur Creek, about 40 km north of the city, is the main launching point for Red Sea diving and snorkelling boats and has a string of beach resorts where Saudis spend weekends. Durrat Al Arus, further north, is a private tourist village popular for watersports.
Mecca and Medina are close but off-limits to non-Muslims. The Christian Bypass takes non-Muslim travellers safely around Mecca to reach Taif from the south.
