Muscat is home to a long list of historical and cultural landmarks but is also the gateway to some of the best weekend getaways in Oman. An ideal road trip from Muscat will take you away from the city to Oman’s famed mountains, pristine beaches and charming villages, all within two hours by car.
If you’re a resident of Muscat or planning to stay for a while, we recommend hopping on the highway every now and then to explore these places. Similar to people who rent a car in Dubai to drive through the UAE’s vast network of highways, the mountains, coasts, and deserts of Oman are well worth the 4WD journey.
With well-paved roads, light traffic, and scenic views on every drive, a self-drive getaway from Muscat is the perfect weekend activity to switch off from city life and get in touch with Oman’s wild side.
So, why not rent a car in Muscat and make the most of Oman’s freedom of movement and mild weather?
Rental Car: The Best Way to Explore Oman?
A car hire offers you the flexibility to control your travel time and sightseeing itineraries. Many of Oman’s top attractions are located in remote areas with limited or no public transport services. A self-drive car offers you the following benefits:
Freedom to start early, beat the crowds, or catch the sunrise
Flexibility to drive to non-touristy places that aren’t included in group tours
Comfort and convenience to travel with family and friends
Storage space to carry all the essentials and picnic equipment you need
Weekend getaways should be all about stretching your time and experience, and a rental car provides both.
8 Weekend Getaways From Muscat By Car
- Jebel Akhdar – The Green Mountain
Distance from Muscat: ~150 km (2.5-hour drive)
Best for: Hiking, views, and mountain air
Located in the Al Hajar Mountains, Jebel Akhdar is famous for its terraced farms, rosewater distilling, and a pleasantly cool climate. A very popular stop for Omani families during the summer months, it’s the place to visit to experience snow in Oman!
To reach Jebel Akhdar, travel along the Wadi Bani Khalid scenic route with beautiful hairpin bends. The final ascent to Jebel Akhdar is 4WD only, so keep an eye out for signs to Al Akhdar village (altitude: 2000m). Here, you can hike through deserted villages, check out ancient falaj irrigation systems, and enjoy jaw-dropping mountain views.
Highlights: Diana’s Point (where to find sunset), Wadi Bani Habib, and Al Ayn Terrace.
- Nizwa – The Cultural Heart of Oman
Distance from Muscat: ~155 km (1.5- to 2-hour drive)
Best for: History and architecture enthusiasts
Visit Nizwa to see Oman’s vibrant traditional culture in one place. The 17th-century Nizwa Fort looms over the skyline, and inside you’ll find a museum about Omani culture and lifestyle. The Nizwa Souq sells everything from silver jewelry to Omani dates, local crafts and specialty foods.
Explore the old city on foot or rent a horse for a few minutes to see more from a horseback ride. Plan to spend at least half a day in Nizwa and overnight for easy exploration. Friday is the best day to visit, as Nizwa holds a traditional cattle market.
Highlights: Nizwa Fort, Nizwa Souq, Al Hoota Cave (close by)
- Wahiba Sands – The Desert Experience
Distance from Muscat: ~200 km (3-hour drive)
Best for: Desert camping and 4WD adventure
Head out to the Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands, for an out-of-this-world desert experience. Famous for its Bedouin culture, nomadic population and golden sand dunes, this is a must-see area for an Oman weekend. Sleep in a desert camp, ride camels, or enjoy a day of 4WD dune bashing. Or simply take in the star-studded night sky at Ras Al Jinz, the closest village to the dunes.
Activities: Sandboarding, sunset viewing, and Bedouin dinner at camp.
- Ras Al Jinz – Turtle Watching on the Coast
Distance from Muscat: ~220 km (3.5-hour drive)
Best for: Nature and wildlife fans
Ras Al Jinz is Oman’s most famous green turtle nesting site. Here, you can observe these majestic creatures in the act of laying eggs, or you can witness baby turtles taking their first journey to the ocean. The nearby village of Sur and the beaches along the coastal road are worth exploring on the way, too.
Ras Al Jinz is open from May to September, the turtle nesting season.
- Wadi Shab – Oasis Adventure
Distance from Muscat: ~140 km (2-hour drive)
Best for: Hikers and swimmers
Discover one of Oman’s most beautiful coastal wadis on the road to Sur, a traditional fishing town. Hike through rocky terrain and lush pools of emerald water to arrive at a swim-through cave. At the end of the hike, you’ll find a small waterfall. We recommend starting early, wearing proper shoes, and carrying plenty of drinking water. After your swim and hike, spend the afternoon on the white sand beaches near the wadi.
Stop by nearby Bimmah Sinkhole and Tiwi Village, too.
- Al Rustaq and Nakhal – Fortresses and Hot Springs
Distance from Muscat: ~130 km (2-hour drive)
Best for: Relaxation and culture lovers
Head west of Muscat for a change of scenery and experience in the twin towns of Al Rustaq and Nakhal. Visit Al Rustaq Fort and Nakhal Fort for a glimpse into Omani military architecture. Afterwards, drive over to Al Thowarah Hot Springs for a relaxing soak in warm mineral water.
Perfect for a relaxing one-night trip or easy day trip.
- Musandam – The Fjords of Arabia
Distance from Muscat: ~500 km (6–7 hours, or domestic flight + ferry)**
Best for: Scenic boat rides and marine life
Travel to Musandam for some of the most beautiful seascapes in the Gulf. This part of Oman is famous for its fjord-like inlets called khors, which can be explored on traditional dhow boat tours. You’ll see dolphins, snorkel in clear waters and marvel at the immense sandstone cliffs rising thousands of meters above you.
Note: Musandam is accessible only by boat or by driving through the UAE. International visitors will have to check visa requirements.
- Yiti and Sifah Beaches – Quick Escape
Distance from Muscat: ~40–50 km (45-minute drive)
Best for: Beach lovers and short breaks
For a quick escape, check out the beaches at Yiti and Sifah. Both offer an undeveloped and peaceful coastline that’s ideal for a barbecue, camping, or a leisurely swim. The road to Sifah is especially picturesque, with the Hajar Mountains and the sea as a backdrop.
Perfect for an impromptu, spontaneous getaway.
Packing Essentials
Whether you’re driving to the mountains, desert, or coast, remember to pack the following:
Driver’s license and IDP (if applicable)
GPS device and offline map apps
Water bottles and snacks
Sunblock, hats, and sunglasses
Comfortable shoes or hiking sandals
First aid kit and flashlight
Power bank for devices
Trash bags for easy disposal
If you’re going to more remote places with limited fuel stations (desert or highlands), make sure your tank is full and carry extra water.
Driving in Oman: What to Know for a Safe Trip
Always drive on the right side and wear your seatbelt
Speed limits are enforced with radar cameras
Watch out for animals crossing the road, including goats and camels
4WD is required to drive to mountainous regions such as Jebel Akhdar
Do not off-road alone without a four-wheel vehicle and local support
Keep your emergency numbers and rental documents handy
Road signs are in Arabic and English. Omanis are usually friendly and courteous drivers, though tailgating is common. Gas stations are abundant near cities and along major highways but less common in rural areas.
Tips for Sustainability
Oman’s natural landscapes are its greatest resource. Conserve and preserve them by:
Avoiding litter, especially in wadis and on beaches
Not driving on vegetation or off-track unless on designated routes
Respecting wildlife, particularly in turtle nesting areas
Saving water and electricity when you can during your stay
Buying from local restaurants, shops, and hotels for food and souvenirs
Sample 2-Day Road Trip (Muscat to Nizwa + Jebel Akhdar)
Day 1:
Depart Muscat early in the morning
Visit Nizwa Fort and Souq
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant
Drive up Jebel Akhdar in the afternoon (use 4WD only)
Check in to a mountain lodge
Watch the sunset at Diana’s Point
Day 2:
Hike to the abandoned villages early morning
Visit rose farms (season: March–April)
Drive back to Muscat via Birkat Al Mouz for a short stroll among date farms
Sample itinerary by car from Muscat to Jebel Akhdar and Nizwa in two days.
Final Verdict
A weekend getaway from Muscat by car is more than just a quick break from the city—it’s an adventure through time, culture and landscapes that few expect to find in the Arabian Peninsula. From the adrenaline of the desert to the serenity of the mountains and the charm of a coastal village, there are plenty of adventures just a few hours away.
Renting a car is the best way to maximize your independence, explore, and travel at your own pace. Like UAE visitors who search for car rental Dubai options to explore desert terrains and cultural attractions on their own terms, driving in Oman will help you discover the undiscovered far beyond the confines of group tours and city taxis.
So, fill up your tank, choose your playlist and let the roads of Oman lead you to unforgettable weekend adventures.