Best Stops Between Al Khobar and Makkah

Setting off on a cross-country drive from Al Khobar to Makkah? Get prepared to shift to the cultural gems, local flavors, and scenic detours for highway hum, making this journey more than just a trip! Spanning 1,200 km, this route offers a few heartening stops peppered with charming eateries, desert landscapes, historical towns, and amazing places offering a perfect breather for both stomach and soul.
Whether you're stopping at Galleria Mall Al Jubail, are curious about the hidden gems in Al Balad, or you are looking for the best places to visit in Makkah, we've got your back!
We have curated this list of 10 places to stop at in your journey. So, let’s get in to recharge, refuel, and rest between the Makkah and Al Khobar

Recommended Time: 1–2 hours (more if you're exploring with family)

Start your trip in Al Khobar, a lively coastal city known for its scenic Corniche, shopping areas, and cultural vibes. The Corniche stretches along the coast, featuring beautiful green areas for visitors to lounge and enjoy the scenic views over the Arabian Gulf. The three-story Khobar Water Tower sits on an island a short distance offshore, making it a recognizable tourist spot from the promenade. Food lovers will have no shortage of treats with various cafés and restaurants, some of which offer indoor dining and others which provide the option to sit outside. With family? Then you are in luck! Let your kids enjoy the playgrounds along the Corniche while you relax at the seating areas, or they may enjoy jogging or bike riding; you can even rent a bike if you choose the cycling route.

Distance from Al Khobar: ~15 km
Drive Time: ~15–20 minutes
Recommended Time: 30–45 minutes

The Al-Rakah site sits north of Al Khobar and provides tourists with a glimpse of 4,000 years of civilization by revealing ruins of ancient homes, fragments of pottery, and gold artifacts of a Hellenistic and early Islamic origin. This archaeological site is the place of a small settlement with the remnants of stone buildings, ancient wells, and rooms that were once all connected, housing Madbasas—structures made for the purpose of extracting molasses from dates. The artifacts uncovered are quite varied, from glazed pottery and medical tools to pieces of glass, soapstone, and marine fossils, allowing the visitor a vibrant picture of the site's layered history.

Distance from Al Khobar: ~160 km
Drive Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Recommended Stop: 2–4 hours or consider an overnight stay if exploring caves, forts, or the local markets

Located approximately 160 kilometers southwest of Al Khobar lies Al Ahsa Oasis, an expansive green refuge of over 85 square kilometers, demonstrating the age-old mutual dependence of humanity and nature. Adorned with palm groves, bubbling springs, and swaying views of caves, hills, and open plains, this remarkable oasis was recognized by UNESCO for its unique ecological diversity and deep-rooted historical context.
Within the lush oasis are historic forts, impressive Islamic architecture, and cultural artifacts, representing a colorful past. Al Ahsa is still an agricultural domain of the Arabian Peninsula: its fertile lands and abundant underground water supplies have supported desert communities for centuries.

Distance from Al Ahsa center: ~15 km
Drive Time: ~15–20 minutes
Recommended Time: 1–2 hours
Travel Tip: A great midday stop with cool cave interiors perfect for escaping the desert heat

Al Qarah is one of the great geological and cultural attractions of Saudi Arabia in the Al Ahsa region. Over a long period, Al Qarah has been formed by water erosion, abrasion, and tectonic shear and has one of the most extensive passages of caves. The mountain stretches roughly 1.5 km, and is home to 28 tall, slender caverns with associated stories. This includes Al Nashab, with Bu Saleh, Al Eid, An Naqa, Al Mua’adhamah, and Al Maheub caves. These large rock formations offer an even cooler oasis in the sun-drenched desert and allow tourists to escape the heat of the hot summer months.

Distance from Al Ahsa: ~80 km west (or ~65 km from Al Khobar directly)
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Recommended Time: 1–2 hours

Make a worthwhile pit stop at Half Moon Bay and relax by the ocean, a local favorite, featuring soft golden sands, calm water, and plenty of ocean fun. It is perfect for family weekend trips for swimming, picnicking, or lying on the beach and basking in the sun. If you’re an adventure seeker, you can jet ski, kayak, or rent a boat for a spin on the water.

Distance from Al Ahsa: ~320 km
Drive Time: ~3.5 to 4 hours
Recommended Stop: Overnight
Travel Tip: Ideal spot to rest and explore cultural attractions like the National Museum and Al Masmak Fortress

At around 500 kilometers from Al Khobar, Riyadh makes for a perfect overnight stop to break up the drive. Once in the capital, take a journey back in time with a visit to the Saudi National Museum, located in the Al Murabba district—part of King Abdulaziz Historical Center. Spanning approximately 17,000 square meters, the museum showcases over 3,700 artifacts, including ancient sculptures, inscriptions, tools, and statues.
The museum features eight expansive galleries, each walking you through a different chapter of Arabian history. Begin at the Man and the Universe Gallery, which explores the formation of the universe and the natural environment of the Arabian Peninsula. Then delve into the Ancient Arab Kingdoms Gallery, illustrating life from the 4th millennium BCE to the 2nd century CE, followed by the Pre-Islamic Era Gallery, which offers insight into the spiritual and cultural life before Islam.
For more historical immersion, don't miss the Al Masmak Fortress, a beloved site for history buffs. This mud-brick fort played a major role in the foundation of modern Saudi Arabia and now houses a museum with exhibits on Riyadh’s unification and heritage.

Distance from Riyadh: ~600 km
Drive Time: ~6.5 to 7 hours
Recommended Time: 1–2 hours
Note: This is a detour best taken before reaching Makkah if you're interested in heritage displays.

Al-Amoudi Museum showcases historical artifacts and tools that reveal many elements of daily life in Arab cultures. The exhibits include rare items from historical Arab armies: traditional clothing, swords, and other military relics, whereas photographic evidence from archives recalls Makkah's stunning transition in history, representing the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba, and snapshots of pilgrims performing tawaf. Visitors can indulge in the authentic experience by dressing in traditional costumes: Bedouins, Arab royalty, or soldiers of history.

Distance from Al Khobar: ~95 km
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Recommended Time: 1–2 hours (ideal for dining, shopping, or letting the kids unwind)

Galleria Mall Al Jubail is a great place to shop, eat, and enjoy, along with the various entertainment options available in Jubail. This lively shopping center combines international retailers, diverse dining options, family activities, and a friendly atmosphere. You will find a great assortment of stores in the mall for shoppers of every taste: H&M, Zara, Sephora, Home Center, American Eagle Outfitters, and Bath & Body Works with scented body-care and home scents to tempt you. You can also find a great variety in dining options for every taste preference:
• International Favorites: Sample international foods at The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang's, or Chili's.
• Quick Bites: Grab a quick bite from McDonald's, KFC, or take a coffee break at Starbucks.
• Local Flavors: Find Indian and Pakistani dishes at Swaad for local flavors.

The mall also contains plenty of entertainment besides retail therapy and food:
• VOX Cinemas: With five state-of-the-art screens, including one specifically for kids, the cinema has the latest audio-visual technologies to give you the best experience.
• Family Fun: Play areas are devoted to children, so they will have plenty to do.

Distance from Riyadh (via Route 40): ~950 km
Drive Time: ~8 to 9 hours (or about 1 hour from Makkah)
Recommended Stop: 2–3 hours or more
Travel Tip: Best enjoyed as a day trip from Makkah after you arrive

Just a short drive from Makkah, Jeddah—named the “Bride of the Red Sea”—greets you with its heart: Al Balad. Listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the area is an animated Arabian fairytale, with meandering lanes flowing through busy souks, magnificent mosques, and more than 650 ancient coral stone buildings crammed into about 2.5 square kilometers. It features a maze of alleyways where 100-year-old houses now serve as laid-back cafés and local art galleries.

Distance from Jeddah: ~85 km
Drive Time: ~1 to 1.5 hours
Stay Duration: Flexible depending on your spiritual or sightseeing itinerary

Recommended Stay: Minimum 2–3 days for a meaningful visit

After the long journey across cities, deserts, and historical landmarks, you’ll finally reach Makkah, the holiest city in Islam. For millions of Muslims around the world, this is not just a destination — it’s a dream fulfilled. Whether you're here to perform Umrah, Hajj, or simply visiting, Makkah welcomes you with its unique blend of deep spirituality, rich Islamic history, and modern comforts.
At the center of it all stands the Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world, surrounding the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam. Pilgrims circle the Kaaba in Tawaf, pray in serene reverence, and reflect deeply as part of their spiritual journey. The mosque is open 24/7, and recent expansions have made it more accessible and accommodating than ever.
Beyond the Grand Mosque, Makkah offers many historical sites that shed light on the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life and the early days of Islam. Some highlights include:
• Jabal al-Nour: Home to the Cave of Hira where the first revelation of the Qur'an was received.
• Jabal Thawr: The cave where the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (RA) hid during their migration to Madinah.
• Makkah Museum: A lesser-known gem showcasing Islamic artifacts, manuscripts, and relics.
While Makkah is a deeply spiritual place, it also offers practical conveniences for travelers. Modern hotels, large shopping malls like Makkah Mall and Abraj Al Bait, and plenty of restaurants make your stay comfortable. You'll find international cuisines alongside traditional Hijazi dishes such as mandi, mutabbaq, and kabsa.

Travel Tips:
• Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the city of Makkah.
• Make sure to book accommodation near the Haram in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Modesty in dress and behavior is expected in all public areas.

Ending your road trip in Makkah isn’t just about finishing a journey — it’s about arriving at a place where faith, reflection, and peace converge. Whether you’ve come from curiosity or conviction, Makkah offers an experience that stays with your soul long after the road ends.