Jeddah is famous for its vibrant city life, historic districts, and the bustling Northern Corniche. However, if you truly want to escape the crowds, experience untouched coastal beauty, and discover hidden local treasures, you need to head south.
On a quiet weekday afternoon, our family decided to do exactly that. We planned an evening getaway to Al Saif Beach , a beautiful destination located on the Southern Corniche of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Situated about 50 to 60 kilometers south of the Jeddah city center, it promised a completely different vibe from the usual city beaches.
Here is the story of our unforgettable road trip, filled with unexpected stops, swimming adventures, traditional salt fields, and thrilling beach rides.
The Journey Begins: From Mahjar to the Deep South
Our mini-adventure started at precisely 4:00 PM . We packed the car with snacks, extra clothes for the kids, and a spirit of adventure, then set off from the Mahjar area. Leaving the familiar city streets behind, we pointed our car southward.
As we drove, the city landscape quickly began to shift. We soon entered the Al Khumra area. This part of Jeddah is known as a major logistics hub, and for kilometers on end, all we could see were massive godowns and warehouses lining the highway. It was an impressive sight that showcased the industrial scale of the region.
After driving through Al Khumra, we reached the Al Qozain area. This marks the very last street with proper commercial shops on this road. If you ever plan this trip, this is your last chance to grab cold drinks, packaged snacks, or any quick road trip essentials before entering the more remote coastal stretches.
A Surprise Stop: The Roadside Camel Farm
Just past the shopping street of Al Qozain, we spotted something that immediately made the kids sit up in their seats: a large camel farm right near the roadside. We couldn't resist pulling over.
The kids, Isha and Shabil, were absolutely thrilled. It was their very first time watching so many camels gathered together in one place. There were camels of all sizes, some resting quietly in the shade and others gazing curiously at us.
The farm owners were incredibly welcoming. They were also selling fresh camel milk straight from the farm. While it was tempting to try this traditional desert drink, we ultimately decided to pass. Because we weren't entirely sure about the raw hygiene standards for young children, we thought it was safer for the kids to skip it this time.
Instead, we spent our time interacting with these gentle giants from a safe distance. We took dozens of family photos and fun selfies with the camels in the background—a fantastic memory to start our journey!
Cruising the Red Sea Coast
With the kids still talking excitedly about the camels, we got back into the car and continued our drive toward our main destination. Soon, the road aligned with the shore of the beautiful Red Sea . Driving alongside the deep blue water under the late afternoon sun was incredibly peaceful.
As we coasted along the shoreline, a massive industrial marvel caught our attention: the South Jeddah Electric Power Plant . Towering over the coastal landscape, this colossal facility is hard to miss. Seeing such a gigantic power plant right next to the natural beauty of the sea created a striking contrast.
Within a short time, we officially reached the Al Saif Beach Park area. However, we decided not to stop just yet. The sun was still up, and we had another specific destination in mind further down the coast. We promised the kids we would return to the main park later in the evening.
Splash Time: The Open Swimming Area
Our next destination was an open swimming area located about 12 kilometers further south from the main beach park.
When we arrived, we found a beautiful, open stretch of water perfect for a dip. We spent a wonderful hour here. The setup was excellent for families:
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Kids' Safe Zone: The shallow water area was perfectly suited for children to splash around safely.
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Safety Borders: The safe swimming perimeter was clearly marked with a long rope held up by bright buoys.
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Vigilant Guards: The area was well-monitored. Whenever anyone attempted to cross the buoy line into deeper water, the security guards would immediately sound a warning to keep everyone safe.
Isha and Shabil had a fantastic time playing in the cool waves of the Red Sea, burning off some energy while we enjoyed the refreshing sea breeze.
Discovering the "World of Salts"
After drying off, we hopped back into the car for what turned out to be the most unique part of our entire trip. Following the interior roads for about 15 kilometers, we stumbled upon a massive traditional salt field . It felt like stepping into an entirely different world—a literal world of salt.
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The landscape featured wide, shallow, lake-like fields where seawater is left to evaporate. What makes this place truly remarkable is that the workers do not use any modern machinery. Everything is done using centuries-old, traditional manual methods.
The Contrast of the Salt Fields
Despite the rustic, old-school production methods, the crystal salt produced here is shockingly pure, brilliant white.
Across the wide expanse, we saw massive, glittering white hills made entirely of harvested crystal salt. It looked like piles of snow sitting in the middle of the desert climate.
To remember this unique stop, we took some incredible photographs against the backdrop of the white salt mountains. Before leaving, we even managed to buy a large bag of pure, natural crystal salt directly from the site.
Evening Magic at Al Saif Beach Park
By the time we left the salt fields, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and a beautiful twilight darkness was spreading across the sky. We drove back for about 20 minutes and finally arrived at our main destination: Al Saif Beach Park .
With the night arriving, the park beautifully transformed. Al Saif is a wonderfully long, well-maintained park right on the beach, complete with green lawns, walkways, and ambient lighting. We found a nice spot to sit, unpacked our juices and snacks, and took a moment to relax and recharge.
Horses, Ponies, and Quad Bike Thrills
Because we visited on a weekday, the beach park was peaceful and free from the usual weekend crowds. There were very few tourists around, which meant the local activity operators were completely free, highly attentive, and competing for our attention with excellent, cheap price offers.
The beach area was full of fun options, featuring:
Majestic horses
Friendly little poniesPatient camels
Powerful Quad Bikes
The kids were eager to try the rides. Isha and Shabil opted for a classic horse ride along the dark shore, which they absolutely loved.
To top off the night, I decided to rent a quad bike to try out with the kids. Speeding across the cool sand with the sea breeze hitting our faces was an absolute thrill! It was a heart-pounding, unforgettable experience that both the kids and I thoroughly enjoyed.
Heading Home
As the night deepened, it was finally time to pack up the car and make our way back to Mahjar.
Our evening road trip to the Southern Corniche of Jeddah was a resounding success. From the unexpected industrial sights and the delightful camel farm to the refreshing swim, the fascinating traditional salt fields, and the high-energy beach rides, it was a perfectly balanced family day out.
If you are looking for a unique, budget-friendly, and adventurous escape from the center of Jeddah, we highly recommend taking a drive down south to Al Saif Beach. It is a journey your family won't soon forget!
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