Looking for a break? Here are some day trip destinations to try in Qatar

Qatar’s compact size enables you to enjoy the country’s many wonders in a heartbeat. A short trip away from the capital are spectacular beaches, exotic nature reserves and a mesmerizing desert.

School season is in full swing, but if you are looking for a quick getaway, here is a list of suggestions for a day out trip in Qatar.

Head to the desert for an exciting adventure

Qatar’s deserts are replete with a variety of activities ranging from a thrilling dune bashing drive to a leisurely ride on a camel. The picturesque dunes are the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy shots while a visit during sunset offers the twilight tranquility you’ve been yearning for all week.

Suggestions for fun activities at the desert: Camel ride, ATV ride, dune bashing, sand boarding, visit to singing sand dunes, visit to Inland Sea (Khor Al Adaid), barbeque with friends and family or even a pre-booked desert safari.

Access: Entry to the desert is free. All third party activities are chargeable.

Facilities: Toilets, food trucks and kiosks

Travel time from Doha to Sealine Desert: 1 hour

Tips:

• You can park your car at the parking lot at Sealine Beach and walk up to the desert.
• A 4x4 is required for a drive over desert sand. If you plan on going dune bashing, it is best to pre-book a tour.
• If you have no experience driving in the desert, it is best to go with a professional driver.
• Temperatures at the desert are unpredictable. Dress in comfortable clothing and avoid any fancy clothes or jewelry

Check out our guide on where to book a desert safari in Qatar.

Brave the waters or enjoy the spectacular landscape at a beach

Qatar’s beaches are blessed with calm waters and pristine sands running for miles. A trip to the beach is an excellent way to unwind after a long week. You can simply soak in the spectacular views or enjoy the activities available on site. If the weather is agreeable, you could also go for a swim.

Here are 5 recommended beaches for day out trips in Qatar:

Katara Beach

Suggestions for activities: Swimming, water sports (jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, paddle boating), play area for kids, picnic with family and friends

Available facilities and services: Parking, changing rooms, showers, food kiosks, gazebos, beach chairs and lifeguards are present

Access: QAR 10 per person. Activities available on site are chargeable.

Timings: 9:00 am till sunset  

Al Wakrah Family Beach

Suggestions for activities: Swimming, play area for kids, barbeque or picnic

Facilities: Parking, changing rooms, showers and gazebos

Access: Free

Simaisma North Beach

Suggestions for activities: Swimming, barbeque or picnic

Facilities: Parking, gazebos, changing rooms, barbeque pits, a separate ladies only beach

Access: QAR 50 per vehicle

Azerbaijani Beach

Suggestions for activities: Swimming, leisurely strolls, barbeque or picnic

Facilities: None available

Access: Free. It is recommended to drive to the beach in a 4x4

Sealine Beach

Suggestions for activities: Swimming, leisurely strolls, barbeque or picnic

Facilities: Parking

Access: Free

Get up close with animals at a farm or nature reserve

While the country is primarily desert, Qatar has no shortage of farms or nature reserves that offer fun-filled activities for every age group. Qatar’s farms are the production sites for locally sourced vegetables, fruits and dairy products giving visitors the opportunity to learn about the production process. The farms also have multiple activities and events for visitors.

Qatar’s nature reserves are a photography enthusiast’s haven. You can explore the exotic flora and fauna or soak in the fantastic views. The picturesque landscape and serene ambience at each of these reserves offer the much needed respite you have been yearning for.

Here is a list of farms and nature reserves to visit in Qatar.

Farms in Qatar

• Baladna Park
• North Sedra Farm
• Heenat Salma Farm

Suggestions for fun activities at a farm: Feeding the animals, vegetable picking, pony rides, farm related workshops, activities and events available on site.

Nature reserves in Qatar

• Oryx Reserve at Al Samriya Estate
• Al Karaana Lagoon
• Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve
• Al Thakira Mangrove Forest

Suggestions for fun activities at a nature reserve: Photography, leisurely strolls, admiring the flora and fauna and exploring the landscape

Check out our guide for a list of farms and nature reserves to visit in Qatar

Have a fun-filled getaway at Qatar’s exotic Purple Island

While Qatar has a number of islands, only a handful are right for a quick fun-filled getaway, with the most popular being Purple Island. A trip to Purple Island is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located in close proximity to Al Khor city and an hour’s drive from Doha, the island is renowned for its scenic landscape and exotic flora and fauna.

The island earned its unique name after once serving as the site of the thriving purple dye industry. Best visited from November to February, Purple Island is best enjoyed by a pre-booked kayaking tour.

Suggestions for fun activities at Purple Island: Bird watching, hiking, walk over the wooden bridge, pre-booked kayaking trip through the mangroves, exploring the flora and fauna or picnic

Access: Free

Facilities: None available

Travel time from Doha to Purple Island: 1 hour

Tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing, a hat is preferable during warm summers
• Carry your own supplies including food, water and wipes
• Do not litter the site as it is an environmentally protected area

Hop on a boat for a leisurely cruise

A boat trip is a unique way to enjoy Qatar’s popular landmarks. Qatar is blessed with calm waters that enable you to have a boat trip at any time of the year. You could enjoy a meal on board a traditional dhow or hop onto a speedboat for a thrilling ride through the waves.

Suggestions for fun activities on a boat trip: Photography, leisure cruise, island visit, go on a fishing trip, enjoy the distant skyline, picnic or barbeque onboard

Here is list of places to enjoy a boat trip in Qatar.

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