Photo credit: Oman with MIR
Must-See Sites Beyond the Beaten Path in Oman
Five travelers, Three trips, One Unforgettable Destination
More travelers today are seeking places that offer meaningful connections – where life moves at a slower pace, the culture runs deep, and nature still feels untamed. Oman is one of those rare places. From warm desert hospitality to age-old traditions still woven into daily life, it’s a destination that rewards curiosity. Over the past several months, our team made three separate trips to Oman, each one focused on exploring beyond the usual stops. Journey alongside five of our team members as they share their most unforgettable moments and firsthand stories from the captivating landscapes of Oman beyond the beaten path.
1. Joanna’s Adventure Through Salalah
“Choosing just one favorite thing about Oman is nearly impossible – this country truly has it all, scoring a perfect 10 in every category. It’s a crown jewel of the Arabian Peninsula. That said, Salalah was the biggest and most awe-inspiring surprise. This tropical paradise is home to some of the most stunning sandy beaches I’ve ever seen, the frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah – part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the towering Taqah Castle, and the tomb of the biblical prophet Job. Even more astonishing was the wildlife – something I never imagined: camels and pink flamingos roaming the turquoise lagoons and shores of the Indian Ocean. Most unforgettable of all was a caravan of mountain camels moving in perfect line through the oasis of Wadi Darbat. We stepped out of our vehicle, approached them quietly, and spent a few peaceful minutes at their side – stroking their necks and even sharing a gentle hug – before they continued on their way. And so did we, off to our next Omani adventure.”
2. Mariam’s Journey through Al Hamra
“Al Hamra, a 400-year-old town in Oman’s Ad Dakhiliyah region, is home to Bait Al Safah – a living history museum. The town is known for its traditional mud-brick architecture, colorful, massive wooden doors, date palm orchards, and narrow, winding pathways that feel unchanged by time. In the still-inhabited homes, locals keep bees in hives made from hollowed-out date palm trunks. Simply walking through the alleys feels like stepping into another era, a feeling that deepens inside Bait Al Safah. Housed in a restored mud-brick home, the museum features locals demonstrating time-honored skills – roasting and grinding coffee beans by hand, baking ragag bread over an open fire, pressing oil from Moringa seeds, and preparing herbal remedies passed down through generations. The people here are warm, welcoming, and proud to share their heritage with curious travelers.”
3. Lisa’s Impressions on the Heritage of Sur
“I love boats, and it has always been a dream to ride on one of the majestic wooden dhow boats that are so iconic to Oman and its seafaring history. But something even better came along during my visit – the chance to meet one of the last master dhow boat builders at his workshop in the coastal town of Sur. This town was once the vibrant capital of the dhow-building industry, with many shipyards crafting these incredible vessels for Oman’s robust fishing and trade routes. Sadly, only one traditional shipyard remains active today. Standing in that workshop, surrounded by the scent of wood, the tools of a master craftsman, and the sheer artistry of these hand-built vessels, was unforgettable. What made it even more poignant was learning that this master builder will likely be the last, as his sons are not interested in continuing the family business. It was a powerful reminder that some traditions, however cherished, are fragile. My advice? Go see and support this incredible piece of living history while you still can. It’s a connection to Oman’s soul.”
4. Jake’s Exploration of Beehive Tombs at Wadi al Ayn
“On my way to the Hajar Mountains, I stopped to view the UNESCO-listed Bronze Age beehive tombs at Wadi al Ayn. The site was tough to find on my own and I definitely could have used a guide. In the end, a friendly farmer pointed me in the right direction. It is an astounding sight with the sheer rock walls of towering Jebel Misht providing a dramatic backdrop to the tombs. In fact these tombs are estimated to be around 4,000 to 5,000 years old, making them some of the oldest funerary structures in the Arabian Peninsula. The existence of such a significant necropolis with numerous tombs suggests the presence of substantial and settled communities based on hierarchical principles during the Bronze Age.”
5. Suzanne’s Peaceful Escape to Jebel Akhdar
“The beauty and tranquility of the Jebel Akhdar mountain range is truly something to experience. After ascending windy switchbacks to climb more than 2,000 meters by 4×4, we were treated to a stunning 180-degree vista. We watched the sunset, sipping refreshing local fruit juice and listening to the call to prayer from the nearby mosque – pure peace. The next morning, I set out on the “three village walk” with a local mountain guide, who pointed out marine fossils embedded in ancient limestone, the terraced cliffside terraced gardens growing pomegranates, apricots, olives, figs, and damask roses (all seasonal), and the vital falaj (aqueduct) system supporting both the land and villages. I ended my day with a traditional Omani meal at my guide’s family home before returning to relax and catch one more peaceful sunset. This memorable visit to Jebel Akhdar will long remain a highlight of my journey across Oman.”
