Parks and the outdoors in Muscat

13 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Muscat.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Al Bustan Public Beach
Named after the hotel, this beach has a good view of the mountains behind.
Free
Do
Al Ghubrah Public Beach
This is a family-oriented beach, with picnic benches and shaded areas. In the evening near the desalination plant there are several food trucks which offer good and inexpensive fare, including grilled meat and fish, lentil soup, and potato salads.
Free
Eat
Automatic
Cuisine - Lebanese. Try the Hummus (chickpea paste), Fatoosh (salad), Mutabel (eggplant paste), Falafel and mint tea. Even the waiters are not sure why the restaurant is named automatic. There is a branch of Automatic located on the side of the Sabco Centre facing away from the central car park. There are also branches in Ruwi, Al Khuwair and elsewhere in Muscat.
See
Corniche
The renovated corniche area is a popular place for a walk and also for its many not-so-expensive eating places. There are also good view of the fishing dhows in the harbour.
Do
Marjan Public Beach
PDO Public Beach
This beach is quiet during the day, and more lively in early evenings. There are some small, excellent coral reefs just a short distance from the shore, suitable even for novice snorkelers. Clown fish, parrot fish, sea cucumbers, and occasionally sea turtles and rays can be spotted here.
Free
Do
Oman Dive Center
This German-operated center conducts diving trips and PADI certification courses. The private beach is open to day visitors (RO 2 on weekdays, RO 4 on weekends), and it is possible to stay overnight in one of their beach bungalows (RO 49-176, depending on season and size of party; breakfast and dinner included). There is no public transportation to this area, so visitors will need to take a taxi or rental car.
See
Qurm National Park
Qurum Natural Park
Has extensive rose gardens, a large manmade waterfall, a lake and an amusement park which is a must to visit during the Muscat Festival.
Do
Qurum Public Beach
No facilities except open showers. Clean and well-maintained, with places offering jetskis for rent near the Intercontinental. This beach gets very busy on weekends.
Free
See
Riyam Park
This park also has a small funfair with rides. Great views can be had from the giant incense burner perched on the hillside. Visited in The Amazing Race 9.
Do
Seeb Public Beach
This is a long stretch of beach, with some sections quite busy, and some sections accessible only with 4WD.
Free
Drink
Starbucks Coffee
Located on the beach road that goes between the Crown Plaza Hotel and the Intercontinental Hotel. It is so close that if you cross the road, you are on the beach. The larger drinks are about RO 2-2.2, but the view through the glass wall of the waves coming into the beach is excellent.
Do
Trekking path C38
This short hike takes the walker away from the modern world of Muscat and also offers fantastic views of the rugged mountains surrounding the capital city. The path begins in Riyam Park, and follows a 5000-year-old trail used by miners to an abandoned village, then finally finishes near Mutrah Souq. Allow for 1.5-2 hours, with an additional 20-minute return walk along the Corniche. A decent trail map can be found here. Between Riyam Park and the highest point it is a concrete path albeit quite steep. Between the highest point and Mutrah, the trail is mostly on bare rock and only marked by painted flags which may be difficult to spot. In places it can be impassable unless you are willing to scramble up cliff faces. Bring at least 2 litres of water and wear shoes with good grip. Do not start the trek after 4pm unless you go in a group and bring torch lights, as getting lost is highly likely in the dark.
Do
Trekking paths C52 and C53
These two easy treks offer beautiful views over the coastline. Both trails begin in Bandar Jissah. Trail map for C52; trail map for C53.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Muscat (CC BY-SA 4.0).