Things to do in Desert Highway
Discover the best attractions and experiences Desert Highway has to offer
Historic Monuments
Along the Desert Highway, you can discover ancient wonders that trace Jordan’s rich past.
Petra
A UNESCO-listed ancient Nabatean city carved into rose-red cliffs, famous for the Siq and the Treasury.
Qasr Amra
A UNESCO desert castle celebrated for its well-preserved medieval frescoes and bathhouse.
Qasr al-Kharrana
An early Islamic desert fortress with austere towers and a remarkably intact layout.
Museums
Cultural and historical discoveries are celebrated in Jordan’s museums along the route.
The Jordan Museum
Jordan’s national museum in Amman with artifacts spanning prehistoric to modern times.
Royal Automobile Museum
A striking collection of classic and modern cars reflecting Jordan’s transportation history.
Darat al Funun
A prominent art foundation in Amman showcasing regional and contemporary works.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites and sacred places dot the landscape around the highway.
King Abdullah Mosque
A grand blue-domed mosque in Amman known for its expansive prayer hall and city views.
St. George Church, Madaba
Madaba’s famous church housing the renowned Madaba Map mosaic.
Umm ar-Rasas
UNESCO site near Madaba featuring ancient churches and mosaics from the Byzantine era.
National & Theme Parks
Jordan’s deserts, canyons, and reserves showcase spectacular landscapes.
Wadi Rum Protected Area
Iconic desert landscape with dramatic sandstone towers, ideal for jeep tours and stargazing.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Jordan’s largest nature reserve offering rugged canyons, plateaus, and scenic hikes.
Mujib Nature Reserve
Adventure canyon experiences and canyoning near the Dead Sea region.
Neighborhoods
Towns and neighborhoods along the route offer easy access to local life and viewpoints.
Rainbow Street (Amman)
A lively historic street packed with cafes, shops, and evening atmosphere.
Jabal al-Weibdeh
A bohemian, artsy neighborhood known for galleries, eateries, and a relaxed vibe.
Al Balad/Downtown Amman
Historic core with markets, street food, and cultural sights to explore on foot.
Free Things to Do
Many outdoor experiences are free and accessible right from the highway.
Stargazing in the desert
Clear desert skies offer stunning stargazing away from city lights.
Sunset drive along the Desert Highway
Take a slow drive and stop at viewpoints to watch the sun go down.
Dana Reserve self-guided walks
Explore designated trails and canyons on your own schedule.
Gastronomy
Along the highway and in towns, you can sample Jordanian flavors.
Bedouin tea and flatbread in Wadi Rum camps
Sip mint tea and share fresh bread with Bedouin hosts.
Mansaf at a Jordanian restaurant
Taste Jordan’s national dish of lamb with yogurt sauce and rice.
Hashem Restaurant (Amman)
Iconic downtown spot for simple, beloved falafel and hummus.
Nightlife
Evenings mix quiet desert chill with city nightlife in Amman and Aqaba.
Rainbow Street nightlife
Cafés, bars, and live music along a historic and popular street.
Aqaba waterfront lounges
Sea-view bars and cafés to unwind after a day on the road.
Petra by Night
A magical, candle-lit experience in a desert canyon near Petra.
Entertainment
Bedouin performances, music, and cultural shows add color to travels.
Bedouin music performances (Wadi Rum camps)
Evening music and storytelling around a desert camp.
Petra by Night
A candle-lit viewing experience along the Petra area.
Amman Roman Theater events
Occasional concerts and performances in the ancient theater.
Sports
Adventure sports harness the desert’s dramatic terrain—from dunes to canyons.
4x4 desert safari (Wadi Rum)
Exciting jeep tours across dramatic desert terrain.
Camel rides in Wadi Rum
Classic desert experience riding a camel across the sands.
Hiking in Dana Biosphere Reserve
Scenic hikes across canyons and plateaus with diverse landscapes.
Off the Track
Explore off-beaten-path experiences that put you in the middle of the desert.
Hot air balloon over Wadi Rum
Lift off at dawn for sweeping views of sandstone towers.
Overnight desert camping
Sleep under the stars in a Bedouin-style camp.
Rock climbing in Wadi Rum
Tackle established routes on towering desert cliffs.