From winding desert highways to lush valleys and ancient ruins, the roads from Amman offer a glimpse into Jordan’s timeless beauty.

Amman is more than just the buzzing capital of Jordan—it’s the gateway to several of the country’s most jaw-dropping scenic drives. Located between the fertile valleys and desert, the city provides easy access to roads that lead to ancient ruins, animatic landscapes, and cultural treasures. Jordan boasts 12,000-plus registered archaeological sites, with many located just a short drive from Amman. From the King’s Highway, the world’s oldest trade route dating back to biblical times, to the weaving roads of Wadi Mujib, often called the Grand Canyon of Jordan, each route guarantees a journey through history and nature. Be it an idea of exploring the Jerash UNESCO-listed ruins, venturing into the otherworldly terrain of Wadi Rum, or cruising along the Dead Sea Highway, a road trip in Amman is a great way to experience Jordan’s diverse beauty. Here’s a guide to the best scenic routes to take from Amman.

One of the greatest day trips from Amman is to the Dead Sea. This sea is extremely dense and is referred to be the Earth's Lowest Point. The 32-mile trip from Amman to the Dead Sea takes around one hour and you may rent a car, drive by yourself, or schedule a tour. The serene ambiance and the amazing sensation of floating in the Dead Sea make the day's journey from Amman worthwhile. Visitors can stop by the Museum of the Lowest Point on Earth, covering the region's history and includes some artifacts discovered nearby. Furthermore, if you choose to spend the night at any of the numerous Dead Sea resorts, you will have an unforgettable experience.

Among the most noteworthy day excursions from Amman is to Jerash, which is home to a number of the greatest preserved Roman remains outside of Rome. It has many preserved ruins to explore and is also referred to as the "Pompeii of the East." From Amman, you can use the 35 north to reach there and the 30-mile travel will take around 45 minutes. Moreover, to escape the noon heat, schedule your trip during the morning or evening. Don’t forget to visit the two museums as well as The North Theater, the Temple of Artemis, the Hippodrome, and the Oval Forum. Lastly, when you get hungry after exploring, visit Cheesy Grill on the street for a mouthwatering cheesy chicken wrap.

Bethany Beyond Jordan serves as one of the top day excursions from Amman being the location of The Jordan River and the place of Jesus' baptism. It is a well-liked tourist destination for people who wish to learn more about the past of Christianity and is frequented by numerous pilgrims each year. The place is very well-kept, and you can step back in time during the guided tour. Driving is the most efficient way to get to the location or you can also take a bus or a cab from Amman if you are not interested in renting a car.

It takes somewhat less than an hour to drive from Amman to Madaba, which is about 20 miles away. The main reason people travel to Madaba is to check out the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, which has a Byzantine mosaic map from the sixth century that is remarkably well preserved. The map was discovered beneath the floor of the church and depicts Jerusalem and other sacred locations. Moreover, Madaba features an archaeological park, where there is an institute that educates craftspeople in mosaic creation, repair, and restoration.

Known for its breathtaking vistas and its spectacular ruins, Umm Qais is situated on a mountaintop overlooking the Jordan Valley plus the Sea of Galilee. Located about two hours by car from Amman, getting on this road trip is among the best things to do in Amman in order to explore the ruins of a well-planned ancient Roman city, Gadara. Meander down a still-paved central path with magnificent columns and explore a well-preserved old theater. Additionally, keep an eye out for a deserted town from the Ottoman era that was inhabited up until the 1980s. Local tour providers offer a wide range of activities, including culinary classes, beekeeping, and olive harvesting.

At Mount Nebo, which is roughly twenty-one miles southeast of Amman, there is a noticeable sense of peace and divinity. When the sky is clear, you can view Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, and more from the top of the mountain. According to legend, this is where Moses first saw the Promised Land, but he was not allowed to enter. There's no concrete proof, but it’s thought he resided on Mount Nebo till he passed away, and some people think he's buried close by. Moreover, an amazing assortment of Byzantine mosaics depicting hunting and animal themes may be seen at the Moses Memorial Church at Mount Nebo. Also, don’t forget to watch for the imposing Brazen Serpent statue by Italian artisan Gian Paolo Fantoni, which depicts a snake-like crucifix that alludes to the biblical narratives of Jesus and Moses.

If you are looking for places to visit in Amman, Al Karak Castle is a perfect place to be! The little Jordanian village of Al-Karak is located one hour and fifty-five minutes south of Amman by car and the Al-Karak Highway is the quickest way to get to the town. Although it takes a whole day, the journey is worthwhile and offers breathtaking views of the desert. Once you reach the town, Kerak Castle is the primary landmark, the biggest stronghold in the area. Around the castle, you'll find information boards that describe the history of the stronghold and offer context for the items you're looking at. Furthermore, as you visit this castle, make sure to climb upwards to the higher lookouts where beautiful views of both the castle and the surroundings may be seen. After exploring, you can have a stroll around the town of Al-Karak where you will find a few tiny stores and lots of eateries.

Wadi Mujib offers a novel way to discover Jordan's most stunning canyon and makes a great day excursion for adventure lovers. From Amman, it's among the most spectacular day excursions. You can hike several paths, but the Siq Trail serves as the most well-liked because it leads to a stunning waterfall upstream via the slender canyon. The Mujib Adventure Center, which is 50.89 miles (one hour and fifteen minutes) by car from Amman, is where all Wadi Mujib routes begin.