Salalah, Dhofar’s coastal capital, has lured travelers for millennia with its frankincense-scented breezes and coconut-lined beaches. In February, the weather is warm and dry, perfect for relaxed family time on the sand, short scenic drives, and gentle explorations. The city’s story threads from ancient ports like Sumhuram (Khor Rori) to today’s serene seaside promenades.

Beyond the beach, Salalah shines with easy, kid-friendly outings: Marneef Cave’s blowholes at Al Mughsail, spring-fed gardens at Ayn Razat, and the UNESCO-listed Land of Frankincense. You’ll also find a soft introduction to Omani culture in Taqah’s coastal castle and the spice-and-incense bustle of Haffa Souq.

Practical notes: modest swimwear norms apply off resort beaches; currents can be strong, so choose calm shores and keep little ones within arm’s reach. Renting a car makes family logistics cheaper and easier than taxis, and picnic spots abound. Expect simple, flavorful Dhofari and Yemeni-style grills alongside Indian vegetarian classics—great for kids and budgets.

Salalah (Şalālah), Dhofar

Salalah is a mellow Arabian Sea city ringed by beaches, wadis, and low limestone hills. It’s famous for frankincense—once more valuable than gold—and for the summer Khareef monsoon, though your February visit means clear skies and calm days.

Top sights for families include Al Haffa and Dahariz beaches for easy swims, Al Mughsail Beach for the dramatic blowholes, the landscaped Ayn Razat spring gardens, and the ruins of Sumhuram near Khor Rori lagoon. Short drives keep energy high and crankiness low.

Where to stay: for good value and space, check family apartments and villas on VRBO (Salalah). For hotels with pools and kid-friendly facilities, compare deals on Hotels.com (Salalah). Aim for Dahariz/Al Haffa for quick beach time, or Hawana Salalah (40 minutes east) for resort amenities.

Getting there: most visitors connect via Muscat (MCT) to Salalah (SLL); the flight takes about 1h40 and often runs around $60–120 one-way. Search options on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com (flights). From SLL, it’s ~15–20 minutes by taxi to central beaches (about 5–7 OMR) and ~30–40 minutes to Hawana (about 10–15 OMR).

Family eats and treats: for wallet-friendly vegetarian South Indian, Udupi Vegetarian Restaurant is a reliable favorite; for sea-view splurges, Al Mina (Mediterranean) and Mekong (Southeast Asian) at Al Baleed Resort by Anantara are kid-welcoming; for an easy beachfront dinner, The Beach Restaurant at Crowne Plaza does grills and seafood with sunset views. For snacks, pick up fresh coconuts and sugarcane juice along Al Haffa beachfront.

Day 1: Arrival and First Beach Stroll

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive via Muscat, aim for a mid-morning connection to keep naps intact. Reserve a car seat with your rental in advance if possible.

Afternoon: Land in Salalah and check in. If you chose an apartment near Dahariz or Al Haffa, you’ll be steps from the sea. Shake out the flight with a gentle paddle at Dahariz Beach—the shallows are friendly on calmer days.

Evening: Early dinner by the water. For easygoing plates and sea breeze, try The Beach Restaurant at Crowne Plaza. Prefer a budget bite? Pop into Udupi Vegetarian Restaurant for dosas and mild curries the kids can share, then grab fresh coconut water along the promenade.

Day 2: Haffa Beach, Souq Spices, and Frankincense History

Morning: Build sandcastles at Al Haffa Beach. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a small pop-up shade. If seas are choppy, stick to ankle-deep splashing and beach games.

Afternoon: Walk to Haffa Souq (Frankincense Souq) to smell and sample resins. Kids love comparing scents and picking a tiny incense burner as a souvenir. Continue to Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the Museum of the Land of Frankincense for ship models, ancient trade routes, and air‑conditioned exhibits.

Evening: Treat night: head to Al Baleed Resort by Anantara for family-friendly dinner. Mekong serves Thai/Vietnamese favorites with kid-size spice; Al Mina has pizzas and grills. Stroll the beachfront before bedtime.

Day 3: East Salalah Safari—Wadi Darbat, Taqah Castle, and Khor Rori (Day Tour)

Give the driving to a local guide and see the eastern highlights in one relaxed sweep. Note: Darbat’s waterfalls are usually dry in February, but the valley is still a lovely picnic setting with occasional boat operations on the lagoon.

• East Salalah Mountain Safari, Wadi Darbat, Beach, Camels, Dunes

  

  Expect a 6–8 hour loop with hotel pickup, covering Taqah Castle (coastal fort and family photo stop), Wadi Darbat picnic time, the UNESCO-listed Sumhuram/Khor Rori ruins above a turquoise lagoon, and a calm beach segment. Pack hats, snacks, and swim gear.

Dinner back in town: keep it simple with grilled chicken and rice at a local Yemeni-style mandi spot, or return to Dahariz for a shawarma-and-juice combo along the beachfront.

Day 4: Hawana Salalah Marina and Aqua Park Fun

Morning: Drive ~40 minutes to Hawana Salalah (well-signed coastal highway). Start at Hawana Aqua Park—lazy river, slides for varying heights, and shaded seating. February hours can vary; weekends may be busier.

Afternoon: Dry off with a stroll around the marina. Look for casual cafés serving kid-friendly sandwiches, gelato, and fresh juices. If everyone has energy, build a sand fort on the nearby public stretch before heading back.

Evening: Back in Salalah, opt for an easy dinner near Al Haffa—think grilled fish, rice, and fresh salads. Finish with a sunset walk; on calm evenings you’ll often spot camels wandering the shore, a kid-pleaser every time.

Day 5: West Coast Adventure—Al Mughsail Beach and Marneef Cave

Morning: Drive 40 minutes west to Al Mughsail Beach. Start at Marneef Cave’s paved walkways and the natural blowholes—at mid-to-high tide they thunder and spray (mind the wet surfaces!). Then enjoy a picnic on the long white-sand bay.

Afternoon: If you have a high-clearance vehicle and the sea is calm, continue a short distance along the coastal road for dramatic viewpoints, or simply linger at Mughsail for shell collecting and kite flying.

Evening: Return to town for dinner. Consider The Beach Restaurant at Crowne Plaza for seafood or pizza with a view, or stay budget-friendly with Indian thali or biryani at a simple local spot. Early bedtime after a big day outside.

Day 6: Springs, Gardens, and a Souq Sunset

Morning: Head to Ayn Razat, a spring-fed garden with manicured paths, shaded lawns, and mountain views—perfect for toddlers and a quiet picnic. Bring a ball or a sketch pad for low-key fun.

Afternoon: Optional detour to Nabi Ayyub (Prophet Job’s Tomb) in the hills for a panoramic city view and a quick cultural stop. Back in Salalah, enjoy downtime at Dahariz Beach or your hotel pool.

Evening: Return to Haffa Souq for any last frankincense, perfumes, and woven baskets. Keep dinner kid-easy: Udupi Vegetarian Restaurant for dosas, or simple grilled chicken and flatbreads from a nearby cafeteria. Grab sugarcane juice on the promenade.

Day 7: Slow Morning, Pack, and Departure

Morning: One last beach hour—collect shells, snap family photos, and bury a “message to future selves” in the sand. Back at your stay, pack leisurely and double-check souvenirs.

Afternoon: Airport transfer (allow 2 hours door-to-gate). If you’re connecting through Muscat and have a long layover, consider pre-booking an airport hotel pool pass or a short city look (only if timing allows and kids are rested).

Evening: In the air, celebrate: seven sun-kissed days, sandy toes, and a new appreciation for frankincense country.

Logistics and Family Tips

• Flights: Compare options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Typical routing: your home city → Muscat (MCT) → Salalah (SLL), 1h40 on the last leg. From the Gulf, occasional seasonal/direct flights may exist; prices vary with February school breaks.
• Car rental vs taxis: A compact car keeps costs down and maximizes beach time. Roads are modern; seat belts are mandatory; watch speed cameras. For taxis, agree on fares or use local apps; carry cash.
• Budget watch: Mix self-catered breakfasts (apartments via VRBO) with simple lunches and an occasional sea-view dinner. Free beaches and low-cost gardens keep the day’s spend mellow.
• Beach safety: The Arabian Sea can have undertows; pick calm coves and keep children close. Shade is essential; pack hats, SPF 50+, and lots of water.

Optional: If You Have a Muscat Stopover

Arriving or departing via Muscat with a spare half-day? Consider a quick taste of the capital:

• Half-Day Private Muscat City Tour - Top Landmarks in Just 4 Hours

  

  A quick loop to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souq, and the corniche.
• Daymaniyat Island Snorkeling with picnic lunch

  

  Crystal-clear waters and turtles—best if you can add a Muscat overnight.

Where to book your stay: browse family apartments and villas on VRBO (Salalah), and compare hotel deals on Hotels.com (Salalah).

Getting to Salalah: find flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Summary: Over seven unhurried days, you’ll blend Salalah’s best beaches with bite-size adventures—blowholes at Al Mughsail, the frankincense story at Al Baleed, and a family-friendly safari east to Wadi Darbat and Taqah. February’s soft sun sets the stage for simple pleasures: sand, shells, coconut juice, and plenty of time together.