Oban is one of my favourite places to visit on the west coast of Scotland. Whether you are looking for hiking trails, historic castles, fresh seafood, watersports or sandy beaches, Oban has it all. Read on for my top things to do in Oban and a list of ideas for day trips and guided tours in the surrounding area.

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Even though it is not exactly off the beaten track, Oban is a little out of the way for many Scotland visitors – at least if you follow the classic Scotland route from Edinburgh to Skye and Inverness. However, the pretty seaside town is well worth the detour for a few days by the west coast!

I have visited Oban many times. Sometimes I spend a few days exploring the town, other times I use it as a springboard to reach the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides. If you can, I recommend doing a bit of both!

This travel guide contains some of my favourite things to do in Oban, ideas for activities in the surrounding area, suggested day trips to the islands and lots of practical travel information.

Read on if you’d like to know:

  • Which attractions and places to visit in Oban,
  • great day trips and excursions from Oban,
  • where to stay in Oban,
  • and a few restaurant recommendations.
Oban harbour in Scotland

My Favourite Things to do in Oban

Oban is a small town, but even though there are not as many sights as in big cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow, there is still a lot to see.

1) Enjoy the views from McCaig’s Tower

McCaig’s Tower is impossible to miss. The round, Colosseum-like structure is perched high above Oban and overlooks the town centre and its harbour. The structure was built from 1897 to 1902 and was commissioned by John Stuart McCaig – hence the name. It’s a beautiful spot to enjoy the view and well worth the trek up the hill.

There are signposts that will guide you from the main street on the harbour to the tower. If you don’t want to take the steps you can also find and follow Craigard Road on foot, or drive your car up to the car park behind it.

The tower is free to enter, and the views of the Isle of Kerrera, Lismore and Mull beyond it are magnificent. McCaig’s Tower is also a fabulous place to see the sunset in Oban.

2) A Tour at Oban Distillery

The lightly peated whisky from Oban was one of the first whiskies I enjoyed drinking – they say, there’s a whisky for everyone, you just gotta keep trying different ones.

Oban Distillery is located in the heart of the bustling town centre. Even though the distillery is owned by a large drinks company (Diageo), it’s kept its traditional charm and small size – largely due to the fact that it simply couldn’t expand it’s capacity in its central town location. There are two stills producing whisky here, and that’s it.

Tours are available year-round. The standard tour includes three drams of Oban whisky and an insight into the whisky making process, including the still house. You can also enjoy a tutored tasting with four drams. Book ahead as there is limited availability on these tours.

Craobh Haven Cottages: Seaview Self-Catering Accommodation near Oban | Watch Me See | Stay at Craobh Haben Cottages, a gorgeous self-catering accommodation near Oban with views across the sea and the Craobh Haven marina. Your cottage is just a stone's throw away from Oban, making it the perfect place to be based when exploring wonderfull Argyll!

3) Explore Oban Harbour

The harbour of Oban is one of my favourite places in town. I love the bustle of boats and ferries coming and going. Lots of people stroll up and down the waterfront, or eat fish & chips on one of the many benches, always fending off greedy seagulls. As the tide rolls out it reveals a small pebble beach beneath the harbour wall.

For a sweet treat, pick up an ice cream cone from The Pokey Hat or get a vegan cake from one of the nearby cafes.

If you want something more substantial, check out one of the seafood stalls near the ferry terminal. There’s few places with better seafood than Oban! All the shellfish and fish come straight off the fishing boats in the harbour.

You might also like: 7 Fun Micro Adventures in Argyll – From Hiking to Star Gazing

The harbour of Oban and a blue boat.

4) Walk along the Esplanade

Oban’s gorgeous waterfront does not stop at the central harbour. Walk past the Columbia Hotel and you will reach the Esplanade of Oban. Sail boats are tied up at the North Pier Marina and a number of small boats offer short trips to local islands and nearby seal colonies.

Visit the Oban Peace & War Museum, get a treat from the Oban Chocolate Company, stop by St Columba Cathedral and enjoy the views of Kerrera and Lismore from the Oban War Memorial by Dunollie Lighthouse.

You might also like: Sailing on the West Coast of Scotland with Stravaigin Sailing

5) Visit Dunollie Castle

From the end of the Esplanade it is just a little further to Dunollie Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacDougall. The castle lies in ruins, but the exhibition at the 1745 House Museum tells the history of the MacDougall family and their castle.

There is a little shop and a cafe on the grounds as well, and if you’re up for more walking, explore the woodland trails nearby.

The castle is open to visitors from April to October.

Did you know that there are quite a few castles near Oban? You can visit several other castles on half-day or day trips by car, bus or island hopping. Apart from Dunollie Castle, you can visit:

  • Dunstaffnage Castle near Dunbeg (3 miles north of Oban): There are regular buses to Dunbeg (20-30 minutes walk from the castle. You’ll get a discount if you arrive without a car.
  • Castle Stalker near Appin (18 miles north of Oban): There are regular buses that stop along the main road. Note that the castle is privately owned and has a limited tour schedule.
  • Gylen Castle on the Isle of Kerrera: Take the short ferry from Gallanach to Kerrera and embark on a hike around the southern part of the island. The castle can only be reached on foot. Find out more about this day trip here!
  • Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull: Take the ferry from Oban to Craignure and drive around 10 minutes south to reach the castle. There is no bus service to the castle.
  • Kilchurn Castle near Lochawe (23 miles east of Oban): The stunning ruin of this castle sit on a peninsula on the shores of Loch Awe. You may be able to take the here, but there is no official stop by the castle, so it’s entirely up to the driver.
  • Inveraray Castle (38 miles south-east of Oban): It takes about one hour to drive from Oban to Inveraray and visit this beautiful castle and gardens. There is a bus connection, but with a. change in Lochgilphead, the journey is significantly longer – in my opinion this is not an enjoyable day trip from Oban by bus.
Planning a trip to Scotland is a daunting task - especially when it's your first time. You could begin by locking down dates or mapping out a route, but this list of things to taste, feel, do & see allows you plan a trip around once-in-a-lifetime experiences you must have when traveling to Scotland for the first time!

6) Walk up Pulpit Hill

As if the views from McCaig’s Tower were not enough, there is another great viewpoint high above Oban: Pulpit Hill! The walking route leads from the centre of Oban into the countryside just south of the town.

You could spend hours sitting on a bench at the top, watching the boat traffic of Oban harbour or the sun setting over Kerrera and Mull.

7) Browse Local Artist Studios

Once you have seen the scenery around Oban, you will not be surprised to hear that the town has a thriving artist scene. How could you not be inspired by this landscape?!

The Jetty Gallery is a great place to browse the work of emerging and well-established local artists. There are changing exhibitions and creative sessions at the Rockfield Centre. Spot the Gaudi-inspired mosaic garden on the way to McCaig’s Tower and visit the studio of artist who created it – Alice Strange.

If you happen to visit Oban in August, check the programme of Artmap Argyll, an open studio festival for artists in the region.

8) Try land-based whale-watching by Dunstaffnage Castle

Whale watching from land is the most eco-friendly way to engage with Scotland’s marine mammals. Whales can be disturbed by lingering boats, noisy engines or frequent close encounters, but when you spot them from land, they know they can keep going about their usual business as usual.

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, a marine wildlife conservation charity based on the Isle of Mull has created the Hebridean Whale Trail. The trail highlights sites for land-based whale watching and includes suggestions for other things to do in the area, great local businesses and cafes to try.

Oban is one of the official sites on the Hebridean Whale Trail, but you could also watch for find from the coast along Dunstaffnage Castle.

Observing the sea for signs of wildlife is a free scientific tourism activity in Scotland

9) Visit the Ocean Explorer Centre

The Ocean Explorer Centre is part of the Scottish Association for Marine Science, a university and research centre for all things ocean. There is a cafe and excellent gift shop full of sea-themed items, but also a small exhibition highlighting the research that is done here on the West Coast. This includes deep sea exploration, a large algae collection, Arctic studies and more.

Once you’re done inside, head down to the beach right by the centre, or walk over to Dunstaffnage Castle and the coast beyond for fantastic views of Mull, Lismore, Benderloch and the West Highland Peninsulas. You might even spot some whales or dolphins in the water!

You might also like: 11 Educational & Science-Based Tourism Experiences in Scotland

Day trips and tours from Oban

Oban is often called the Gateway to the Isles. Oban is surrounded by rugged coasts, big and small islands and countless tranquil bays and sealochs.

For a full list of ideas browse my blog post about day trips from Oban and check out my Argyll archives for even more ideas and itinerary suggestions. Argyll is one of my favourite places in Scotland and there are countless ways you could spend a few days exploring the region. Here is a small selection of ideas for day trips and tours from Oban.

9) A Day Trip to the Isle of Mull

Ideally, you’d spend more than a day on the Isle of Mull, but it’s proximity and the frequent schedule of the ferry make it an easy island to visit on a day trip from Oban.

Once you have arrived in Craignure (ferry terminal), go on a scenic road trip down the narrow Salen road, visit the colourful harbour of Tobermory, hire a hiking guide for a waterfall walk, or join a guided shore safari with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

The options are endless – and you can find more ideas in my detailed Isle of Mull travel guide.

Tobermory Isle of Mull

10) A Boat Trip to Staffa, Iona and the Treshnish Isles

Visit the medieval abbey on the Isle of Iona, discover the bizarre basalt columns on the Isle of Staffa and findyourself in the middle of a puffin colony on the Treshnish Isles. A guided day trip to these little islands near Oban is a must-have experience during the summer months.

Staffa Tours offers various day trips from Oban in collaboration with West Coast Tours (who provide coach transfers on Mull). The tour to Staffa, Iona and Treshnish Isles leaves early in the morning (depending on the itinerary you chose) and comes back in time for a late dinner (or enjoy dinner on the ferry). Note that the puffins nest from late April to early August, after that, they’re back at sea.

There are other tour itineraries to choose from, including shorter trips to the Isle of Mull.

You might also like: Visiting the Isle of Staffa and Iona on a day tour

An Isle of Staffa tour had been on my bucket list for ages, and my recent weekend trip to Mull was the perfect occasion to finally visit!

11) Go wildlife watching by boat

There are several local boats at Oban Harbour that offer short boat trips to local seal colonies. Walk up and down the harbour and the Esplanade to compare offers and find the right boat for you.

12) Hiking on the Isle of Kerrera

If you continue on the path past Pulpit Hill, the trail will eventually bring you to the Kerrera ferry. Of course you can also drive here (about 5 minutes south of Oban), but you cannot bring your car across to the island.

Walk to the Tea Room and explore the stunning ruins of Gylen Castle. There are two circular walks on Kerrera. One takes in the southern half of the island and the castle, while the other route leads north and to the Hutcheson’s Monument.

Use my Isle of Kerrera guide to plan your day trip to the island

a figure standing below Gylen Castle on the Isle of Kerrera

13) Sea Kayaking with Sea Kayak Oban

The islands, sea lochs and sounds around Oban are perfect sea kayaking territory – even for complete beginners. Sea Kayak Oban offers courses, day trips, multi-day expeditions and outfitting for experienced kayakers.

In the past, I did a 2-day introduction course with them as well as a full-day kayaking trip to a nearby sea loch. The business recently changed management (and its name), but I hear the courses and trips are still fantastic!

Day trips and multi-day expeditions include rental of all gear and guidance from an experienced kayaker. Many of their trips launch from Oban’s harbour, just a few steps from their kayak shop. However, some trips start in more remote locations or may include ferry rides.

You might also like: 18 Fun Outdoor Activities to try in Scotland

Sea kayaking in Oban

14) Cycle on the Caledonia Way

The area around Oban is great for cyclists, whether you want challenging hills, off-track MTB routes or gentle coastal paths. You could cycle along the sea to Ganavan Sands, follow the Caledonia Way north to Connel and Appin or south to Glen Lonan, or take your bike across to the Isles of Mull or Lismore for a day of island hopping. Find more ideas for cycle routes near Oban here.

Mountain and touring bikes are available to hire from Oban Cycles from £30 per day; e-bikes from £50. 

cycling in oban

Food & Restaurants in Oban

There is no shortage of great places to eat in Oban. It is the seafood capital of Scotland and even though I’m vegan, I think it is worth pointing this out. There are quite a few seafood restaurants in Oban and several fish & chip shops (chippy) in the centre of town, all competing for the title of ‘Best Fish & Chips in Oban’.

In the end, they’re all tasty though because the fish comes straight off the boat, and you can choose which shop to buy from depending on the length of the queue. George Street Fish & Chip Shop always stands out for me because they also serve veggie haggis supper, which is conveniently vegan!

I have heard that Eeusk at the front of the pier is an excellent seafood restaurant but never had the chance to try it myself. The prices looked alright though and seeing that it’s right by the edge of the sea the views from the restaurant are also amazing.

If sitting in is not your thing, keep your eyes open for the fresh seafood stalls near the ferry terminal. They get the catch of the day straight off the boats and prepare it in a small tent by the waterfront.

Also at the ferry terminal is a cafe called Food from Argyll at the Pier – and as the name suggests, they sell mainly local produce from Argyll. They have a wide range of cold and cooked meals and to sit-in as well as takeaway. They even have a great variety of vegan options!

You might also like: Vegan Argyll – a complete guide to vegan food spots in Argyll

food at Little Potting Shed Oban

Nightlife & Pubs in Oban

There are plenty of pubs and bars in Oban to choose from – here is a selection of some of my favourites:

The Oban Inn is a traditional pub with wood panelled walls, nautical decorations and excellent draft beers.

Aulay’s Bar is a traditional pub near the train station which has the most beautiful flower display outside during the summer. Great for a pint among locals.

Cuan Mor is a lovely modern bar (and restaurant) at the harbour of Oban. They have a great selection of local beers. Great for a drink by the busy waterfront overlooking the harbour.

The Corryvreckan is a Whetherspoon’s (a British pub & restaurant chain), but the location is spot-on. The pub is right next to the ferry terminal, making it a great place for a pint by the waterfront – especially on a sunny day as they have a spacious outdoor seating area.

Markie Dan’s is the bar in the basement of the Corran House Hotel – a traditional pub with a total winner of a beer garden outside!

Finally, if you want to experience a Scottish Ceilidh dance, head over to The View. Mondays and Thursdays are regular Ceilidh nights.

Accommodation in Oban

Because of its popularity and location, the town is always busy, not just during festivals, so it’s a good idea to book well in advance to get the best deal!

On a budget | The Oban Youth Hostel by Hostelling Scotland is about a 10-minute walk from town on the seafront along Oban’s promenade. As a hostel, it offers dorm accommodation, but also private rooms, and is up to the high standard of all Hostelling Scotland locations.

A gorgeous B&B | The most beautiful B&B I’ve ever stayed at in Oban is Witchwood House. On the outside, this is a beautiful Victorian house on the waterfront, but on the inside, it reveals a stylish boutique B&B with drop-dead gorgeous seaviews.

Witchwood House B&B in Oban

A high-end hotel | Several of my clients have stayed at The Perle Oban, a stylish luxury hotel at the waterfront of Oban. It is within walking distance of the local train station and ferry port, but also the town centre!

Stay at a castle | If you travel with a group and want to splurge, why not stay at Gallanach Castle? The Garden Wing of the castle sleeps up to eight adults in four bedrooms and is fully equipped with a lovely kitchen.

Camping | Happy campers can pitch their tents or park their RVs at Gallanachmore Farm. The site is a 10-minute drive from Oban and sits right by the sea. Pitching a two-person tent for a night costs £20 and includes the use of the shared bathroom facilities. Electricity hookups are available, but only on the camp areas up the hill, not down by the water.

Camping in Oban

How to get to Oban

By Car: Driving to Oban

Glasgow to Oban

Driving from Glasgow to Oban takes about 2.5 hours. The quickest route leads north on the A82 along Loch Lomond and eventually, west along the A85 from Tyndrum to Lochawe, Connel and on to Oban. Potential stops along this route include Balloch and Luss on Loch Lomond, The Drovers Inn, the Falls of Falloch, Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe, St Conan’s Kirk and Connel Bridge.

Personally, I prefer a different route though. Take the A82 north along Loch Lomond, but turn west in Tarbet for Arrochar and Campbeltown. Initially, follow the A83 to Inveraray and from there, take the small A819 through the backcountry until you hit the A83 by Loch Awe and continue from there to Oban.

This route takes slightly longer, but not by much. Potential stops include Balloch and Luss on Loch Lomond, the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, Ardkinglas Woodlands Garden, Inveraray Castle, Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe, St Conan’s Kirk and Connel Bridge.

Edinburgh to Oban

Driving from Edinburgh to Oban takes about 3 hours. The quickest route leads northwest on the M9 to Stirling and then on the A84 to Lochearnhead. Here, pick up the A85 which goes all the way to Oban with a short stint on the A82 between Crianlarich and Tyndrum. Potential stops on this route include the Kelpies, Stirling, Doune, Callander, Loch Lubnaig, Killin (detour), Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe, St Conan’s Kirk and Connel Bridge.

If you want to see Loch Lomond, go via Glasgow which adds about 20 miles to your journey.

Argyll, Scotland is top road trip territory - lots to explore & many adventures are just waiting for you. This is my guide to the perfect Argyll road trip!

By Train: The West Highland Line

If you don’t drive you can easily get to Oban by public transport. There are multiple direct trains from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban per day. This route of the West Highland Line is incredibly scenic and the train station in Oban is conveniently located in the town centre.

When you get on the train in Glasgow, watch that you are in a carriage that is labelled for Oban. The West Highland Line train splits up in Crianlarich with one end heading to Oban, the other to Fort William.

Coming from Edinburgh, you have to make your way to Glasgow first and continue as above.

I always book my train tickets in advance – they are usually cheaper when you book further in advance. Tickets are available approximately 3 months or 90 days in advance.

If you plan to explore the town of Oban, do day trips by boat or go hiking, cycling or kayaking from Oban, then you really don’t have to bring a car!

You might also like: 10 Day Trips from Oban (with and without a car)

Journey to Oban

Oban is a great little getaway on the Scottish west coast. You could spend an entire week using it as a home base, just visit for a long weekend or incorporate the town into a longer Scotland itinerary taking in Argyll and the Isles. My feet are already itching to return!

Have you ever been to Oban? What was your favourite thing to do?


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15 thoughts on “Gateway to the Isles: 14 Amazing Things to do in Oban

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  2. Heather Arbour says:

    What a lovely guide to Oban… we visited Oban a number of times while living in Scotland, but never did the walks on Kerrara… I’ve only recently heard of them and can’t wait to get back to Oban to walk that wee isle!

    • Ruth says:

      Was in Oban in April 2001 for the MacQuarrie clan gathering. We gathered in Oban for a couple days then headed to the Isle of Mull for almost a week. We visited various sites on Mull, Ulva, Staffa, and Iona. Before we left Oban, we traveled across a stone bridge (the only bridge that crosses the Atlantic). The Isle where Princess Diana’s mother lived, (the name escapes me it has been so long). We flew in and out of Glasgow. Made my husband take me to the Newark Castle. I was born and raised in Newark, Ohio, USA.

      • Kathi says:

        Hi Ruth, that sounds like a wonderful trip. The island must have been the Isle of Seil – the Bridge across the Atlantic connects the mainland with Seil. And from there you might have seen Easdale across the water, another one of the Slate islands. Memories to last a lifetime 🙂

  3. Linda Battison says:

    Time to come visit Oban again – lots of new shops, restaurants and improvements since your last stay. Apart from free town Wi-fi, ceilidhs at The View, Oban Walking Tours, a brand new Hotel and several under new ownership (and newly renovated), cycle trails and new activities. And of course Argyll’s biggest music festival Oban Live is getting better and better and there’s still time to get your tickets!

    • Kathi says:

      It is indeed time to visit again – always 🙂 Last time was in April, but just for a few hours between ferry and train! Too short to see everything that’s new!!

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