How To Spend A Perfect Day In Oban
Planning a day trip to Oban? Get planning with this short guide!
Home to some of Scotland’s best seaside views, an iconic whisky distillery, castle ruins, a charming promenade, rocky beaches, and a hilltop tower, there’s plenty to keep you busy on a day trip to Oban.
Throw in its coastal location, easy access to islands like Mull and the Hebrides, and a generous number of cafes, restaurants, and ice cream shops, and it's clear to see why Oban is an ever popular town for visitors keen to explore Scotland’s stunning west coast.
This summer, we spent many gloriously sunny days in the scenic town, visiting from Edinburgh or our Highlands bolthole.
Part of Oban’s allure is the quintessential laidback charm of a Scottish seaside town; ice creams, rocky beaches, a lively esplanade, buckets & spades, boat trips, and, of course, fish & chips.
There’s a sort of timeless appeal here that pulls us back time and again.
So, while Oban is undoubtedly one of the best towns in Scotland for a day trip, if you can, I urge you to stay for a night or long weekend. There are simply too many great places to eat, drink, and visit in one day!
But, for those of you visiting for one day only, this guide will share our favourite places - including where to find the best food - plus tips on where to park, what to see, and a few things to do nearby. Be forewarned - you’ll need your comfiest shoes. Oban is an incredibly walkable town, and we’ll be exploring its best parts on foot.
This is our guide on how to spend the perfect day in Oban.
Oban Trip Planning At A Glance
Short on time? Here’s my quick guide to Oban alongside my top tips, to help plan your trip. Plus, a few hotels to tempt you with a getaway.
Stay
The Perle Oban Hotel & Spa: this is my favourite boutique stay in the town centre.
Eat
The Oban Brasserie: offers the most delicious dining experience. One of the best I’ve eaten on my travels around Scotland, you’ll find my favourite dishes to order below.
George Street Fish Restaurant: for traditional fish & chips.
Hinba Coffee Roasters: for excellent flat whites,
Oban Chocolate Company: for sweet treats.
Visit
The Oban Distillery, McCaig’s Tower, seafront promenade, harbour, and Dunollie Castle.
Travel tip
The best way to explore West Coast Scotland is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Scotland, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Enterprise, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in this part of Scotland is easy, with car collection available from all major cities. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
Things To Know Before Visiting Oban
Where can I park in Oban?
If you’re arriving by car, there’s various car park to choose from - but they can be busy, especially in summer and on weekends. Most are pay & display and machines generally accept both cash and card payments. You can find a full list of options on the council site but I recommend parking at: The Rockfield Centre (here), Esplanade (here), Promenade (here), or North Pier (here).
Do I need a car to visit Oban?
In short, no. There is a train station and Citylink buses run reasonably regularly from Glasgow. However, for the most amount of freedom, a car is the best option.
Oban day tours
If you’d rather not drive and don’t want to rely on public transport, then the best way to day trip to Oban is on a private tour. We recommend this highly rated Oban, Glencoe, Highland Lochs & Castles Tour from small group specialists Rabbies. You’ll get to see and experience some of the most iconic parts of Scotland’s west coast before enjoying lunch and a stroll in Oban.
Where to stay in Oban
Hotel
Okay, so we appreciate that this is a day trip guide. But honestly, we’re certain you’ll want to stay over, and in that case, we highly recommend The Perle Oban Hotel & Spa.
This town centre hotel is small but packs a punch with its on-site restaurant, boujee cocktail bar, spa, and design. Rooms are beautifully decorated, some with sea views. Downstairs, the bar is the perfect spot for an aperitif or cappuccino in the afternoon or dinner at night.
Apartments
For larger groups or travellers who prefer self-catering, check out the gorgeous Penthouse, (sleeps 6) and equally stunning Oban Apartment (sleeps 2). Both are town centre apartments with stylish decor and complete facilities.
Where to eat in Oban
THE OBAN BRASSERIE
One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time, dinner at The Oban Brasserie is a dream.
This chic brasserie focuses on Scottish produce and seafood cooked with French flair. It’s a bustling spot, and a reservation is required, thanks to stunning decor, relaxed service, and even better food.
The menu is centred around seasonal local produce, with dishes giving a nod to their Scottish heritage. One dish that can’t be missed is the loin of Highland venison, while the pan-seared Mull scallops are outrageously delicious. I highly recommend it for dinner.
OBAN SEAFOOD HUT
Known as ‘the green shack’, seafood rarely comes fresher than this. Located on the harbourfront, this casual seafood option serves up locally caught crab, langoustine, and scallops on the seafront.
George Street Fish Restaurant
Sit in or takeaway, this is the best spot in town for traditional fish & chips.
JULIE’S COFFEE HOUSE
If you’re looking for a casual light bite or home-baked cake, Julie’s is your place. Locally owned and run, the Victoria Sponge cake is seriously good!
HINBA COFFEE ROASTERS
The coffee here is excellent. In fact, we think Hinba is a strong contender for one of the best coffee shops in Scotland.
These guys love what they do, and it shows in every cup. Roasted on the nearby Isle of Seil under “Pure Hebridean air,” their single-origin speciality coffee is free from all pollutants, and we can confirm our flat whites were super delicious. Inside, the minimal aesthetic is stunning, while the outdoor tables are perfect for people-watching on a sunny day.
How to spend a day in Oban
You can easily spend a day in Oban, and I would pair it with a dinner in town. If you’re not staying overnight, plan your day around walks, the harbourfront, and soaking up the relaxed seaside pace of life. My recommendation is to visit on a more extensive Scottish road trip or stay overnight before jumping off the islands.
MCCAIG’S TOWER
Start your day exploring McCaig’s Tower. Follow signposts from the town centre and wander through the residential streets as they head steeply uphill; be sure to stop, catch your breath, and admire the views over the harbour as you go.
The tower sits atop Battery Hill and, at first glance, looks very much like Oban’s Roman Colosseum. However, the prominent monument, designed by eccentric Victorian millionaire John Stuart McCaig in 1897, was built as a lasting monument to the McCaig family.
Getting to McCaig’s Tower takes a little effort and is around a 45-minute walk, but the gorgeous coastal views are well worth the steep climb.
Coffee break
After retracing your steps back into town, you’ve earned a coffee break! Choose from a coffee at Hinba. Or head along the high street to the Oban Chocolate Company, which serves hot drinks alongside a host of handmade chocolatey treats.
Harbour, Castle, & Promenade
A must-do in Oban is a stroll along the seafront promenade. It’s a charming walk (especially on a sunny day), with stunning coastal panoramas and plenty of places to sit and soak in the views.
First, head west for glorious coastal views. Towards this side of town, you’ll find the remains of Dunollie Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacDougall. Perched on a cliff and surrounded by stunning views across Oban Bay, the medieval ruins are well worth a visit.
Next, retrace your steps back along the seafront and head east towards the harbour.
Oban’s harbour might be small, but it’s also a bustling place and a major part of what makes Oban famous. Known as the "Gateway to the Isles", CalMac ferries leave Oban daily for the west coast islands of Lismore, Colonsay, Islay, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Barra, and South Uist.
You’ll find local fishing boats here, too, plus yachts and boat trips to nearby islands. And, as you can imagine, a variety of seafood eateries, including EE-USK, the Green Shack, and George Street Fish Restaurant.
Oban Walking Tours
If you’re looking for a longer walk around Oban, check out this route. It takes in two of the town’s highest points, the tower and seafront, and takes around two hours (without stops).
Alternatively, walk with a local guide who’ll share their favourite spots and some real hidden gems! We’ve heard great things about this highly rated walking tour, which delves into Oban’s long history and legends, and visits the most important landmarks.
Boat trip
If you’re looking for a fully immersive coastal experience, then an Oban boat trip is a must.
There are various boat trips available from Oban Harbour but our favourite is Oban Sea Tours. Departing from North Pier, this two-hour trip transports you along the coast, and as you relax on the boat, you’ll get to see the most beautiful parts of Oban’s coastline.
Plus, a host of local wildlife, including seals, whales, and dolphins. In addition, it passes by two of Scotland’s most recognisable castles, the iconic Stevenson Lighthouse and the incredible views over the islands of Mull, Kerrera, and Lismore.
The cruise leaves three times daily (10am, 12.30am, and 3pm) and tickets cost £15 for children and £36 for adults. Be sure to book your seats in advance, as these trips are incredibly popular.
Lunch
Next on your day in Oban, a delicious lunch.
You can choose from seafood at the harbour, a casual lunch in Julie’s cafe (we especially enjoyed the brie, chicken, and cranberry toasties), or one of the many eateries in town: Taste of Argyll Kitchen, Cuan Mor, and Gelatoburger are all highly rated options.
Ice cream
Visiting on a sunny day? Then an ice cream is a must. Head to Pokey Hat near the esplanade (find it here) for all things cones, sprinkles, flakes, and a whole variety of flavours.
Oban Distillery
Stomach sufficiently lined, it’s time to head to one of the best local spots - Oban Distillery. One of Scotland’s oldest sources of single-malt whisky, the small distillery is a treasure trove of excellent whiskies, gifts & goodies, and a cosy bar, all of which make Oban Distillery worth visiting.
Either pop in and enjoy a DIY whisky flight in the upstairs bar; we found the bar staff friendly and knowledgeable. Or book a tour and tasting to learn more about the making and character of this popular single malt.
Tours start at £24 per person, which includes a tasting of three Oban whiskies and an expert to guide you through the process.
Book your tour in advance on the Oban Distillery website.
Whisky tasting
If you like your whisky tasting somewhat less formal or want to taste single malts from a range of distillers, then be sure to check out this whisky-tasting experience from Perle Oban.
Hosted in their relaxed bar, taste four drams specially selected by a resident whisky expert. The tasting lasts an hour and costs £36 per person, with various regions represented in the whiskies on offer, from Highlands to Speyside. Book your ticket in advance here.
Dinner
After a busy day of exploring, a hearty dinner is a must. Oban has excellent seafood options: EE-USK and Coast Restaurant are both incredible places to eat.
However, my top choice for dinner is Oban Brasserie.
You’ll find my full review towards the top of this post, but in a nutshell - chic decor meets phenomenal Scottish produce and delicious French-style dishes. Their plates range from seafood to local game and everything in between.
One of my favourite places to eat in Scotland; you’ll love the food and ambience here.
Nightlife
One of the things we love most about Oban is its surprisingly excellent nightlife. For those of you not driving, we recommend a beer in the famous Oban Inn (here), a dram or beer in the Whisky Vaults, where you’ll also find a perfect beer garden (here), and Lulu inside the Perle Hotel (here).
Explore West Coast towns & Islands
As you’re on Argyll’s west coast, you’re within easy drive of several incredible towns and villages. The closest will be Inveraray, Loch Awe, and Lochgoilhead. Over the water are, of course, the islands; my favourite journey from Oban is Mull. You could also stop on your way to the gorgeous Hebridean island of Islay. In addition, the southern highlands of Glencoe and Fort William are only a little further.
Final thoughts
If you’re seeking a coastal day trip, spending a day in Oban is the perfect option. Whether you’re strolling the promenade with ice cream, seeking hilltop viewpoints, sampling single malts, or sampling local Scottish produce, there are endless experiences in charming Oban.
So, embrace the West Coast seascapes and love this relaxed seaside town.
Don’t forget to check out my West Coast road trip, my Highlands guide, and my carefully crafted Scottish itineraries for detailed information on planning the ultimate Scotland trip.
