15 Things To Do In Oban Guide: Best (& Most Overlooked) Experiences
Looking for an easy to use Oban Scotland guide? Ever since my first visit — stepping off the train and gazing out to sea — Oban has had me hooked. Linger a little longer here, and I think you’ll agree. There are so many unique and fun things to do in Oban, from sea-life spotting to local whisky tasting, endless scenic hikes on nearby islands, and fresh seafood feasts.
Known as Scotland’s Gateway to the Isles and often called our Seafood Capital, Oban is more than just a stopover. Its name, from the Gaelic for “little bay,” perfectly captures the town’s charm and atmosphere.
In this guide, we share 15 of the best things to do in Oban — a mix of well-loved sights and local haunts, with a personal twist. Whether you’re here for the first time or returning, these experiences will let you see Oban through a ‘ local beyond the guidebook’ lens.
What to See in Oban
If you are planning to spend a couple of days here before a trip to Scotland’s west coast islands, you won’t be bored.
In addition to everything in town, there are also plenty of tourist attractions near Oban that you can enjoy without a car. In fact, all of our suggestions fall into this category! Based on our many visits, here’s what we suggest you do in Oban.
1. Visit Kerrera – The Island Day Trip Most Tourists Overlook
How about hailing a Water Taxi at Oban Harbour North Pier (to the left of Piazza Restaurant) and in 10 minutes you’ll be disembarking for lunch at Kerrera Marina’s Waypoint Restaurant?
You need to pre-book your taxi; it’s easy using Book a Water Ferry to Kerrera Marina Online.
Kerrera has plenty to fill your time. Maybe walk up to Hutchison’s Memorial and look out for wild raspberries on the way if it’s summer.
Then, after lunch, spend the afternoon exploring this gorgeous island. Head south on the path from the marina, you can see sheep grazing, check out a farm shop, countless birds, and wild flowers.
Pick up an island map when you have lunch to see where Highland cattle graze and how to see the rocks, just offshore, that seals can hang out on. You’ll likely meet a local islander or two on the way. Sea eagles also nest here, so keep an eye out above you!
Further south, stop by Kerrera Tea Garden and head down to Glynn Castle. Loop back through the Community Woodlands to the Cal Mac Ferry slip. This is a different part of the island from the marina you arrived at.
Once you arrive at this tiny ferry terminal, wait in line for your transfer back to the mainland. This is the smallest ferry in Scotland’s CalMac fleet with space for up to 10 passengers and 1 car.
Locals get priority, so no, they’re not jumping the line 🙂 Don’t worry, the crew will keep going until all passengers are transported!
This ferry ride lasts 5 minutes or so, and you arrive at Gallanach. Call up Oban taxi on +44 (0) 1631 564666 and within a few minutes they’ll arrive to whisk you the few miles back to town.
2. Discover Oban Town (Beyond the Main Street)
Once in Oban, you will soon see that the town is easy to explore on foot. Start at the ferry terminal/railway station and walk past local, moored fishing boats and quayside restaurants.
Continue and walk along Queens Park Terrace, checking out the activity on the water. There’s always a boat or ferry coming or going from the busy harbour.
Shops, cafes, and restaurants line this street and branch into side streets, so browse as you go.
Once you get to the Oban Distillery, cross over to the North Pier where you can continue a coastal walk up Corran Esplanade. There are some great Bed and Breakfasts along this stretch of town, and if you keep going, you will arrive at Dunollie Museum and Castle Grounds.
If you enjoy a guided walking tour, we suggest booking an Oban Town Highlights Walk. Over an hour and a half, you will learn about the past and get a local perspective on life in this part of Scotland.
3. Explore Dunollie Castle & Its Woodland Trails
Open mid-March to October each year. Free Car Parking.
Tickets: £14 Ages 15 to 64; £7 Ages 5 to 14; >5 Free.
£12 Students, people over 65 years old,
£31.80 Family Ticket 2 Adults (15 +) + 2 Children (5 – 14)
£36.04 Family Ticket 2 Adults (15 +) + 3 Children (5 – 14)
As we mentioned above, walk the Corran Esplanade along the coastline for around a mile, and you’re at the ruins of Dunollie Castle.
Book a guided tour of the grounds, explore the 1745 Museum full of historical memories and participate in workshops, hear bagpipe performances, and hike around the trails. Your entry ticket is good for 12 months!
When you’re done with activities, stop by The Kettle Garden Cafe for an outdoor light lunch or coffee.
🎒TPOP Tip: This is a fabulous place to come if you’re visiting Oban with kids. Dunollie Fairy Story Garden and Mythical Creatures Trail are perfect for younger ones and great value. There is also a playground.
If you love short walks, check out the Short Walks in Oban site for a variety of routes.
4. Watch the Sunset From McCaig’s Tower
Look up from town, and you will see a large stone arch structure.
What is this structure, and why is it here? Some locals call it McCaig’s Folly. John McCaig commissioned it as a monument to his family and also to give work to tradesmen during the winter months.
Started in the 19th century, it was never finished and remains intriguing to this day.
This is more of a walk than a hike, but it is quite a strenuous uphill effort to get to the top with stairs if you take the more direct route from town. However, if you can, don’t miss this as the views of the town and over to nearby islands from the top of Battery Hill are incredible.
If the weather is good when you visit, head up for a stunning sunset experience. The mix of colors is remarkable, especially against the hills and waterfront. Watching sunsets is one of our favourite things to do in Oban.
Around the sea-facing side of the tower, you can find a few benches, and it’s a peaceful spot to sit for a while. There are also benches along the walking path so you can take in different views on your way up and down.
When you are ready, head back down to town for dinner and/or a nightcap in town at the iconic Oban Inn with its outdoor patio area facing the harbour.
🎒TPOP Tip: You can drive to the Tower and park next to the structure. Parking is limited, so go early or later in the day.
The other great hike at the south end of town is to Pulpit Hill. It’s quieter than McCaig’s Tower, and has beautiful views on sunny days over Kererra and the Firth of Lorn.
There are signposts from the town center to guide you to the hilltop top and this locally produced, printable Pulpit Hill Oban PDF guide is excellent. It’s a couple of hours’ walk round trip from the railway station.
5. Tour Oban Whisky Distillery & What To Sample
Open Daily from 10 am to 5 pm (7 pm in summer).
Tours: Range from 1 hour with 3 tastings – £24+ to a tasting of special productions, which costs £200. Book Tours online.
Right in the heart of town is Oban Distillery, and the first whisky distilled here was back in 1794.
Whilst much has changed, this remains one of the smallest & most traditional distilleries in Scotland. It is worth a visit to tour the process even if you’re not a dram fan!
With only 2 stills, you can appreciate the artisan approach to Oban Whisky making, even though now it’s part of the global Diageo Group.
So, what to try when you’re here? Well, Little Bay with its orange notes is a favourite in our household. Whilst I’m not a huge whisky fan, I always like to have a taste of the annual distiller’s batch.
There is a bar upstairs and a wide selection of whiskies and branded items to buy in the main lobby.
🎒TPOP Tip: For a wider choice, cross over the road to the Whisky Shop and browse 100s of options from across the country.
If you plan to head to the Isle of Islay after your stay in Oban, read our Inner Hebrides guide for ideas of how to spend time here, on Colonsay and Jura.
6. Seafood At The Green Shack – What To Order
Open March to November, 7 days a week, as long as the weather and fish supplies are good, it’s incredible value for money.
Okay, this has been an institution since 1990, and you must make a trip here during your stay in Oban. A local fisherman had the idea to offer fresh seafood at an affordable price, and well, the rest is history.
It’s impossible to miss this ‘green shack’ as it’s located right on the pier next to where the big ferries dock. Line up and order the mussels in white wine, a salmon sandwich, or treat yourself to Scottish lobster.
🎒TPOP Tip: Beware of seagulls stealing your food! A couple of years ago, one stole half my salmon sandwich right from my hand!
Eat your delicious seafood on the quayside at the adjacent bench and chat with locals and fellow travelers.
7. Discover Oban’s Best Cafe’s – A Local’s Pick for Morning Treats
Here are 3 places that we personally enjoy visiting for a morning coffee and a scone or a sweet treat. Click on each for directions.
Hinba Coffee – love this spot with views out to the sea. They roast their beans on the nearby island of Seil and offer a great range of coffees in the cafe. You might also spot their cafes and shops around Glasgow.
Prices reflect its popularity with visitors, but it’s totally worth it.
Cafe Shore – it might not look much from the outside, but this is a local secret, and the breakfasts are delicious.
Last time we visited, they served scones fresh out of the oven! Also, a good spot to pick up a freshly made panini or sandwich for your ferry trip, or train journey back to Glasgow.
Julie’s Coffee Shop – just across from the distillery, this small, locally owned cafe has been voted Oban’s best. It’s small but has some seating outside with harbour views, and takeaway is also an option.
🎒TPOP Tip: If, like us, you love chocolate, the independent Oban Chocolate Company sells delicious hot chocolate, coffee, and an endless supply of intriguing artisan chocolate they make right in town.
8. Sea Kayak in Oban Bay Where Seals Play
Half Day Trips: 9.30 am -12.30 pm / 1.30-4.30 pm.
Adults £70, >16s £55; Under 18’s Need Parent/Guardian Present
Level: no experience necessary. Max Group Number: 6.
You’re going to be in one of the world’s most beautiful bays to kayak around when you visit Oban. If you have always wanted to do this, this is the place to try it. You start kayaking right at the harbour, making it easy to get to your meeting point. All equipment is provided.
If you are more experienced, Sea Kayak Oban also offers longer day kayak adventures. This is a fantastic way to explore this rich coastline and likely see wildlife in and out of the water. Check their site for requirements for this tour.
We have also seen seals right in the harbour, but mainly they like to hang out a little further out around the bay and the islands.
9. Wildlife & Sightseeing Tour By Locals
2-Hour Tours Depart Daily at 10 am, 12.30 pm, and 3 pm.
Tickets: Adults £38; Kids (5-15) £18 and <5 years £1.
Check Oban Sea Tours for family ticket prices. Dog Friendly!
Choose this tour if you prefer a more relaxing on the water experience. There is the possibility of seeing wildlife as you sail past several islands, including Duart Castle on Mull.
Oban Sea Tours operates a modern boat with shaded indoor/outdoor seating and bathroom facilities. There is no food, so bring your own or eat before you sail.
We found the staff really friendly and fun, pointing out seals, puffins, and sea eagles. The commentary is excellent, and kids will enjoy this experience too.
Book your tickets directly with Oban Sea Tours.
10. Cycle An Island – Which Is A Perfect Choice?
Passenger Ferry Tickets Oban to Lismore – Adult Return £7.40;
Child Return £3.70. No charge for bringing your bicycles.
If you enjoy cycling, then why not take the 1-hour Ferry from Oban to Lismore? This island is a perfect day trip with your bikes, or hire them when you arrive. Get everything from Lismore Bike Hire, or call them on: + 44 (0)7376 425996.
Lismore is small – only 19km by 2.5km (11.8m x 1.5m), and the highest hill is just over 400 feet. If biking isn’t for you, there are many tranquil walks, and Walk Lismore site has all the details for you.
🎒TPOP Tip: Cell phone coverage on Lismore can be patchy, so download a map for your walk or cycle route before you head out.
Accessible options on Lismore include taking a tour of the island. From shepherding tours to a scenic drive around the coast, Lismore Tours will take care of you from your arrival to getting you back to the ferry on time.
Oh, and all their tours include a stop to indulge in island home-baked treats.
11. Enjoy a Local’s Night Out – Drams, Dance & Live Music
We Scots love a night out at our local bar with live music, and Oban has a few to choose from. If you’ve never been to a Ceilidh (Scottish Dancing), plan to give it a whirl here.
Or, if you prefer a lower key evening, how about a whisky tasting in town? Here’s our top 3 evening entertainment suggestions:
- Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Nights at The View, Oban’s live event venue, are twice a week during the summer. Have dinner at the restaurant before you take to the dance floor.
- Ooshka Bar Whisky (or Gin) Tastings are perfect if you’re new to these flavors. A recently added experience in Oban, it’s friendly, fun, and good value.
- We’ve also enjoyed a few tastings at Whisky Vaults with a huge selection of Scottish drams and a friendly bartender. If it’s a sunny evening, their beer garden is a perfect spot to relax in. This is also a 10-room hotel.
If you’re not into drams and dancing, our suggestion is to walk the promenade and find a bench facing out to the islands. It’s so peaceful to watch the last activities of the day and then follow the moon as it rises above the water.
12. Find Oban’s Best Fish and Chips
In the seafood capital of Scotland, you have to try traditional fish and chips! It’s going to be as fresh as you can get with local suppliers to these businesses.
Here’s our recommended spots around town, all of which are highly rated. Expect to pay between £10-£20 for a full fish and chips order.
George Street Fish Restaurant and Chip Shop – next door to West Coast Motors, just off Queens Street, you can either head to the restaurant and sit down, or next door, order your fish and chips to take away.
Oban Fish and Chip Shop – an award-winning locally supplied fish shop that is open daily from noon till late in George Street! They also have a sit-in section along with their take-away counter. Check out their menu.
Oban has a couple of other seafood spots that are excellent if you prefer a more formal restaurant:
The Waterfront FishHouse is next door to the Green Shack, right on the harbour. If you can snag a table with sea views. It’s very popular, so book ahead of your visit.
Alternatively, EE-USK is another waterfront restaurant with a super cool modern vibe. Their sister restaurant in the same location is Piazza and serves great Italian.
13. Visit Oban War & Peace Museum – Small but Surprisingly Good
Free. Open Daily from 10am. Closes at 4pm Fri/Sat/Sun and 6 pm. other days. Winter Hours Oct to April 10am to 4pm.
Tucked away on a corner of Corran Esplanade, the Oban War and Peace Museum does a fabulous job portraying how Oban played a strategic role as a port during conflicts.
From launching airboats, hosting foreign military, and roles that locals played, it’s a real immersion into how things were around here.
The museum also shares stories from the town, including the construction of McCaig Tower and the railroads that connected these more remote areas of Scotland.
Personally, I loved touring this smaller museum as it’s not overwhelming and the staff are lovely.
14. Day Trip to Mull & Iona – The Smart Way to Do It
Mull and Iona Tour (8 hours) – Adults £56; Children £29.
Early Bird 3 Isles Tour (10 hours) – Adults £91; Children £41
If you’re coming to Oban and looking for a day trip rather than a longer island trip, why not combine the 2 beautiful islands of Mull and Iona into a day-long adventure?
Or, if you are up for it, the smartest way to see 3 islands in a day is to book yourself on another organized tour by West Coast Motors. They will take you to Mull, Iona, and even Staffa where nesting puffins can be seen from April to August.
So, taking this tour means you won’t see Tobermory, the colorful main town of Mull, because this is a big island. It’s just not possible to travel north to south and over to Iona and sail to Staffa in a day.
The West Coast Motors Tour office is next door to the Perle Hotel. The staff here are super helpful, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for online, pop in and chat with them in person.
15. Stroll Ganavan Sands (And Snorkel!)
Ganavan Sands (Beach) is the closest beach to get to when you are in Oban. It’s a popular local destination and is known to be great for snorkeling. Go to the North Argyll Snorkel Trail Site.
Download their excellent leaflet to find the best spots to head out to from Ganavan Sand and what you can expect to see in the water.
You can walk from Oban (4 km; 2.5km) or take the local bus from town. Check the latest schedule at West Coast Motors next to the Perle Hotel.
🎒TPOP Tip: Little kids will love the rock pools at this beach and bring spades and buckets for some sandcastle building.
Oban Map: Getting Here
I love returning each summer by train from Glasgow. There is a small airport and you can drive if you want more flexibility to get around beyond Oban.
Getting to Oban by train is a sensational journey. It’s an easy connection from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station via Queens Street in Glasgow. I’ll confess to sitting glued to the window for the world class ride along Scotland’s west coast even after having done this trip countless times.
Have your camera ready as you pass shimmering lochs, heather clad mountains, rugged glens and several small towns.
🎒TPOP Tip: Sit on the left side on the train from Glasgow to Oban facing direction of travel you’re going to get the best coastal views.
🛏️ Where to Stay In Oban
Our picks are based on easiest spots for walking around town and value for money. Personally we love staying at smaller locally owned bed and breakfasts in Oban.
Budget Option
5 mins from town Killorn Guest House offers affordable central clean accommodation and sea views. No breakfast.
Mid-Range Option
Near to train/ferries, Oban Hotel and Spa combines an ideal location, with a lovely range of facilities and offers a traditional high tea.
Luxury Option
With a reputation for quality service & perfectly located No 26 By The Sea is a perfect getaway in Oban, quiet and refined.
FAQs
Oban is at its best during Scotland’s long summer days where the sun doesn’t set up late in the evening. Our favourite times to visit are in June and July although it’s lovely in May and September too.
August is quite busy so avoid this if you want less crowds. Summer brings pesky midges that can plague Scotlan’s west coast in the summer but they don’t normally stay for too long.
Yes, ferries are the life-line for islanders to get goods to the islands and for travel to the mainland. Most Ferries run from Oban year round subject to weather conditions. Check Calmac, the ferry operator for all schedules.
Yes, we visit Oban every year by train and it’s easy to get around town on foot. The ferry terminal is central if you take an island trip and the bus and taxi services are excellent for short journeys around Oban.
Yes, there is an airport in Oban but honestly we’ve never flown into or out of it. If you have the budget or want a shorter journey to popular islands like Isle of Islay, you can fly from Oban with Hebridean Air.
Oban – Make It Happen!
If it’s helpful to planning your trip to Oban here are our top recommended travel resources. We use these for our own trips, otherwise we wouldn’t suggest them to you!
✈️ Flights
Find flights from your local airport to Scotland. Expedia.com makes it easy to compare airlines and routes.
🏨 Hotels
Sea view B&B, self catering or central traditional Oban hotels, booking.com has it and an easy 1-click reservation.
🎫 Experiences
Planning to explore beyond Oban? From basking sharksighting to small island hopping GetYourGuide is full of unique experiences.
🚖 Transfers
Take the stress out of Airport Transfers & avoid taxi lines. Welcome Pickups offers reliable worldwide services.
🚑 Insurance
Good Insurance is a travel necessity these days. Visitors Coverage offers tailored global coverage.
🚘 Car Rental
Looking to explore more of Scotland on your own. Find & compare vehicles with DiscoverCars reputable site.
For more great travel planning essentials check out our Travel Resources and sign up below for latest itineraries and guide as they are released.
Other Islands to Visit from Oban?
We hope our guide has given you a fresh perspective on the best things to do in Oban — whether it’s your first visit or a return trip.
From classic highlights to a few local twists, there’s always something new to discover in this special coastline of West Coast Scotland.
Our article on Isle of Islay explains the highlights of visiting the whisky rich island, along with Colonsay and Jura.
Closer to Oban, why not jump on the Ferry to Mull, and stay overnight in Iona.
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