Oban may be one of the smaller towns, and there might not be an abundance of sights like there are in larger cities such as Glasgow or Edinburgh, but there are still many things to see, this is why breaks in Oban are increasing in popularity.
- Climb Up McCaig’s Tower
McCaig’s Tower is a hard-to-miss monument that overlooks Oban. The structure took 5 years to erect, from the year 1897 to 1902. This structure was commissioned by John Stuart McCaig, which is how it got its name.
It is really stunning and well worth the journey up the hill. From town, all you need to do is follow the signage that will lead you directly to this tower. If you prefer to not brave the steps there is also the option to follow Craigard Road or you can even drive up in a car to the parking lot behind it.
The entrance is free to this tower, and views across the islands close to Oban and the Sound of Kerrera are truly magnificent. There are not many places that match up to viewing the perfect sunset as there are here.
- Visit The Oban Distillery
Oban is a favorite whisky for many people, and the Oban Distillery is situated in the hustle and bustle of the town center, which is very handy.
The distillery location won’t allow this venue to expand and even though it is currently owned by a very large drinks company, it has maintained its charm.
- Explore Oban Harbour
The Oban Harbour is perhaps one of the main attractions of this town. Many people love watching the ferries and boats coming out and in. It is also enjoyable to walk along the waterfront and enjoy a meal of fish and chips on one of the benches, while you fend off a few greedy seagulls. When the tide is out there is a pretty small pebble beach that emerges just below the harbor wall.
For a tasty dessert order, ice cream from the Pokey Hat or you can buy one of the vegan cakes from a cafe nearby. There are also seafood stalls close to the ferry terminal which offers the best opportunity to buy the freshest seafood and fish that comes directly off the boats.
- Stroll Along The Esplanade
But the waterfront extends past just the quaint harbor. If you pass Columbia Hotel, there is an even longer Esplanade to discover. It is a bit quieter in this area, but you can still watch many boats coming in that provide local tours to the wildlife colonies and islands.
Some of the highlights include the Oban Chocolate Company, the Oban Peace & War Museum, the Oban War Memorial, and St Columba Cathedral.
- Walk Up Pulpit Hill
Pulpit Hill offers a fantastic viewpoint that is high above Oban. The route to get to Pulpit Hill starts from the center of Oban into the beautiful countryside that is just to the south of this town.
Many people spend hours on the bench when they reach the top watching either the sun set over Mull and Kerrera or the boat traffic that comes into Oban Harbour.
- Browse Local Artists Studios
Once you have watched one of the amazing sunsets in Oban, you will understand why this town has such a vibrant artistic scene. The Jetty Gallery is a fantastic place to discover the work and talent of well-established and emerging local artists.
Another popular art studio to visit includes an open studio belonging to the artist Alice Strange. The mosaic garden in itself is a sight to behold.
- Visit The Ocean Explorer Centre
The Ocean Explorer Centre is linked to the Scottish Association for Marine Science, which is a research center and university for everything to do with the ocean. This center also houses a popular cafe along with a fantastic gift shop that contains an abundance of sea-themed items. It also showcases a smaller exhibition that highlights a bit of the study and research conducted along the west coast. This includes large algae collections, Artic studies, deep-sea exploration, and more.
Once you have finished exploring inside, you can either walk to Dunstaffnage Castle or the beach or the coast that extends beyond for amazing views of Lismore, Benderloch, and Mull along with the West Highland Peninsulas. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of dolphins or whales.
