Many travelers pass through Oban on their way to catch a ferry to the Hebridean islands of Mull, Iona, Barra, or beyond, but this little seaside town is much more than just a gateway to the isles. Set on a pretty bay on Scotland's west coast, Oban offers plenty of things to do, from kayaking and fishing to sampling a few drams of whisky at one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. There are also pubs and restaurants serving some of the best seafood in Scotland to explore.
Oban teems with tourists in summer. Visit in its peak season (July and August) and you may find accommodation booked up, restaurants full, and the streets uncomfortably crowded. For a more pleasant experience, aim for a May, June, or September visit when the weather is still close to its best, but visitors are fewer. If you’re willing to brave the chill, visit in late November for Oban Winter Festival, a 10-day event with parades, performers, pipers, and more.
In this compact town, most of Oban’s places of interest can be easily reached on foot—although some require walking up steep hills. West Coast Motors operates a bus system in and around Oban, including to and from the small Oban Airport. Oban Railway Station and Oban Ferry Terminal are within a 5-minute walk of one another.
For the best view in Oban, head uphill to McCaig’s Tower. You can see its granite Roman Colosseum-esque circular shell towering above the town from almost anywhere, and it's well worth climbing the 144 steps to the top of Battery Hill for the views across Oban Bay and to the islands of Kerrera, Lismore, and Mull. There’s a viewing platform, seats, and garden inside the tower.
