Davao City is an excellent starting point for exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in and around Southern Mindanao. While there are plenty of things to see within the city, some of the best experiences are located outside the downtown area.

From island beaches and mountain resorts to wildlife attractions and scenic nature destinations, there are plenty of places you can visit on a day trip or weekend road trip from Davao City.

If you’re planning to explore several destinations during your stay, renting a car in Davao gives you the freedom to travel on your own schedule and make stops along the way.

Here are 10 of the best places near Davao City to visit in 2026.

1. Samal Island

Best for: Beaches, island hopping, resorts, and relaxation

Just across the Davao Gulf, Samal Island is one of the most popular destinations for travelers visiting Davao.

The island is known for its beaches, resorts, clear waters, and beautiful coastal scenery. You can spend the day swimming and relaxing at a beach resort or plan a longer island getaway.

Things to do in Samal Island

• Relax at a beach resort
• Go island hopping
• Swim and snorkel
• Enjoy fresh seafood
• Explore coastal areas
• Spend the night at a resort

Getting there

You’ll need to travel by ferry or other appropriate sea transport to reach Samal. Having a rental car is still convenient because you can drive to the appropriate port and have transportation ready when you return to Davao City.

2. Eden Nature Park

Best for: Families, nature lovers, couples, and mountain scenery

Located in the highlands of Toril, Eden Nature Park is a popular destination for travelers looking to escape the busy city.

The cooler mountain environment, gardens, greenery, and recreational activities make it a relaxing destination for a day trip.

It’s particularly popular with families and groups because there’s plenty to see and do without needing to travel between multiple locations.

Why visit Eden Nature Park?

• Enjoy mountain scenery
• Explore gardens
• Spend time in nature
• Enjoy family-friendly activities
• Have lunch surrounded by greenery
• Escape the heat of the city

Driving is a convenient way to reach the area, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.

3. Philippine Eagle Center

Best for: Wildlife, conservation, and families

The Philippine Eagle Center is one of the most unique attractions near Davao City.

The center focuses on the conservation and protection of the Philippine Eagle, one of the world’s largest and most impressive eagles.

Visitors can learn about Philippine Eagles and other wildlife while gaining a better understanding of conservation efforts in the Philippines.

What makes it worth visiting?

• See Philippine Eagles
• Learn about wildlife conservation
• Enjoy a nature-focused experience
• Great educational activity for families

Since the Philippine Eagle Center is outside the main urban area, driving there gives you more flexibility to combine the visit with other nearby destinations.

4. Malagos Garden Resort

Best for: Families, nature, food, and a relaxing getaway

Malagos is another great destination in the highlands of Davao.

The area offers a combination of gardens, nature experiences, food, and family-friendly activities.

It can easily be included in a day trip together with other attractions in the same general area.

Things to enjoy

• Explore gardens
• Spend time outdoors
• Enjoy local food
• Visit family-friendly attractions
• Take photos surrounded by nature

If you’re planning a road trip around the highlands, Malagos is an easy destination to add to your itinerary.

5. Philippine Chocolate Museum

Best for: Families, food lovers, and educational trips

Chocolate lovers should consider adding the Philippine Chocolate Museum to their Davao itinerary.

Located in the Malagos area, the attraction provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about cacao and chocolate production in the Philippines.

Davao is one of the country’s important cacao-producing regions, making this an interesting stop for visitors who want to learn more about the local agricultural industry.

Don’t miss:

• Cacao-related experiences
• Chocolate products
• Educational activities
• Local cacao products

It’s also a convenient stop when exploring the Malagos area by car.

6. Davao Crocodile Park

Best for: Families, animal lovers, and first-time visitors

For a fun and educational experience closer to the city, consider visiting Davao Crocodile Park.

The attraction features crocodiles and other animals and is a popular choice for families.

It’s a good option if you want to include an animal attraction in your Davao itinerary without traveling too far from the city center.

Great for:

• Family trips
• Kids
• Animal lovers
• Educational activities
• Photography

You can combine this with other nearby attractions to make the most of your day.

7. Jack’s Ridge

Best for: Scenic views, food, and evening outings

If you’re looking for a place where you can enjoy food while taking in views of Davao City, Jack’s Ridge is worth considering.

The elevated location provides a different perspective of the city, particularly in the evening when the city lights begin to appear.

It’s a good option for couples, families, and groups looking for a relaxing dinner destination.

Why visit?

• City views
• Restaurants
• Relaxing atmosphere
• Evening sightseeing
• Great photo opportunities

8. Mount Apo

Best for: Hiking, adventure, and outdoor enthusiasts

For adventure travelers, Mount Apo is one of the biggest attractions in the region.

At approximately 2,954 meters above sea level, Mount Apo is the highest mountain in the Philippines.

Reaching the summit is a much more serious adventure than a typical Davao day trip, so proper preparation, permits, guides, and sufficient time are important.

Even if you’re not planning to climb the mountain, the surrounding areas offer opportunities to experience the region’s natural landscapes.

Before planning a Mount Apo trip

• Research the appropriate trail
• Check current access requirements
• Arrange a qualified guide where required
• Prepare appropriate hiking equipment
• Allow sufficient time for the trip

9. Davao’s Coastal Road

Best for: Scenic drives, sunsets, and relaxing road trips

You don’t always have to travel far from the city to enjoy a scenic drive.

Davao’s coastal areas provide opportunities to enjoy views of the Davao Gulf and experience a different side of the city.

A drive along the coastal road can be a simple addition to your itinerary, particularly around sunset.

Great for:

• Scenic drives
• Photography
• Relaxing evenings
• Sunset viewing
• Casual road trips

It’s an easy option if you have a rental car and want to explore without committing to a full-day excursion.

10. Toril and the Davao Highlands

Best for: Mountain scenery, food trips, and countryside experiences

If you want to get away from the busy city without traveling extremely far, explore the areas around Toril and the Davao highlands.

The changing scenery as you travel toward the higher elevations makes the drive itself part of the experience.

You can discover local restaurants, farms, resorts, viewpoints, and other attractions along the way.

It’s also an excellent area to explore by car because you can stop whenever you find a place you’d like to visit.

How Far Are These Places From Davao City?

Travel times can vary depending on your starting point, traffic, road conditions, weather, and your exact destination.

Tip: Don’t try to visit all 10 destinations in one trip. Instead, group attractions that are located in the same area and build your itinerary around your available time.

Why Renting a Car Makes Exploring Davao Easier

If you’re planning to visit several destinations around Davao, having your own vehicle can make your trip more comfortable and flexible.

You Control Your Schedule

You don’t have to wait for public transportation or arrange a separate ride every time you want to change locations.

Make Multiple Stops

A rental car allows you to create your own route and stop at restaurants, viewpoints, shops, and attractions along the way.

Comfortable for Families and Groups

Traveling with several people is often easier when everyone can stay together in one vehicle.

Convenient Airport Pickup

If you’re arriving by plane, arranging your rental car ahead of time can make the transition from Davao Airport to your hotel much easier.

Tips for Your Davao Road Trip

Before heading out, keep these simple tips in mind.

Start Early

Popular destinations can take time to reach, especially during busy periods. Starting early gives you more time to enjoy your destination.

Check the Weather

Weather can change, particularly when traveling toward higher elevations. Check the forecast before leaving and adjust your plans when necessary.

Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary

Davao is a large city, and some destinations require significant travel time. It’s better to enjoy a few destinations properly than rush through many attractions.

Keep Your Tank Full

If you’re renting a car under a Full-to-Full fuel policy, you’ll receive the vehicle with a full tank and should return it with a full tank.

Follow Local Traffic Rules

Drive responsibly and follow posted speed limits and traffic regulations, particularly when traveling on unfamiliar roads.

Rent a Car and Explore Davao at Your Own Pace

Davao offers much more than attractions within the city center. With beaches, mountains, wildlife centers, resorts, food destinations, and scenic drives, there’s plenty to explore beyond your hotel.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying for a week, having a rental car can give you the freedom to experience Davao according to your own schedule.

Planning your Davao adventure?

Rent a car from Davao Airport Car Rentals and explore Davao City and its surrounding destinations with the convenience and flexibility of your own vehicle.

Book your car today and start planning your Davao road trip.