9 Best Sights in Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco

Just 10 km (6 miles) north of Salé, you'll find the extraordinary Jardins Exotiques, which were created in the mid-20th century by a Frenchman named Marcel François, who used to play classical music to his plants. Planned to represent different regions (like Polynesia, Brazil, or Japan), the gardens are a haven for birds and frogs. There are two circuits of different lengths and the walkways and bridges make this a wonderful playground and educational experience for children, too. Since François's death in 1999, the property has been maintained by the government and has recently been well restored. A touching autobiographical poem forms his epitaph at the entrance.

Many people combine a visit to the gardens with a day at the beach at Plage des Nations, another 10 km (6 miles) along the coast. A private taxi organized by your hotel costs 300 DH for the return trip, including the driver's wait while you explore the gardens. 

The most frequented beach in Dar Bouazza is a great place for swimming and surfing in the summer. On the far side, there’s a tidal pool area and, when tides are low, the long stretches of soft sand are ideal for strolling and exploring the coast. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.

When you need a break from the city bustle, this environmentally friendly farm makes a very pleasant getaway for both adults and children. On-site you can discover organic plants and herbs, as well as visit and look after animals. Food and drinks are available if hunger hits.

Moulay Bousselham is at the head of the Merja Zerga National Park, a vast lagoon stretching over 17,000 acres. This region is one of the most important wetland reserves in North Africa and is a major stopover for countless birds migrating from Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom to Africa: the birds fly south at the end of summer and winter at Merja Zerga before continuing on to West Africa and even South Africa. They stop off again on their way back to Europe in spring, so spring and fall are the times for bird-watching. The Ramsar Convention site holds between 50,000 and 100,000 waders at any one time, including shelduck, marbled teal, coot, pied avocet, and slender-billed curlew. The pink greater flamingos on their way to and from Mauritania are particularly spectacular.

Before the Mazagan Beach Resort was built between Azemmour and El Jadida, you could walk along the sand from one community to the other. While that's no longer possible, this is still a stunning beach and one of the cleanest on the coast. There's also a shipwreck that's fun to explore. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer). Best for: sunsets; surfing; swimming; walking.

This long sandy bay attracts swarms of surfers, sunbathers, and families in summer when temperatures can get very high. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: sunbathing; surfing; swimming; walking.

Rabat’s zoo is home to 1,800-odd animals representing 150 species, most of them residing in relatively wide enclosures. Covering more than 120 acres, it’s divided into five themed ecosystems—Atlas Mountains, desert, savannah, rain forest, and wetlands—with the first of these being the highlight due to the presence of Atlas lions, which only exist in captivity. Elephants, giraffes, hippos, and hordes of magnificent oryx and gazelles also call this place home. After ogling them, you can learn more by visiting the educational farm or catching one of the scheduled daily events.

This beautiful stretch of sand extends southwest away from El Jadida; you can access it by taking the coastal road about 5 km (3 miles) out of town. It's an ideal place to stroll or watch the sunset. Swimming is great here too, although currents can be strong. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: sunsets; swimming; walking.

This small beach with wonderful sand can be empty during colder months, but it's very much the opposite in summer. It's a short walk from the train station. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards (in summer); parking. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.