Things to do in Israel, Israel: The Best Nature & Parks

February 22, 2022 Janette Largent

Coordinates: 31°N 35°E / 31°N 35°E / 31; 35
Restaurants in Israel

1. Ramon Crater

Mitspe Ramon Israel
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,078 reviews

Ramon Crater

Reviewed By Travels-with-Claire

The Ramon Crater is truly a world wonder. Located in the Negev desert, approximately 2-2.5 hours south of Tel Aviv, it rivals the Grand Canyon in sheer scope and beauty. There are many jeep tours offered but we opted to simply drive down into the crater ourselves and hiked the well marked trails on our own. The vistas are simply beautiful and even the pictures do not do justice the the sheer beauty. As an unexpected but delightful 'add -on', we were able to see a family of magnificent Ibex, up close and personal. It was awe inspiring when the extraordinary horns first appeared on top of a cliff. More extraordinary was to see the family descent the vertical rock face with ease, cross the highway, and go wander into the crater. They are clearly accustomed to people and even from a practically touching distance, they exhibited neither aggression nor fear. Indeed, they seemed quite patient in personality. How beautiful to see them against the backdrop of the crater. Tip: Particularly in the wintertime, the Negev Desert and Ramon Crater can be prone to unexpected flash floods. At the very least, they can wash out roads that prohibit entry into the crater. At their worst, it has been documented that the floods can sweep away people and vehicles and there have been fatalities as a result. Exercise caution and check weather reports. Otherwise, do not miss this simply glorious area!

2. Ramat HaNadiv

Ganei Zichron, Zichron Yaakov 30900 Israel +972 4-629-8111 [email protected] https://www.ramat-hanadiv.org.il/en/
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 443 reviews

Ramat HaNadiv

Reviewed By israroz - Ra'anana, Israel

Ganei HaNadiv (Ramat HaNadiv) is the name of the gardens that in my opinion, are the most beautiful gardens in Israel. Amazing, well-kept, and most spectacular gardens. The gardens are a memorial site to Baron Edmund de Rothschild and his wife, and in the center of the gardens is the tomb where their bones, which were brought to Israel in 1954, were buried. The tomb cave was hewn in the highest rocky area in the complex and around it are located stylish gardens on various topics such as: the Rose Garden, the Palm Garden, the Waterfall Garden, the Engagement garden and the most special of them all, is the Scent Garden, intended mainly for the blinds. The gardens have an abundance of stunning vegetation, rest areas and picnic areas. Suitable for a trip with children. Spectacular views on one hand mountains in the east and on the west views to the sea. Highly recommended for spending days and evenings. NOT 2 B MISSED.

3. En Gedi Nature Reserve

Route 90 Road 90 Israel +972 8-658-4285 [email protected] http://www.parks.org.il/ParksAndReserves/enGedi/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 612 reviews

En Gedi Nature Reserve

En Gedi is the biggest oasis in Israel. It has springs and waterfalls, and flowing brooks at the foot of the cliffs, home to ibexes and rock hyraxes.

Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States

Situated near the Dead Sea, the climate was warm in December when we visited, perfect for an adventurous hike up the Wadi David. Offering expansive views of the Dead Sea below as the elevation rapidly rises, the stream and several waterfalls are your ultimate reward, along with lush and varied vegetation. We encountered numerous families with small children along the way, some even bathing in the pool beneath David's Waterfall. If you are fit and possess good balance, the hike is not overly challenging, depending upon how far you journey. Do watch your footing though, as it is slippery in areas where your path leads through the stream. I highly recommend shoes appropriate for hiking and water. Watch along the way for wildlife sightings, including Ibex (wild goat) and cute Rock Hyrax, who sunbath on the warm boulders. Rich in history, En Gedi holds Tanach and Biblical significance as well. David (later King David), and King Saul frequented En Gedi, which primarily brought us to explore this beautiful oasis. An additional path branches off leading higher to Dodim's Cave, where David cut the hem of King Saul's royal robe. This upper trail closes at 2:30 in winter; I am uncertain whether the hours are extended during summer months. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to venture onward to view the cave. Nonetheless, an exceptional, inspirational adventure!

4. Underwater Observatory Marine Park

Highway 90, Eilat 88106 Israel +972 8-636-4200 http://www.coralworld.co.il/en/
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,821 reviews

Underwater Observatory Marine Park

This marine park features a variety of exhibits including the Aquarium Museum, Shark Tank, Turtle and Stingray Pool, Underwater Observatories, Reef Tanks and the Oceanarium

Reviewed By mirek777

best underwater experience so far, better than snorkeling in indian ocean and better that southchina sea. shark feeding, giant turtles, awesome also for kids, great coffee, the entrance fee is valid for 3 consecutive days, so if your crying kids force you to leave too soon, you can return!

5. Timna Park

Eilat 88000 Israel +972 8-631-6756 [email protected] http://www.parktimna.co.il/
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,802 reviews

Timna Park

Surrounded by yellow sandstone mountains on three sides, this scenic valley features ancient copper mines, the red volcanic Mt. Timna at its center and “The Mushroom,” a sandstone rock shaped by wind and water resembling a giant mushroom.

Reviewed By layylavictoria - Lublin, Poland

I visited the Park in December, apparently one of the better times, taking into consideration the tempretures. First, if you travel solo and don't have a rented car (as I did) don't let anyone convince you that it's impossible to reach the park on your own - the tourist office of Eilat discouraged me saying it's not safe. Well - it's doable, it's safe. Take any public bus going into direction of Jerusalem / Dead Sea (drivers will tell you if they go by the park), then get off at the main road. You will need to walk about 3 km to the entrance - if you are used to walking, shouldn't be a problem. However, to see all attractions of the park if you were walking - this might be tricky, as the park is vast. Best option for me was renting the bike - available on the site. With this you can safely see all interesting landmarks. The park itself is huge, mostly empty spaces, which bring otherwordly associations, like being on Mars. Roads well kept, well marked cycle routes. Having your own water is a definite must. Snacks and water only available at entrance and then by the lake. Beautiful landscapes, amazing and photogenic (yes, a lot of selfies is going on) rock formations, traces of the historic sites (Solomon mines), rock drawings, some animals if you are lucky. Definitely worth a visit, one of the highlights of the region.

6. The Baha'i Gardens

80 Hatzionut Avenue, Near Shifra Street Mount Carmel, Haifa Israel +972 4-831-3131 http://www.ganbahai.org.il/en/haifa/
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,689 reviews

The Baha'i Gardens

Extending from the summit of Mount Carmel, this magnificent garden features 19 terraces and its centerpiece, the gold-domed Shrine of the Bab, which contains the tomb of Siyyad Ali Muhammed.

Reviewed By 306fareedh - Palestinian Territories, null

A beautiful and high place that extends from Benjerion Street in Haifa until it slopes upward to the Carmel Mountains, a place with very beautiful flowers and it is very clean and you feel comfortable inside, and it is considered a religious shrine for the Baha'i religion, which is one of the monotheistic religions and the founder of this religion, Hussein Al-Nuri from Iran, and it is located inside the garden The seat of the House of Justice of the Baha'i Faith

7. Dead Sea

Israel http://www.dos.gov.jo/4th/DeadSea.html
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,362 reviews

Dead Sea

Not only the lowest spot on earth, but also the saltiest and most mineral-laden body of water in the world, the Dead Sea, which joins Israel and Jordan, is legendary as a source of healing, and has become a popular center for health, rehabilitation and beauty treatments.

Reviewed By brads153 - North Vancouver, Canada

I really enjoyed this experience and recommend it to anyone. It's hard to stand up straight in the water without being forced on your back or front. The water was cool amd refreshing. And you don't really need sun screen as the UV rays don't have the same effect on you given that you are 429 metres below sea level. However, you need to know a few things. One, that the sea level as changed drastically over the last 30 years so you will need to go down over 100+ steps to reach the current shoreline. I didn't see any accessible facilities so do your due diligence and check all beach resort areas for accessibility. The shoreline has dropped 40 metres since the 1950s. Two, that there is no real beach per say, only low muddy/hard sandy areas where you can enter the water. The shoreline sand/mud is super hot so wear coral booties or flip flops as you will also need them when you wade in the water to protect your feet from small areas of sharp pebbles found here and there in the water. And three, when you slather on the rich Dead Sea mud onto your body, make sure that you completely wash it off. It gets everywhere and does stain clothing if still lingering in your beard or hair. And above all, make sure to keep your mouth closed and keep water from your eyes. It burns like hell.

8. Coral Beach Nature Reserve

Coral Beach, Eilat Israel +972 8-632-6422 [email protected] http://www.parks.org.il/ParksAndReserves/coralBeach/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
63%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,529 reviews

Coral Beach Nature Reserve

With more than 100 types of stony coral and 650 species of fish, this coral reef is an excellent spot for underwater enthusiasts.

Reviewed By Gidons51 - Herzliya, Israel

This natural reserve , world known for its corals and variety of colored fish. Snorkeling here is just a breathtaking experience. All facilities like deck chairs, big shade umbrellas, kiosk, shop , lavatories, rental of snorkeling equipment. A must visit ! Admission 11 USDLRS per person , half price for children and seniors.

9. Dolphin Reef

Eilat Israel +972 8-630-0111 http://www.dolphinreef.co.il/
Excellent
67%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,730 reviews

Dolphin Reef

Located on the shores of the Red Sea, this reef area gives visitors a chance to observe and swim with a group of bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

Reviewed By Q8296WBjoannal

This is by far my favorite attraction in Eilat, a very unique experience and a lovely place to just hang out too, after you have seen the dolphins of course. Our entire family loved it!

10. Yarkon River and Park Hayarkon

Ganei Yehoshua Rokach Blvd, Tel Aviv Israel +972 3-642-0541 http://old.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/data_card.php?Cat=~25~~800187146~Card12~&ru=&SiteName=parks&Clt=&Bur=649932559
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 751 reviews

Yarkon River and Park Hayarkon

Reviewed By 216kseniyar

Botanical gardens and large lawns, water park and lakes, sports facilities, two outdoor concert venues - such amazing area for relaxing!

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