Top Things to do in Southern District
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Southern District, Southern District
Discover the best top things to do in Southern District, Israel including HaMakhtesh HaKatan, Avdat National Park, Ramon Crater, Bet Guvrin-Maresha National Park, Har Cfachot, Timna Park, Underwater Observatory Marine Park, Gil Beach, Coral Beach Nature Reserve, Dolphin Reef.
Restaurants in Southern District
1. HaMakhtesh HaKatan
2. Avdat National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 340 reviews
In the heart of the desert, on a hilltop above the Tsin Stream watercourse, are the impressive remains of an ancient Nabatean city.
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Unfortunately, due to rain we were unable to explore this UNESCO Heritage Site that we unexpectedly stumbled upon along Highway 40 in the Negev. This ancient city of the Nabateans was located along the Incense Route between 1st Century BCE-7th Century AD, second only in importance to Petra in Jordan. Perched upon a plateau high above the desert, it was the modern metal outlined sculptures of a camel caravan that alerted me to the site. We stopped below for gasoline and a McDonald's hamburger, which hit the spot after several weeks of Mid-Eastern dining.
3. Ramon Crater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,078 reviews
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!
4. Bet Guvrin-Maresha National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 352 reviews
This 1,250 acre national park is filled with 2,000 year old archaeological sites that visitors can explore.
Reviewed By teddy1014 - Brooklyn, United States
It's really a whole bunch of attractions rolled into one: various ancient man-made caves, ruins of a city, tombs, nature hikes....We were not able to do it all, but visited the Mareshs caves. There were very few people there and it was beautiful and a little eerie. We also visited the Sidonian Tombs, which was also very interesting. Worth the slight detour from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
5. Har Cfachot
6. Timna Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,802 reviews
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.
7. Underwater Observatory Marine Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,821 reviews
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!
8. Gil Beach
9. Coral Beach Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,529 reviews
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.
10. Dolphin Reef
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,730 reviews
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!
