Top Things to do in Dead Sea Region
What to do and see in Dead Sea Region, Israel: The Best Places and Tips
Follow the mineral-rich muddy footprints of Herod, Solomon and Cleopatra to the legendary Dead Sea and resorts developed round its adjacent hot springs. This famed health destination, at the world's lowest dry point, is known for helping with rheumatic and skin problems.
Restaurants in Dead Sea Region
1. Masada National Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
31°18'44.2n 35°21'53.0e
Reviewed By Mayank A - Tinsukia, India
Masada is an ancient fortress situation on top of an isolated rock plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. It's been a palace, a monastery and the final stand site of a Roman revolt. For its cultural, architecture and historical events it's been included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing.
We had gone up on using the cable car, it was a short ride up and on hindsight, I realized an early morning climbing the fortress would have been more exciting, it’s not much of a climb and could be covered in 30 – 60 minutes depending on your fitness level. I didn’t enjoy the sight as much as I expected, maybe it was the limited time on a group tour or maybe the sun at its peak dampen the experience. The site has a lot of history but I have seen grander ruins elsewhere.
Maybe if I had watched the miniseries (there are two of them) based on the events on the site I would have liked it more
2. Dead Sea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
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 Anna G
We took a bus from Jerusalem bus station (34shekels,cards accepted) to Ein Gedi. The trip takes about 80m,depending on how many times the bus will stop. There is an entrance fee for the Ein Gedi park (25 or so shekels), so try to be there early in am to be able to hike the longer loop (3h). We hiked to David's waterfall and back only as we arrived in the park after 1pm. The park closes at 4pm and they are very strict about it. There is no Dead Sea beach in Ein Gigi because of sinkholes. You need to take the bus to ein borek (free beach,30m south, e.g opposte to Jerusalem) or you can go to Kalia beach (north ,on your way back to Jerusalem). Kalia beach has dressing rooms,wc,showers and entrance fee of 60 shekels. The buses from the Dead Sea back to Jerusalem are with unpredictable schedule (be prepared To wait quite a bit, buses are every hour and not on time ) and the ticket prices vary in unexpected ways (we paid 27 from Ein Gedi to Kalia and then 21 from Kalia to Jerusalem, or 14 more for the same route out of Jerusalem). If we have a do over I will leave Jerusalem at 830 at the latest, hike in the park till 2pm, travel to ein bokek and float till 530-6 and then catch a bus back.
3. Ein Bokek Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
4. Bokek River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By ineedbooz - Chicago, Illinois
This place is absolutely marvelous. Walking in the Mountains and through the water as it streams past you is just beautiful. Nature at its best. One tip: Wear water footwear, as there are many rocks in the water. There are not many safety protocols but rarely are they needed. Fun for the kids as well.
All in all, some awesome views to last a lifetime.
5. The Masada Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By Sharon M - Abingdon, Maryland
We went into this small museum after visiting the Masada site itself. We were given devices which would explain what we were seeing along the way. These devices were very helpful. It is somewhat dark inside so watch your step. The museum contains many interesting artifacts--jewelry, dishes, textiles, etc. There are many life-size statues around so I kept thinking there were other people in the rooms when, in fact, we were alone most of the time. There is a small gift shop at the end of the walk through the museum.
6. En Gedi Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 471 reviews
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 HolgadieWaldfee
Based on reviews our expectations were probably too high...
I mean, it’s an oasis in a desert. Nice and refreshing for sure to see some lush greenish colors, but somehow didn’t convince us.
We started quite early in Wadi David, via:
- David’s waterfall
- Dodim Cave
- Chalcolithic Temple
- Both Shulammit and En Gedi spring
From there we took the path down to Tel Goren and on the Scenic Route back to the entrance at Wadi David where we had parked the car.
Took us less then 3 hours to complete (mid 30s and not too sporty).
Take plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. Hiking boots are not necessarily required, sneakers will do it too.
7. Ein Gedi Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By Yossi N - Tel Aviv, Israel
Ein Gedi Botanical Garden is great visit to the desert beauty. The flowers are very nice and you need to believe you are visiting the desert.
8. Herod's Western Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 113 reviews
Reviewed By rglaskin - Edina, Minnesota
Everything about this is fascinating. The seemingly impossible location, the architecture, views of the Dead Sea and history. This should be a must see on your list.
We did a day trip from Jerusalem: Masada & Dead Sea. We had a driver guide which really helped.
There is a gondola that can take you to the top of the mountain. Wear comfortable shoes as the palace grounds paths are not great.
9. Nachal David Stream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Shell C
Depending on what time of the year you go, there is a little water or more water there. I have been twice, both in the March/April months and the first time there was heaps of water and Waterfalls, the second time there was no water flowing.
I would recommend coral reef shoes for this!
10. Kalia Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 226 reviews
The most northern Dead Sea beach on the western (Israeli) side, Just 25 minutes drive from Jerusalem. Simple and very accommodating beach; an open cafe with special water-cooling fans enables a 360° view over the Judean and the Jordanian desert and the Dead Sea. The shore is large and allows shaded spots alongside sunbathing chairs. Another snack bar is located next to shore. Health treatments are available.
Reviewed By gobunti - Paris
We came here on an organised trip from Tel Aviv. We were looking forward to a good lunch but found only an indifferent cafeteria and a couple of food stands with a very restricted range of choices. Lots of souvenir and cosmetic retail activity, lots of tourist mayhem, an OK bar and the rather insalubrious beach. Forget trying to take a walk, there is nowhere to go and the complex is sealed off from its surroundings. Choose somewhere else.
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