Beaches

The Tel Aviv beach actually stretches for miles along the whole western edge of the city. Each section of the Tel Aviv beach has its own unique character. Whether you're into surfing, swimming or just sunbathing, there is a Tel Aviv beach for everyone!

Metzitzim Beach

Metzitzim is the ideal family beach. Shallow waters and the constant presence of lifeguards will help ease the minds of young parents. There is a bar, restaurant, showers, shaded areas, and beach volleyball courts.

Religious Beach

This is a segregated Tel Aviv beach for the more religious community. It is surrounded by walls to prevent prying eyes. Women can go on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Men can go on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. And on Shabbat, when religious people can’t go to the beach, anything goes!

Hilton Dog Beach

Just north of Hilton beach lies a magical land where Tel Aviv beach dogs can run free! If you are a canine lover, this is the perfect place to frolic in the sand with your best friend.

Gay Beach

Everyone is welcome on this Tel Aviv beach, but the gay community has made it a hot spot. No matter what your sexual orientation, you are sure to enjoy this lively place. It’s easy to find, just look for the rainbow umbrellas!

Hilton / Top Sea Beach

This is probably Tel Aviv’s most high society beach. It is dominated by the TopSea surf club, beautiful people, and a great bar and restaurant. The restaurant also makes deliveries on the Tel Aviv beach. If you plan to take a dip, be sure to bring your flip flops. Getting into the sea involves stepping on a few rocks.

The service road also features the new Tel Aviv Beach Library. Possibly the only beach library in the world, Tel Aviv Municipality have placed a portable public library where beachgoers can borrow over 500 books, in multiple languages.

Gordon, Frishman and Bograshov Beaches

These three are the most popular Tel Aviv beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sand, lifeguards, chairs and lots of people! If you want to understand Tel Aviv beach culture, go on a Friday or Saturday in the summer. You'll find a mix of tourists and locals vying for a spot to tan, be seen, and people-watch. Be prepared to hear the tick tack of matkot, Israel’s national sport. But be sure to watch out for the jellyfish in July. 

Geula Beach

this Tel Aviv beach is located on the end of Geula. It is the number one hangout for local Israelis coming from Kerem Hetamenim and the Shuk. Bring a rug, your matkot, a negila, and an ice-box full of beers and arak.

Banana/ Drum Beach

Located just north of the Dolphinarium, away from the central Tel Aviv beaches, this beach has a fun atmosphere. Simple and tranquil, the beach also features a nice cafe and a surf school. On Fridays there is a communal drum session. Tel Aviv’s most talented and eccentric drummers come together and dance to live beats.

Alma Beach and Alma Dog Beach

Located between the Dolphinarium and Jaffa is this relaxed natural beach. With no sunbeds or lifeguards in the way, you can check out beautiful views of Jaffa. To the south of the beach is an area reserved for dog owners.

Jaffa Beach

This is another low-key, spacious beach. Unlike the more central Tel Aviv beaches, there are no wave breakers. So expect big waves and many surfers on windy days.

Tel Baruch Beach

Once notorious for illicit activities, it's ironic that this Tel Aviv beach is now one of the best family spots! It features calm waters, an outdoor workout area, and a beachside restaurant. There is plenty of parking, but unless you're a Tel Aviv resident, you have to pay to enter.

Beaches outside of Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv beaches aren't the only place to catch some waves and rays. Check out these alternatives.

Achziv Beach

On the Northern tip of Israel you will find the Achziv nature reserve, with beautiful Banana Beach and coves. For a bit of kesef, there are areas to pitch up your tent overnight.

Habonim Beach

Just south of Haifa, next to Moshav Habonim, Habonim beach is another picturesque destination. It boasts rocks and lagoons to play in and beautiful clean water.

Mayaan Tzvi

Mayaan Tzvi has clean, open beaches, with no lifeguards and few people.  You'll need a car to get there, and there is a little bit of off-road driving to reach the car-park.

Caesarea

If you are looking for a relaxing, scenic experience, this is by far one of the best options. It is located at the historic site of Caesarea, a port city that was built by King Herod.

Beit Yanai Beach

Beit Yanai is located just south of Hadera. The beach is nice and wide and the water is clean. It is possible to camp overnight.

Gaash Beach

Gaash is located just north of Herzliya. It is also the closest natural beach to the more populated Tel Aviv beaches. There are places to park, but come prepared for a long walk from your car to the beach. Fair warning: to the south is a naturist section.

Bat Yam Beach

This town is called “daughter of the sea”.  Some areas cater to a younger crowd, playing music and offering negilahs.  Others are less crowded and more relaxing. There are many very nice restaurants, making it a good choice for a mid-day meal.

Palmahim Beaches

This collection of beaches includes some of the most beautiful shores in Israel. There is a life guard during summer season. You also get toilets and shades. Otherwise the beach is quite secluded. Expect to pay 30 NIS to park in the main carpark.

Eilat Beaches

Second only to Tel Aviv beach culture, the city of Eilat is definitely a beach town! Nestled on the Red Sea, there are many beaches to choose from. Sunbathe or do watersports on the North Beach. Go snorkling at Coral Beach. Or go swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Reef.

Other Israeli Beaches

Kinneret

The Kinneret has many different beaches around its shores. Most of them charge an entry fee.  The main party beaches are on the Eastern shore. Check out Ein Gev, Dugit and Lavnun.  They have lovely sand, easy lake access, and places to camp overnight.  There’s also the Lunar Gal waterpark.   To the Southwest and West are the kid-friendly Tzemach and Gofra beaches. To the north is camper-friendly Amnun beach.

Dead Sea

Along the coast of the dead sea there are plenty of spas. Go a little further south to Ein Bokek, and there is a free sandy public beach! Of course, there are also shops nearby to buy mud.