Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Herzliya, Israel

  • Published 2022/07/18

The city of Herzliya in Israel is a nature lover’s dream come true, thanks to the abundance of natural spaces.

Today, Herzliya is synonymous with high-end luxury since its residents include several international ambassadors and tycoons.

Entrepreneurial start-ups and start-up culture are well-represented in Herzliya, a wealthy city on Israel’s central coast.

Herzliya took its name from the father of modern Zionism, Theodor Herzl.

A short drive from Tel Aviv, Herzliya offers a variety of activities, from scenic hiking trails to historic archaeological sites.

It’s a great pit stop for adventurous tourists wanting to uncover the city’s hidden gems.

Besides pristine waters and powdery white sand, Herzliya is home to some of the country’s deluxe hotels and villas.

Here are the best things to do in Herzliya, Israel:

Explore Apollonia National Park

Apollonia National Park's castle observation tower

MoLarjung / Shutterstock.com

For a long time, Apollonia was known as Arsuf, a historic city and citadel occupied by the Iranians, Roman Christians, and later the Crusaders.

In the 5th or 6th century BCE, the ancient Phoenicians inhabited the town when it was part of the Persian Empire.

Excavations in 1994 helped experts learn this information.

The Greeks called the city Apollonia during the Hellenistic period in honor of the Greek god Apollo.

Apollonia crusader's town fortress at Apollonia National Park

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The Roman Empire took over the territory during the Roman conquest of the Holy Land.

Arsuf, also known as the old city and fortress, is a unique and thrilling opportunity to see one of the most ancient crusader castles in the world.

You can also see spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea from the 13th-century fortification.

You’ll also find the ruins of a Roman villa and the well-preserved 13th-century Sidni Ali Mosque within walking distance.

There are paved and unpaved pathways, so it’s open to everyone.

Scenic view of the waters from Apollonia National Park

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Bring a picnic lunch and explore the nearby Hof Hasharon National Park, which has picnic areas and green dunes.

Several educational signs give you a better understanding of the castle’s past, which was inhabited for 18 successive centuries.

If you’ve never been to a place like this, you’re in for a treat.

People touring the Apollonia National Park

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Indulge in Delectable Seafood at Lola Martin

Effi Allouf’s restaurant, Lola Martin, is a seafood haven with a bar-restaurant, a stand of fast-food fish named Lola Fish & Chips, and a range of beers.

It also has a fish market to buy fresh fish and seafood.

Lola Martin’s decor shows a passion for the sea, in hues reminiscent of the ocean’s depths, adorned with murals depicting various marine creatures.

The contemporary restaurant offers a nice seated bar featuring a lot of wine.

Lola Martin’s menu has a wide selection of seafood, including St. Jacques cookies, rangoli, oysters, shrimp, prawns, and more.

You can also try Mediterranean paella, mixed fish and seafood, and daily fresh fish specials.

Stroll along Herzliya Marina

Aerial view of Herzliya Marina

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Herzliya Marina is the Mediterranean Sea’s biggest, most creative, and exclusive marina.

It lies on the northern Tel Aviv shore.

Built in the early 1990s, the marina became an international port in 1995.

Since then, the marina has attracted thousands of people from Israel and worldwide every year.

The dockyard occupies an area of around 500 acres.

People walking along Herzliya Marina

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You can find many recreational and tourist attractions along Herzliya’s six-mile coastline, including seven controlled beaches.

Enjoy diverse recreational opportunities, such as sports complexes, dining establishments, and sports clubs along the beach.

The promenade over the coastline links all tourist attractions and hotels.

During the summer, the boardwalk, the marina, and the beaches fill with dancing, artists, performances, sports events, and more.

Boats docked at Herzliya Marina

Greens and Blues / Shutterstock.com

Bring Your Kids to Picolonia City

In Picolonia, a children’s museum town, children can explore the adult world and better understand their surroundings.

Children love role-playing as adults.

Students can explore their adult potential by taking on the roles of various pavilions in Picolonia.

As a waiter or diner in the town square, individuals may practice their social skills while making money at the bank and stocking up on groceries in the urban supermarkets.

While driving on the road with traffic signs, traffic lights, and a petrol station, the kids can identify and grasp the world where they live.

They can perform various occupations, like chef, teller, race car driver, beauty parlor hostess, or police officer.

Picolonia City is appropriate for children aged four to nine.

Bask in the Sun at Acadia Beach

Daytime view of Acadia Beach

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Acadia Beach features the city’s longest stretch of sand.

One of the most stunning beaches in Israel is the Acadia Beach, with white sands and crystal blue waters.

People enjoying the sun at Acadia Beach

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

There are lots of places to drink and eat along the beach’s cafeteria-lined walkways, so you don’t have to leave the sea.

The waves are ideal for novice surfers, and a nearby surf school is only a few minutes walk.

Lifeguards patrol the swimming areas, and restrooms and lockers are accessible on-site.

Elevator tower of Acadia Beach

Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

Shop ’til You Drop at Seven Stars Mall

Thousands of people come to the Seven Stars Mall each year to enjoy a wide range of exciting entertainment and shopping options.

Its convenient hours, wide variety of shops and parking areas, and proximity to the Herzliya railway station make it a visitor’s favorite.

One of Israel’s largest and most diverse shopping centers, the Mall of the Holy Land has 25,000 square meters.

It’s devoted only to commerce, with more than 150 stores, restaurants, and fast-food outlets.

The mall’s many attractions include a large bowling alley, a 4-story gym, and slot machines.

It hosts live performances such as culinary and carpentry classes and family-friendly concerts at certain times.

Enjoy Various Activities at Sharon Reserve

Scenic view of Sharon Reserve

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The Sharon Beach National Park (Hof HaSharon) is close to Shefayim Kibbutz in the Herzliya district along the Israel National Trail.

You may see abundant purple iris blooms in February and March.

In addition, you’ll also find thyme and other seaside plants like sea cudweed and sand wormwood.

Likewise, you’ll find golden wreath wattle, sorrel, and woolly distaff thistle.

Mountain gazelles, introduced to the reserve in 2000, also run around the grounds.

Endangered green sea turtles breed along the shore in the spring and summer.

However, park officials advise against staying on the beach after dark.

Sharon Beach National Park is a great place to go hiking; the paths are well-maintained and accessible.

The park is family-friendly, but visitors should remember that there are no amenities.

Bring your own hiking gear, food, and drinks.

The black-marked track is open to cyclists.

Gaze at Stunning Exhibits at Chabba Art Gallery

Chabba Gallery is an in-house exhibition space.

When Nathalie Mimoun’s grandmother, Chabba, passed away in 2007, Nathalie decided to honor the legacy by opening a gallery in her home.

It aims to provide an opportunity for outstanding artists to show their work in a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.

Have you ever bought a piece of art that catches your eye, only to discover that it doesn’t match your style, home, or surroundings?

Some works may be stunning in the gallery, but they might not look as beautiful in your home.

The Chabba Gallery lets you check out the art in a natural environment, such as the terrace, next to the television, above the living room furniture, or even on the dining room wall.

Learn the City’s Past at Beit Rishonim

Exterior of Beit Rishonim

מנהלת מוזיאון, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A small hut lies between concrete and road concrete amid a nostalgic garden and ancient trees.

These are remnants of Herzliya’s early years.

A museum and archive spanning 97 years of living, work, and social and cultural life is inside this structure, home of the city’s pioneers and constructors.

Landscape of Beit Rishonim

Chenspec, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A significant collection of historical materials and a permanent exhibit honor Jerusalem’s founding years at Beit Rishonim.

The permanent displays feature the state’s first hut, 1940s living room, instruments of colony vocations, and an interactive exhibit.

You can also see displays on the problem of undocumented immigration.

Cool Down at Gelateria Siciliana

Gelateria Siciliana Ice Cream Shop has a distinct Sicilian ambiance.

This gelateria has a wide variety of sweet treats for your sweet tooth!

Herzilya Pituach’s high-tech district is about a 1.5-kilometer walk from the seashore.

The ice cream is prepared fresh in the shop.

It comes in a wide range of flavors, including Ferrero Rocher, Belgian chocolate, espresso, Halva, chocolate whiskey, New York Cheesecake, guava, lychee, and mint.

If you’re looking for something a little more hearty, try the shop’s coffee and delicious pastries.

Some of the specialties are a warm souffle topped with ice cream and whipped cream, handmade taffy, Black Forest brownies, Belgian waffles, and truffles.

Go Hiking and Discover History at Tel Michal

Daytime view of Tel Michal

צילום:ד”ר אבישי טייכר, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Tel Michal is on a sandstone ridge, 6.5 kilometers north of the Yarkon estuary and four kilometers south of ancient Arsuf-Apollonia.

Archaeological relics are scattered across five hills overlooking the Mediterranean.

Excavation of this site began in 1977 as the first step of a regional initiative to study the southern Sharon and northern Philistine coasts.

A signage at Tel Michal

צילום:ד”ר אבישי טייכר, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Archaeologists have uncovered artifacts dating from the Middle Bronze Age to the Early Arab era throughout their investigations.

Getting to Tel Michal is relatively easy.

A peaceful natural setting with plenty of natural beauty and historical significance provides a welcome respite from the busy city life.

It is a fantastic opportunity to see wildflowers, take in the sea vistas, and better understand the Tel’s long history as an ancient community.

Rocky trail of Tel Michal

צילום:ד”ר אבישי טייכר, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Learn Water Sports with Reef Dive and Surf Club Herzliya

In 1997, Navy veterans Dotan Langer and Dan Davidi founded the Reef Surfing and Diving Club.

They wanted to establish a first-class marine facility that would provide maximum comfort and enjoyment to all club guests.

This club is close to the waterfront in the city.

The beach is breakwater-protected, with rescue services, shade structures, a medic, and pleasant seats.

It encourages environmental awareness and respect amongst surfers and divers from the beginning of its surf and dive lessons.

The club’s teachers, who have a wealth of expertise in surfing and instruction, give personal attention to each student.

Bring Your Family to Herzliya Park

The waters of Herzliya Park

דוד שי, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Herzliya Park is a stunning green oasis in the city’s center, bridging its eastern and western halves.

The park covers 180 acres and includes a grilling area, a stage, a natural amphitheater, a lake, and a natural winter pond.

Likewise, the park prioritizes conservation of the natural environment, recreation, and popular sports.

Playground of Herzliya Park

דוד שי, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy the walking routes, a 1,200-meter bike path connecting to other bike paths in the region, a mountain bike track, and a one-kilometer running trail.

Playgrounds for toddlers and older children are an architectural and planning marvel in Israel’s Holy Land.

Try the rope bridges, the eight-meter slide, and other activities here.

Scenic view of Herzliya Park

Avi1111 dr. avishai teicher, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Experience TV Production at the Magic Studio

Have you ever dreamed of working in television?

Do you want to be a celebrity or be a host?

Magic Studio is where you can experience what it’s like to put on a TV show.

Discover how you use the green screen and make animations.

Take a journey into a universe that is all about joy and surprise.

Children and families may try various hands-on activities in the new visitor center of Herzliya Studios.

It’s perfect for business and company excursions, class trips, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, and other special events.

Unleash Your Inner Geek at Freak Herzliya

Israel’s top video game and fantasy developer, Freak Herzliya, started in 1990.

Aside from its enormous selection of games, it offers affordable rates.

If you’re a “freak,” get exactly what you’re looking for in this shop on Sokolov Street.

It features games that are either out of stock or that have never made it into shops.

Additionally, it sells unique miniatures of D&D, Star Wars, and more.

There is also a wide choice of fantasy books to choose from.

In addition to board and card games, you may spend hours playing pen and paper role-playing games and board games.

Final Thoughts

Are you looking forward to spending time in the great outdoors?

A vacation to Herzliya, with its blend of history, nature, and pleasure for the whole family, will be a refreshing break.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities and reflect while taking in the stunning sea views.

Best Hotels in Herzliya

42 hotels in Herzliya B, Israel.Great savings on hotels in Herzliya B, Israel online. Good availability and great rates. Read hotel reviews and choose the best hotel deal for your stay.c9b35bf29a75cac2f430f80a5d4bc7fd961d21a7 35Booking.com13823

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