Attractions in Southern Israel (Negev, Dead Sea & Eilat)
Desert stars, floating waters, and coral reefs ๐ช๐ โ๏ธ
Showing 52 attractions · Sorted by importance
Carasso Science Park
📍 Be'er Sheva
๐ฌ ScienceThe largest science museum in Israel, featuring interactive exhibits on genetics, energy, and communication within a restored Turkish building.
Coral World Underwater Observatory
📍 Eilat
๐ AquariumIsrael's largest public aquarium featuring a unique underwater tower for viewing natural reefs, a massive shark tank, and diverse marine exhibits.
Dolphin Reef Eilat
📍 Eilat
๐ AquariumA unique ecological site where visitors can observe, swim, or dive with a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins in their natural Red Sea habitat.
Ein Bokek Beach
📍 Ein Bokek
โฑ BeachA world-renowned public beach offering salt-saturated waters, therapeutic mud, and modern facilities at the lowest point on Earth.
Israel National Trail (Southern Section)
📍 Arad
๐ฅพ Hiking & Cycling500km challenging 25-day trek from Arad through the Negev Desert to Eilat, featuring approximately 8,000m of cumulative elevation gain. This section traverses the Ramon Crater and the Eilat Mountains. Logistics and equipment support: Walk Israel (walkisrael.com).
Negev Museum of Art
📍 Be'er Sheva
๐ผ Art GalleryHoused in a 1906 Ottoman governor's house, this museum offers families a chance to explore contemporary Israeli art within a beautifully preserved historical setting.
Qumran Park
📍 Kalya
๐ฐ CastleDiscover where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and see the remains of the ancient Essene settlement.
Ramon Nature Reserve (Makhtesh Ramon)
📍 Mitzpe Ramon
๐ฒ NatureWitness the world's largest erosion crater and its unique geological formations from the spectacular rim visitor center.
Route 40: Ramon Crater Scenic Drive
📍 Mitzpe Ramon
๐ Road Trip80km paved desert highway (2 hours) highlighted by a dramatic 300-meter descent from the Mitzpe Ramon cliffs into the base of the Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon), the world's largest erosion cirque.
Route 90: Dead Sea Scenic Highway
📍 Ein Gedi
๐ Road Trip75km paved highway (1.5 hours) running through the Jordan Rift Valley. It is the lowest road in the world, passing the Dead Sea's salt-encrusted shores, Masada National Park, and the Ein Gedi oasis.
Wadi Arugot (Ein Gedi)
📍 Ein Gedi
๐ฅพ Hiking & Cycling6km moderate 4-hour hike with 200m elevation gain. This trail follows a perennial stream through a deep canyon in the Judean Desert, leading to the 'Hidden Waterfall' and deep natural pools. Access via Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.
Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve
📍 Yotvata
๐ฆ ZooA large wildlife reserve dedicated to breeding and reintroducing endangered biblical animals into the desert.
Eilat Coral Beach Nature Reserve
📍 Eilat
๐ฒ NatureSnorkel along a vibrant coral reef teeming with colorful tropical fish in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea.
Israel Bike Trail (Negev Section)
📍 Mitzpe Ramon
๐ฅพ Hiking & Cycling300km challenging 8-day mountain bike route from Mitzpe Ramon to Eilat, with roughly 4,500m elevation gain. Designed specifically for bikes with flowy singletrack. Bike rental and shuttles: Geofun (geofun.co.il) or Desert Biking (negevtour.co.il).
Masada National Park
📍 Arad
๐ฐ CastleExplore the mountain-top fortress built by King Herod and the site of the final Jewish stand against Rome.
Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center
📍 Mitzpe Ramon
๐ฌ ScienceA discovery center perched on the edge of the Ramon Crater, explaining its unique geology and the history of Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon.
Timna Park
📍 Eilat
๐ง AdventureA sprawling desert park featuring ancient copper mines, unique rock formations, and activities like pedal boating and desert biking.
Avdat National Park
📍 Midreshet Ben-Gurion
๐ฐ CastleExplore the UNESCO-listed acropolis of a Nabatean city featuring churches, wine presses, and desert views.
Ein Avdat National Park
📍 Midreshet Ben-Gurion
๐ Scenic ViewA dramatic white-chalk canyon featuring a deep spring and a beautiful waterfall that serves as an important watering hole for local wildlife.
Hamei Yoav
📍 Sde Yoav
โจ Hot SpringNatural sulfur-rich thermal baths with temperatures maintained at 37-39ยฐC. This independent facility offers 11 mineral pools, hydrotherapy massage jets, and sulfur-rich showers, known for therapeutic benefits for joints and skin.
Route 12: Eilat Mountains Pass
📍 Shizafon Junction
๐ Road Trip70km paved mountain road (1.5 hours) that winds through the jagged red granite Eilat Mountains. It follows the Egyptian border and offers panoramic views of the Sinai Peninsula and the Red Sea.
Antelope Ranch
📍 Tzofar
๐ FarmA desert wildlife farm offering safari tours to see diverse antelope species, zebras, and a giant wooden ark replica.
Ben-Gurion Memorial Garden
📍 Midreshet Ben-Gurion
๐ฐ CastleA meticulously landscaped formal desert garden surrounding the graves of Israel's first Prime Minister, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Zin Valley.
Botanical Garden of Eilat
📍 Eilat
๐ฟ GardenA unique ecological marvel built on ancient agricultural terraces, showcasing a tropical 'rainforest' and diverse desert flora at the northern edge of the Red Sea.
Camel Ranch Eilat
📍 Eilat
๐ง AdventureA desert adventure hub featuring the region's largest high-ropes course and guided camel treks through the Eilat Mountains.
Kfar Hanokdim
📍 Arad
๐ง AdventureAn authentic desert oasis providing Bedouin hospitality alongside camel treks and educational desert activities for all ages.
Neve Midbar Health & Leisure
📍 Mashabei Sadeh
โจ Hot Spring37ยฐC to 40ยฐC geothermal mineral pools sourced from a 1,500-meter deep desert well. This standalone complex features four large pools rich in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, plus saunas and hydromassage.
Tel Be'er Sheva National Park
📍 Beersheba
๐ฐ CastleVisit a biblical-era tel and its sophisticated ancient water system at this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Red Canyon (Wadi Shani)
📍 Eilat
๐ฅพ Hiking & Cycling5km moderate 2-3 hour circuit hike with 150m elevation gain. Famous for its narrow slot canyons composed of vibrant red sandstone and natural rock ladders. Located in the Eilat Mountains.
The Salad Trail
📍 Talmei Yosef
๐ FarmAn interactive agricultural tour where visitors pick and taste exotic fruits and vegetables grown in the heart of the Negev desert.
The Sugar Trail
📍 Ma'ale Adumim
๐ฅพ Hiking & Cycling25km expert 5-hour mountain bike descent from the Judean mountains to the Dead Sea, with 1,000m descent and 150m elevation gain. An ancient trade route used for transporting salt and sugar. Bike rental and guiding: Gordon Biking (gordonbiking.co.il).
Top 94 Extreme Park
📍 Eilat
๐ง AdventureA massive multi-level facility offering indoor and outdoor challenges including climbing walls, ropes courses, and go-karting.
U Splash Water Park
📍 Eilat
๐ Water ParkA large, desert-themed water park featuring five diverse waterslides, a central pool, and dedicated splash areas for children of all ages.
Vidor Center - Desert Agriculture
📍 Hatzeva
๐ฌ ScienceA interactive discovery center in the Arava Valley showcasing advanced desert farming techniques, local flora, and regional geology.
Mamshit National Park
📍 Dimona
๐ฐ CastleWalk through a well-preserved Nabatean trade city famous for its unique stone architecture and desert dams.
Shivta National Park
📍 Nitzana
๐ Town / VillageDiscover the impressive stone architecture of a remote Byzantine desert village, perfect for families who enjoy off-the-beaten-path exploration.
Um Rashrash (Ink Flag Monument)
📍 Eilat
๐ LandmarkA historic bronze monument commemorating the 1949 raising of the 'Ink Flag' at the site where the city of Eilat was founded.
Arad Contemporary Art Center
📍 Arad
๐ผ Art GalleryLocated at the gateway to the Dead Sea, this gallery presents rotating exhibitions of modern art that capture the spirit and light of the surrounding Negev desert.
Dror Bamidbar
📍 Ashalim
๐ง AdventureA desert activity center specialized in the thrilling experience of sandboarding on natural dunes and guided 4x4 desert tours.
Eilat Artists' Gallery
📍 Eilat
๐ผ Art GalleryConveniently located near the city center, this gallery showcases a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and jewelry created by professional artists living in the Eilat region.
Ein Kedem Hot Springs
📍 Dead Sea
โจ Hot SpringNatural, undeveloped hot sulfur springs on the Dead Sea shoreline. Water emerges at approximately 45ยฐC into hand-dug rock pools. A raw geothermal experience with no infrastructure, requiring a short hike through a salt-crusted landscape.
International Birding & Research Center Eilat
📍 Eilat
๐ฌ ScienceA scientific discovery site dedicated to the migration patterns and natural history of millions of birds traveling between Europe and Africa.
Neve Zohar Beach
📍 Neve Zohar
โฑ BeachA tranquil public beach known for its vast salt formations and shallow, mineral-rich waters ideal for floating.
Princess Beach
📍 Eilat
โฑ BeachA pristine, natural beach at the southern edge of Eilat, famous for its deep blue waters and vibrant coral reefs right off the shore.
Route 225: Makhtesh HaGadol Scenic Road
📍 Yeruham
๐ Road Trip15km paved scenic detour (30 minutes) traversing the 'Large Crater'. The route features unique geological formations, including hills of multicolored sands and fossilized coral reefs from the Tethys Ocean.
The Antelope Farm
📍 Tzofar
๐ฆ ZooAn African-style safari park in the desert featuring various antelope species and a large ark-shaped petting zoo.
The Vidor Center
📍 Hazeva
๐ FarmAn interactive visitor center showcasing innovative desert agriculture and the unique rural lifestyle of the Arava region.