Tel Aviv is a gem found on the coast of Israel right on the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. It boasts warm waters, extremely soft sand, and miles and miles of relaxing beaches. There are 12 beaches in Tel Aviv, as well as 3 dog beaches. This allows for plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the water, especially in the summer.
Given how many beaches there are in Tel Aviv, it can be both easy and challenging to pick the one you want to go to. So we’ve got you covered. In our time here, we have visited all the beaches and even taken our dog to the dog beach. We’ve also had the opportunity to visit the beach in winter and summer to get the different beach vibes. An important thing to note is that you’ll likely find beach volleyball or “footy volley” games at all the beaches. It’s so much fun to watch!
The Beaches of Tel Aviv
Givat Aliyah Beach
Givat Aliyah Beach, also known as Ajami Beach, is the most southern beach in Tel Aviv. This beach is a local favorite since it hosts one of the dog beaches. It is away from the boardwalk, which adds to the sense of privacy at Ajami.
Additionally, Givat Aliyah is known for its beautiful decorative elements, such as large stone arches and palm trees. When there are wavy days you’ll find many surfers, paddle-boarders, and windsurfers on the water. If you want to be with the locals, this is the beach to visit.
Charles Clore Beach
Charles Clore Beach is an experience that extends past the beach! There is a park with picnic tables, a “Ninja Warrior” course, outdoor workout equipment, and a skate park. Truly fun for everyone.
On the northern edge of this beach is Manta Ray. A restaurant that sits just above the beach with delicious, fresh meals. It is a great beach for families as lifeguards monitor it during the swimming season.
Banana Beach/Aviv Beach
Banana Beach definitely has the most fun name for beaches in Tel Aviv. The name adds to the fun atmosphere of this beach. From the yellow-painted lifeguard tower to great surfing, this is a great beach. There is an umbrella and chair rental available to really settle into the beach. Additionally, there is a 24/7 beach bar with refreshments whenever you need them.
Jerusalem Beach
Jerusalem Beach, also known as Geula Beach, is a great swimming spot. Generally popular with younger crowds here you’ll find many people playing volleyball or footy volley. This beach has great expanses of soft sand, and the waves can be great for surfing. Across the street from the beach is Rebar (perfect for a cool smoothie on a warm Tel Aviv day).
Jerusalem Beach is where Allenby Street ends. The walkable street to the beach is lined with hotels and restaurants, making it a very popular area. It also has a playground for kids and shady cabanas to avoid the Tel Aviv sun. For tourists, this beach is where you’ll find the tourist information center and police officers.
Bograshov Beach
This is the beach we tend to go to the most, mostly out of convenience. It is the closest beach to where we live, and we enjoy walking down that direction every morning to walk the dog. Bograshov Beach is found where Bograshov Street meets the beach. Additionally, the demarcation is between lifeguard stands 5 and 6.
Here you’ll find a playground for children. There are four beach volleyball courts. Additionally, between Bograshov Beach and Trumpledor Beach, there is a restaurant (La Mer) and beach chair/umbrella rentals. This boardwalk area also includes many places to sit in order to enjoy watching people play volleyball or watch the waves. Bograshov Beach also has a handicap-accessible entrance to the beach.
Frishman Beach
North of Bugrashov Beach and south of Gordon Beach is Frishman Beach. Another beach bordered by a restaurant and lifeguard stand. Frishman also boasts exercise equipment, volleyball courts, and a fun kid’s playground (there’s a pirate ship)!
The most important part about Frishman Beach is its location. It is centrally located in the city near the hotels along the boardwalk. It is a very busy spot on the promenade which is compounded by the variety of restaurants. By Frishman Beach, you’ll find Greco Restaurant for Greek food by the water. May we recommend the gyros and the chocolate cake? As you keep walking to Gordon Beach, you’ll find Calypso and La La Land.
Gordon Beach
Gordon Beach is truly unique for a couple of reasons. First, it is the last beach from the south before encountering the marina. Second, it has a saltwater swimming pool overlooking the sea. Finally, many outdoor activities are here, from yoga and surf schools to many volleyball courts. Here you’ll also find many people playing matkot.
Gordon Beach is steps away from many different restaurants and hotels. It is the epicenter of the beaches of Tel Aviv. You’ll find Golda, Aroma, several ice cream shops, and lunch stands. On Saturdays, the community center also has outdoor dance classes to add to the atmosphere.
Hilton Beach
Hilton Beach is known for two primary things: being home to a dog beach and being the “official” gay beach of Tel Aviv. This beach has constant energy and a wildly popular nightlife. These have made it a hub for the LGBTQ+ community. During the day, you’ll see many, many dogs on the northern part of the beach running off-leash and enjoying a swim. Our pup LOVES swimming at the beach, and she’s quickly come to love the dog beach. Of course, this beach is located next to its namesake Hilton Hotel.
Like all the other beaches, Hilton Beach also has umbrella and chair rentals as well as a restaurant and places to change. They also have bathrooms like Bograshov, Gordon, Frishman, Banana, and Charles Clore beaches. Finally, surfing is so popular here that Tel Aviv recently installed special lights to allow for night surfing at Hilton Beach.
The Religious Beach/Nordau Beach
For the most unique of the Tel Aviv beaches, we go to Nordau Beach or The Religious Beach. In order for the Orthodox community members to enjoy the sea, sand, and sun, the beach separates the men from women to preserve everyone’s modesty. On Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, it is exclusively open to women. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, only men are welcome. On Saturdays, when religious Jews do not go to the beach, it is open to all!
This beach is different because of the high walls built to protect sunbathers and swimmers from unwanted onlookers and to preserve privacy. Additionally, the Religious Beach also offers refreshments, changing rooms, and a playground for kids.
Metzitzim Beach
Matzitzim Beach is a great beach, especially for those traveling with young kids. There are lockers, restrooms, and on-duty lifeguards. For kids, there is a fun playground, sand, and shallow waters. The Tel Aviv Port makes it a fun place to eat lunch or take a break from the beach. It is the ultimate family spot.
Tel Baruch Beach
Suppose you’re looking for a quiet spot to swim and play; head over to Tel Baruch Beach. This beach is located in Ramat Aviv, in the northern part of Tel Aviv, near the university. It is near the port of Tel Aviv, which has a promenade and many restaurants and shopping.
This beach offers an expansive stretch of land and a cute little cafe. It is a great place for families to swim in the warm, blue waters or play under the cabana shade. It tends to be on the quieter side as it is a long commute for those in central and southern Tel Aviv.
North and South Tzuk (Cliff) Beach
The most northern beaches of Tel Aviv are nearly in the neighboring city of Herzliya. These are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It’s a perfect spot for an escape. Aside from the soft sand and small waves, North and South Tzuk Beach offers an exciting playground, expansive lawn, and, of course, volleyball courts. Come here to get away from the crowds.
FAQs About the Beaches of Tel Aviv
Where are the beaches of Tel Aviv located?
Pro-Tip: The restaurants on the beach have a city-controlled fixed-price menu. It is a little more expensive than going more in land, but at least it’s consistent and fair. Check out the fixed prices here.
How can you access the beaches?
There are many buses that have stops along the side of the Tel Aviv Promenade. From there, you can take the stairs or ramps to get directly onto the beaches of Tel Aviv. If you are driving, it will be a little more challenging as nearly none of the beaches have their own parking or even street parking. I would not drive to the beach.
If you are in a beachside hotel, then walk down to the beach. Unless you’re going to the Religious Beach, none of them have a specific entrance or exit.
Are there lifeguards?
Yes! During the summer swimming season, lifeguards are on all the swimming beaches. The beaches that are not suitable for swimming, usually due to rocks or boating concerns, do not have lifeguards but have many signs that stipulate no swimming.
When are the beaches of Tel Aviv open?
The beaches are open year-round for outdoor activities, but they are not open year-round for swimming. From October until mid-April, the beaches are unguarded, and therefore, it is prohibited from swimming. The beaches are open the longest for swimming in June from 7:15am- 5:45pm. For the rest of the swim season, they close at 4:45pm for swimming.
During this time, you’ll still see surfers, kayakers, paddleboarders, and other water sports activities. The volleyball courts will still be in use.
Are Tel Aviv Beaches dog-friendly?
Yes! Tel Aviv is the most dog-friendly city in the world. So not only are there three dedicated dog beaches, one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north, but also the regular beaches welcome dogs when they are closed for swimming. The dog beaches are where dogs can be off-leash year-round. In all the other beaches from October to mid-April, when there is no swimming allowed, dogs are allowed on the beach on leash. You’ll also see many dogs going for walks or runs on the Tel Aviv promenade with their humans.
Final Thoughts about the Beaches of Tel Aviv
The Mediterranean Sea offers a sparkling blue sea for the soft white sand of Tel Aviv. This combination is so captivating that everyone (dogs included) loves going to the beaches of Tel Aviv. They are definitely a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. As a city that is built with lots of outdoor space, the beaches exemplify this goal. From the on-beach restaurants and cafes to the many options for beach sports to the ample sitting areas, the beaches of Tel Aviv are the place to be. They are especially popular on Saturday mornings as most of the city is closed for Shabbat. So grab a towel and bathing suit and head on over!
