Top Things to do in Dead Sea Region
Countries
The 10 Best Things to do in Dead Sea Region, Israel
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. Herod's Western Palace
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 151 reviews
Reviewed By neeratraveler - San Francisco, United States
Masada in the Dead Sea region is a must see. It has an interesting history. It was a palatial refuge - a fortification, built by Herod the Great. The siege of Masada by the Romans ended in mass suicide. The palace has many areas to explore and we were fortunate to have an excellent guide who made history come alive. The cable car takes you to the top. The views are beautiful. Hiking to the top is another option.
2. Masada National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,424 reviews
31°18'44.2n 35°21'53.0e
Reviewed By blandboy - Bettendorf, United States
From it’s nearly insurmountable location to the legend behind it, everything about this mountaintop fortress screams “come visit”. And it is a must-see! Rather than scale the steps, we chose to storm the fortress via the cable car which zipped us to the top while offering magnificent views of the Dead Sea and ruins of Roman siege camps in the surrounding valleys. Once on top, the archeological wonders and amazing views didn’t disappoint. If you go, plan to arrive early and beat the numerous tour busses or you’ll be in for long waits. And hope for better weather than the overcast day we encountered. Even still, the views and historical significance were breathtaking. I hope to go back!
3. En Gedi Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 612 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 KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Situated near the Dead Sea, the climate was warm in December when we visited, perfect for an adventurous hike up the Wadi David. Offering expansive views of the Dead Sea below as the elevation rapidly rises, the stream and several waterfalls are your ultimate reward, along with lush and varied vegetation. We encountered numerous families with small children along the way, some even bathing in the pool beneath David's Waterfall. If you are fit and possess good balance, the hike is not overly challenging, depending upon how far you journey. Do watch your footing though, as it is slippery in areas where your path leads through the stream. I highly recommend shoes appropriate for hiking and water. Watch along the way for wildlife sightings, including Ibex (wild goat) and cute Rock Hyrax, who sunbath on the warm boulders. Rich in history, En Gedi holds Tanach and Biblical significance as well. David (later King David), and King Saul frequented En Gedi, which primarily brought us to explore this beautiful oasis. An additional path branches off leading higher to Dodim's Cave, where David cut the hem of King Saul's royal robe. This upper trail closes at 2:30 in winter; I am uncertain whether the hours are extended during summer months. Unfortunately, we arrived too late to venture onward to view the cave. Nonetheless, an exceptional, inspirational adventure!
4. The Masada Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
5. Dead Sea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,362 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 brads153 - North Vancouver, Canada
I really enjoyed this experience and recommend it to anyone. It's hard to stand up straight in the water without being forced on your back or front. The water was cool amd refreshing. And you don't really need sun screen as the UV rays don't have the same effect on you given that you are 429 metres below sea level. However, you need to know a few things. One, that the sea level as changed drastically over the last 30 years so you will need to go down over 100+ steps to reach the current shoreline. I didn't see any accessible facilities so do your due diligence and check all beach resort areas for accessibility. The shoreline has dropped 40 metres since the 1950s. Two, that there is no real beach per say, only low muddy/hard sandy areas where you can enter the water. The shoreline sand/mud is super hot so wear coral booties or flip flops as you will also need them when you wade in the water to protect your feet from small areas of sharp pebbles found here and there in the water. And three, when you slather on the rich Dead Sea mud onto your body, make sure that you completely wash it off. It gets everywhere and does stain clothing if still lingering in your beard or hair. And above all, make sure to keep your mouth closed and keep water from your eyes. It burns like hell.
6. Ein Gedi Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By annerrentfro - Brownsville, United States
The plants were beautiful! The history of how the gardens were planted was interesting. There were varieties of plants from places far and near.
7. Bokek River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By bit10 - Jerusalem, Israel
Just across the main road. A great place to hike at all times. Easy walk, no need for maps or too much equipment. Take a hat, water, shoes that you can Walk comfortably with (including in the water), shorts that you can “shower“ with... that’s about it. You can reach from a parking lot near the entrance or walk beneath the bridge near the hotels. 1.5-2 hours will do. Great for all ages!
8. Ein Bokek Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 556 reviews
Reviewed By 187brianm - Montrose, United Kingdom
There are free beach areas as well as the private beaches and there are plenty of changing areas, showers and toilets. It is an easy place to get to, toexperience a dip in the Dead Sea.
9. Ein Gedi Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By DeanMurphy2020 - Orlando, United States
More questions abound concerning mysterious mosaics in the ancient Ein Gedi synagogue ruins. Constructed in the Common Era third century, the synagogue fell into destructive ruin in the 6th century. The mosaic floor has an 18-line Aramaic inscription mentions names of Patriarchs. Names of the synagogue donors/builders are also mentioned. With only the foundation and floors remaining, tents reduce weathering of the mosaic floors—and prevents sunburned archaeologists and tourists. The preservation and education about the center of a thriving Dead Sea village are what make these ruins spectacular, and earn my high rating.
10. Kalia Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 468 reviews
Kalia Beach is the northernmost beach in the Dead Sea, only half an hour from Jerusalem The eco-friendly beach combines a perfect experience of breathtaking scenery with a 360° view over the Judean and the Jordanian desert and the Dead Sea. , a relaxed atmosphere combined with the health elements of the sea, the rich air of bromine and the filtered sun radiates. The shore is large and allows shaded spots alongside sunbathing chairs. The Lowest bar in the world is located next to shore. Health treatments are available.
Reviewed By 266giladc - Beersheba, Israel
I took two Austrian friends for their first Dead-Sea visit. Kalia Beach is very close to Jerusalem - 20 min. easy drive (90 min from Tel-Aviv). free parking at the beach. entrance fee is 60 NIS/person. lockers (15 NIS) and showers are located on the top level. additional showers are also available further down towards the beach. renting a towel is also available. Top level - Nice shops of Dead-Sea products at fair prices. the Dates shop is highly recommended - free tastes and amazing dates you can only find in that region. the sea level drops every year due to evaporation, so reaching the beach requires going down ~50 stairs. The beach is wide and with plenty of chairs. slippery near the water. freshwater fountains are available in case the slat gets in your eyes... we had a great time floating on the water (amazing experience) and rubbing the special mud all over. Food - there are two restaurants - one in the lower side (near the beach) and another at the top level. we sat at the lower one - very nice - cold beers and good food overlooking the sea. we spent 3 Hr. in total - a great day !
