Top Things to do in Dead Sea Region
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What to do and see in Dead Sea Region, Israel: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. Nachal Arugot Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By IndigoGrrl - Ness Ziona, Israel
Wonderful hike! Many options for longer/shorter trails either through refreshing springwater wadis and pools, or over dry land through the stunning desert landscape. The larger pools are beautiful and deep enough to actually swim through (not just wade). Plunging into the fresh spring water brings your body temperature down so you can enjoy the dry overland portions of the hike in relative comfort. Great for both adults or families with children, although if you have very small children in tow, I recommend nearby Nahal David instead, as here is less/easier walking before you get to water.
4. 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!
5. Nachal David Stream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By 11KarenS - New York City, United States
On a hot summer day we came to Nahal David. Right near the parking lot there is a pleasant walk that takes you to see some of the water falls. It took about an hour round trip. You can go into the water and cool off.
6. 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.
7. The Masada Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
8. 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.
9. Funtasy Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Looking for attractions at the Dead Sea ? Come to Funtasy island - The lowest attractions at the world, but at the higher standards ! 7D cinema and a family laser tag arena are waiting for you ! Laser Tag Dead Sea: Equipped with laser guns and an advanced vest, you'll enter a dark and futuristic maze where danger lurks behind every corner. From the beginning of the mission, rhythmic music, ambiguous and electrifying atmosphere, in a futuristic battlefield you must hit your opponents to score as many points. Want to feel what it's like to live in a movie ? 7DMAX - Powerful multi-sensory cinema! In this cinema there are high-quality 3D movies (13-7 minutes), chairs that move in sync with the plot in the film, and a host of cool effects to enhance the experience - wind, rain, smell, tickling, smoke, lights and more. The cinema offers a variety of films - children's films, action, action horror films and more. The attraction is located at Leonardo club hotel. Suitable for ages 4.
10. 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!
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