9 Best Sights in Tel Aviv, Israel

In front of the hotel of the same name, Hilton Beach is very popular, especially with enthusiastic matkot players. The northern end of the beach is a gay-friendly area known as Gay Beach, which can get packed on sunny summer afternoons, especially during Tel Aviv Pride. Here you'll also find Dog Beach, which got its name because pampered pooches are let off their leashes to play. There is no car access, so walk or bike down the promenade to reach this stretch of sand. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

Commonly known as Manta Ray Beach (for the outstanding restaurant that sits right on the beachfront), Alma Beach is one of those under-the-radar spots that attracts more locals than tourists. Smaller than the sprawling beaches in the city center, Alma Beach is within easy walking distance of the charming Neve Tzedek and Jaffa neighborhoods, enticing residents to pop down for a quick swim before or after work. For those with more time to spare, modern conveniences are available, from sun loungers to umbrellas and public toilets. If you get peckish, Manta Ray's deliciously fresh seafood dishes are literally steps away. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

At the southern end of Hayarkon Street, Dolphinarium Beach (sometimes known as Aviv Beach) has a festive atmosphere, especially on Friday around sunset. Young Israelis, many of whom have returned from post-army trips to Asia or South America, gather for drumming circles and other group activities. It's also a popular spot for music festivals and concerts. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset.

Facing a strip of restaurants and cafés on the seaside promenade, Frishman Beach is across from many of the larger hotels and gets its fair share of tourists. The shallow water makes it popular with families. Saturday morning it attracts Israeli dancing circles. Lounge chairs are available for a fee, but there's not much quiet because of the lifeguards constantly screeching over the loudspeaker. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset.

At the end of Gordon Street, this wide beach is popular with local families because of its calm water and tidal pool. Weekends you'll find both sunbathing travelers and youngsters lining the beach with sand castles. Gordon Pool, just north of the beach, is a saltwater pool that's good for swimming laps. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; toilets. Good for: swimming; walking.

About 10 km (7 miles) north of Tel Aviv is this white-sand beach lined by well-manicured lawns. Nearby are restaurants, cafés, and a handful of luxury high-rise hotels. From central Tel Aviv, Dan's Bus 90 heads to this beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

At the bottom of Allenby Road, Jerusalem Beach is known for its beachside café featuring Brazilian bands that get the crowd dancing. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers.

This stretch of sand near the Yarkon River attracts a younger crowd. It's an especially good choice for families because it has a long sandbar that keeps the waves gentle. Many people nurse a beer at the nearby pub and watch the sunset. Just south of Metzizim Beach is a private area for Orthodox Jews who prefer gender-separated swimming. Women come on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, while men are here on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Everyone is welcome on Saturday, and it's one of the area's mellowest beaches. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers, toilets. Best for: partiers; swimming.

In the northern reaches of Tel Aviv, Tel Baruch Beach is popular among families with young children because it has a breakwater that softens the waves. Because it's the farthest beach from downtown, it can often be less crowded. However family-friendly during the day, the section to the north has an unsavory reputation after dark. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.