Tel Aviv-Yafo is Israel's coastal commercial and cultural capital, home to about 475,000 people in the city and about 4 million in the wider Gush Dan metro. It combines the Bauhaus-style White City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), 14 km of Mediterranean beaches, the ancient port of Jaffa, the Carmel Market and a restaurant, cafe and nightlife scene that runs through the night, including on Friday evenings.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Tel Aviv.
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- lively urban beach with matkot games and cafes
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- sunbed rental
- cafes
- Gordon Pool (paid)
Gordon Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10:00 on summer weekends to claim a spot near the lifeguard tower
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- popular, sociable central beach with volleyball
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- sunbed rental
- cafes
- beach volleyball
Frishman Beach
Editor’s tip. Visit before 10:00 or after 16:00 in summer to avoid the midday crowd
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- friendly local beach with paddle-ball games
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- sunbed rental
- cafes
- matkot courts
Bograshov Beach
Editor’s tip. Come early on weekends to find space near the water
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- casual beach bar and sunset crowd
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- beach bar
- sunbed rental
- volleyball
Banana Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before noon on summer weekends for sunbeds
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- relaxed family beach, a little calmer than central stretches
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- sunbed rental
- kiosk
- shaded seating
Metzitzim Beach
Editor’s tip. Come on weekday mornings for the quietest conditions
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- surfers, dog walkers and a beach bar crowd
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- surf school
- dog-friendly area
- beach bar
Hilton Beach
Editor’s tip. Surf season runs from September to March; book lessons ahead on weekends
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- quiet, modest separate-sex beach
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- separate women's and men's days
- sunbed rental
Nordau Beach (separate-sex beach)
Editor’s tip. Check the posted gender schedule at the entrance before arriving
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- spacious, quieter northern beach with parking
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- wide sand
- kiosk
- parking
Tel Baruch Beach
Editor’s tip. Drive or take a taxi if carrying beach gear; parking is easier than in the centre
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- relaxed beach bars and sunset seating
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- beach bars
- matkot courts
- sunset seating
Jerusalem Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive for late afternoon to secure sunset seating
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- calm, relaxed local beach near Neve Tzedek
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- calmer water
- kiosk
- shaded seating
Alma Beach
Editor’s tip. Visit on weekdays for a quiet swim
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- green park setting, family picnics and sunset
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- park lawns
- parking
- playground
Charles Clore Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on summer weekends to secure parking
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- quiet, local Jaffa beach with wide sand
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- wide sand
- kiosk
Givat Aliyah Beach (Jaffa)
Editor’s tip. Combine with a visit to Jaffa Old Port and the flea market
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- residential, family-oriented with a long promenade
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- playgrounds
- cafes
- wide promenade
Bat Yam Beach
Editor’s tip. Take the Red Line on weekdays; it does not run on Shabbat
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- upscale resort beach with beach clubs
- lifeguard
- showers
- toilets
- beach clubs
- sunbed rental
- parking
Herzliya Accadia Beach
Editor’s tip. Check which sections are public and which belong to clubs or hotels
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Tel Aviv’s coast.
Is Gordon Beach free to enter?
Yes, the sand and sea are open to the public without charge. Sunbed rental and Gordon Pool carry separate fees.
From the Gordon Beach editorial.
How far is Gordon Beach from Dizengoff Street?
It is about 1 km west, roughly a 15-minute walk down Gordon Street to the HaYarkon promenade.
From the Gordon Beach editorial.
How do visitors get to Frishman Beach?
It is about 12 minutes on foot along Frishman Street from Dizengoff Square, or a short Dan bus ride to HaYarkon Street.
From the Frishman Beach editorial.
Are facilities available at Frishman Beach?
Yes, showers, toilets, sunbed rental and lifeguards are provided, with cafes along the promenade.
From the Frishman Beach editorial.
How far is Bograshov Beach from Dizengoff Street?
About 700 m, or roughly a ten-minute walk along Bograshov Street.
From the Bograshov Beach editorial.
Are sunbeds available?
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented at the beach, and showers and toilets are provided.
From the Bograshov Beach editorial.
Where is Banana Beach?
It is on HaYarkon Street near Geula Street, about 1.5 km south-west of Dizengoff Square.
From the Banana Beach editorial.
Is there food and drink on the beach?
Yes, a beach bar and nearby kiosks serve drinks and light food.
From the Banana Beach editorial.