Hilton Beach

As you might have guessed Tel Aviv’s Hilton Beach gets its name from the Hilton Hotel which overlooks the beach. But this isn’t a private hotel beach. Far from it this is one of the most bustling, diverse beaches in Tel Aviv.

Popular with both locals and tourists alike this central beach is a series of well-manicured sandy crescents separated by rocky breakwaters. Not only do the breakwaters help keep the sand in place and protect the beach from the Mediterranean waves; they also rather conveniently divide the beach into three areas, all with their own character.

To the north is the “Dog Beach” (Hof Haklavim), which as the name suggests is a dog friendly beach. This is one of the few spots along the Tel Aviv coast where locals can bring their four-legged friends to run wild on the sand and frolik in the sea.

You may notice the high wooden fence along the northern side of the dog beach. This separates it from the ultra-orthodox bathing beach of Nordau Beach beyond. Given such conservative values exist here, it is almost ironic that the Middle Hilton Beach is one of the most famous gay beaches in the world. Marked out by the rainbow flags this section of beach becomes something of a hub for activities during Tel Aviv’s Gay Pride week.

The most southerly section of Hilton Beach is often referred to as the Surfer’s beach. Although the area offers a variety of watersports from kayaking to paddle-boarding it does actually have some good waves.