Things to do & places to visit in Southern District, Israel

Southern District #4 destination in Israel 2023. The average rating score is 4.53 based on 26.0k traveler reviews, of 276 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Jerusalem, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 13:13.

Top things to do (38)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Ramon Crater (1.096 reviews)
- Amazing views, especially at sunset.
Geologic Formations

Ramon crater- or Wadi Al Ruman in it's Arabic name- is a must see place. It's an erosion crater found only in this part of the world so it's definitely one of a kind. It has so much history, landscape, wildernesses, and great views to see. You can take a 4 hours jeep tour that will cover all the touristic areas. When you visit there, make sure you don't miss the amonities wall, and visit it at sunset because it's outstanding. See more..
5.0 Fine Art & Doll Museum (771 reviews)
- Fine Art Surprise
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

On out way to a short vacation in the Dead Sea we stoped for a visit in their welcoming museum . Althoug we did not call in advance we were welcomed by Miri and Eddi to thier home museum. The house is full with amasing dolls sculptures art and love. Eddi and Miri are both very talented artist combining their talent together. We enjoyed the stories the tea the art and laughter . Most recommended See more..
5.0 Deep Desert Israel (512 reviews)
- "Knowledgeable team and outstanding experience!"
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We hired Deep Desert for a 2-hour off road guided tour at Ramon Crater and 2-hour night star gazing (with telescope and camp fire). Effie was our guide for both tours. He was a phenomenal guide, he was able to engage with the whole family. The morning tour was a treat for my husband, a geologist, and Effie was able to surprised him. He went above and beyond to recommend him other areas of the crater. We learn as well about the desert and life by Bedouins. My daughters (13 and 10 years old) specially liked the star gazing tour. Everything was ready when we arrived at night. Effie was passionate and explained in simple way complex concept. We all marveled with the telescopes. Don't miss it! Deep Desert is highly recommended. See more..
5.0 Masada Fortress (433 reviews)
- A sure pick!
Spent 2-3 hours Ancient Ruins • Historic Walking Areas

Amazing place, full of history. Magnificent views of the surrounding area. Extensive work has been done to make it accessible to tourists. Many explanations posted in English and Hebrew. Allow enough time to explore, preferably early in the day or later afternoon. Bring water bottles - they can be refilled at the information center or up on top - as well as hats snd sunscreen. Well worth the effort to drive there. Highly recommended. Will be glad to return again. See more..
5.0 Bateva (420 reviews)
- Amazing experience, beautiful and educational
Sunday: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Archaeology Tours • Day Trips

We took the astronomy activity with Nadav at Ramon craters dark sky preserve, we enjoyed and stayed with him for almost 3 hours, although it was supposed to be 1.5-2 hours activity. Nadav did it with a lot of passion and fun, and every one of us was amazed by the great views from the telescopes and the profound explains from Nadav. I highly recommand for all ages, its an amazing experience. See more..
5.0 Bet Guvrin-Maresha National Park (355 reviews)
- A great day even in the heat of the summer
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks

This 1,250 acre national park is filled with 2,000 year old archaeological sites that visitors can explore. See more..
5.0 Avdat National Park (343 reviews)
- Ruins of an ancient Nabatean city
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM National Parks • Canyons

In the heart of the desert, on a hilltop above the Tsin Stream watercourse, are the impressive remains of an ancient Nabatean city. See more..
5.0 Astronomy Israel (225 reviews)
- Fascinating!
Sunday: 9:30 PM - 11:30 PM Nature & Wildlife Tours

Ira Machevsky, the starman of Mitzpe Ramon, explained the heavens to us so well. He has a wealth of knowledge that he transmitted to us with such ease and with so much enthusiasm, that it was a pleasure listening to him. We went when the moon was two thirds full which increases the amount of light in the sky and therefore makes it harder to see the stars. I would recommend booking a time where the moon is dark; this can be found on his website. I would gladly do this tour of the skies again with him. See more..
5.0 Adam Sela (215 reviews)
- Outstanding experience
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

We did the 4 hour jeep tour of the crater with Naor. It was an amazing experience. Naor is a delight. He is very knowledgeable, extremely personable and friendly, and his explanations throughout were pitched at just the appropriate level for our group (5 adults ranging from 46- 75 years). His driving was excellent, and we felt very comfortable throughout. (Apart from anything else, it was obvious that Naor was very experienced at knowing where and how to photograph us and the incredible scenery.) Although several of us had done treks and trips in the Ramon crater in the past, Naor showed us things that were absolutely fascinating and beautiful, with just the right amount of explanation. We were very impressed with the organization of the Adam Sela company, who responded swiftly and appropriately to any queries, and the whole experience was conducted in a highly professional, yet friendly manner. We would unhesitatingly recommend this company. See more..
5.0 ANZAC Memorial Center (189 reviews)
- ANZAC Center With Amazing Guide!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Military Museums • History Museums

The ANZAC Memorial Center in Be’er Sheva was built in cooperation with the governments of Australia and Israel, the Be’er Sheva municipality, the JNF, JNF Australia and the CWGC. The Center is located near the cemetery for combatants of the First World War in Be’er Sheva. The ANZAC Memorial Center is a unique place in Israel that tells the story of the soldiers of the ANZAC and their conquest in the land of Israel. Pre-bookings are advisable. See more..
5.0 The Observatory of Eilat and the Arava (145 reviews)
- Tailor-made Night Sky Experience
Sunday: 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Observatories & Planetariums

You don't need a pith helmet or a visit to a safari outfitter to join one of our star safaris (warm clothes though are a good idea). Together we travel the Milky Way and beyond. Our regular Stargazing program is about an hour and a half long and introduces you to many of the wonders of the sky. We identify some constellations and asterisms, keeping everyone on the same object by pointing with our special green laser that appears to actually touch the stars. Through the eyepiece of our computerized telescope and handheld binoculars, we visit the nearby objects of our solar system, the Moon, Saturn and Jupiter and maybe even Mars and Venus and Uranus, all depending on the changes of the night sky from season to season, day to day and hour to hour. We continue out to Deep Sky Objects experiencing the beauty of open clusters, the colors, and folds of nebulae and the magnificence of globular clusters. Come winter you need warm clothes up on the mountain. See more..
5.0 Ramon Desert Tours (131 reviews)
- Jeep tour of the Ramon Crater
Eco Tours

Take this amazing and sometimes scary ride to the low points and high points of the Ramon Crater while you can still hop into and out of a Jeep on big tires. Oded gives fun and informative talks about the beautiful things we were seeing. Our driver Omer got us safely through terrain that was a cross between an adventure park ride and my worst nightmare. So worth it! No photo can capture the magnificence of this vast geological wonder. See more..
5.0 Beresheet Desert Tours (129 reviews)
- Amazing exposure to the nature
4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

We had a great experience with Gilad. We were with kids (6 and 10yo) and he proposed a great program to entertain the kids - info about geology, plants, rocks. He shared with us ideas on what to do in our free time (restaurant recommendation, hiking possibilities, activities for kids). The highlight was the sunset spot! We all had a great time! See more..
5.0 4x4Desert (124 reviews)
- Best way to see and learn about the crater!
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours

First, this company has the best price and is extremely convenient if you are traveling solo or in a very small group. Second, Moshe was an awesome guide, explaining how the maktesh came into being, its history and the various geological formations. Third the 4x4 trip is really fun. We explored the flora, including some that turn into soap, and tasted a horseradish plant. You really get to see the beauty of the place. Great way to see the place especially if you don’t have time for extensive hike. See more..
5.0 ExitGame Israel LTD (122 reviews)
- 10 y old vacaction girl
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:55 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

The ExitGame is a fun new entertainment concept in Israel. It is a real life adventure game designed for small groups of 2-5 people. Your goal is simple: work together as a team, testing your wits and skills, to escape from a locked room. While the goal is simple, the game is challenging. Getting through the locked door will require finding clues, solving puzzles, and working together as a team. See more..
5.0 Desert Prime (122 reviews)
- We Had An Awesome Time!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Boaz was an excellent guide and we thoroughly enjoyed our jeep tour with him. Boaz is incredibly knowledgable (and passionate) about the Ramon Crater and we learned so much about the geology, the flora and fauna and he made it all so fascinating. There were lots of little (and big) surprises along the way and Boaz was a warm, engaging host. We highly recommend Boaz's tour. Thanks Boaz for a very special and memorable tour! See more..
5.0 Eyal Korin- Ramon Crater Tours (122 reviews)
- Magnificent site only made better with a guide
Sunday: 5:00 AM - 7:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

It’s imperative to have a guide take you off toad. Not something we could go ourselves. Try to go at sunset Orr sunrise as the colors change with the light. It’s quite a view and what an incredible natural wonder. See more..
5.0 Desert Ride (119 reviews)
- Great adventure, very recommended with family and children.
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours

We booked the 1.5 hours ride called “around the lake”. It was great adventure, very beautiful desert scenery, the guide was professional and gave interesting geographic explanations. Very suitable for children . Driving only for adults holding driving license. 45 USDLRS per person for 1.5 hours . See more..
4.5 Underwater Observatory Marine Park (3.865 reviews)
- unique views underwater!
Aquariums

This marine park features a variety of exhibits including the Aquarium Museum, Shark Tank, Turtle and Stingray Pool, Underwater Observatories, Reef Tanks and the Oceanarium See more..
4.5 Dolphin Reef (2.764 reviews)
- Relaxation Pools with 60 minutes “one on one” time is a MUST!!
Sunday: Spent More than 3 hours Reefs • Beaches

The Dolphin Reef Eilat is an unique ecological site in Israel and throughout the world where you can enjoy a natural atmosphere, magical views, and a private beach, together with the unusual opportunity of meeting and observing dolphins in their natural habitat from the floating pier. See more..
4.5 Timna Park (1.828 reviews)
- Great adventure
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks

Surrounded by yellow sandstone mountains on three sides, this scenic valley features ancient copper mines, the red volcanic Mt. Timna at its center and “The Mushroom,” a sandstone rock shaped by wind and water resembling a giant mushroom. See more..
4.5 Coral Beach Nature Reserve (1.547 reviews)
- Must do
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Reefs • Nature & Wildlife Areas

With more than 100 types of stony coral and 650 species of fish, this coral reef is an excellent spot for underwater enthusiasts. See more..
4.5 Red Canyon (683 reviews)
- Nice and a bit extreme free attraction
Canyons

Depending on the weather, the view of the canyon is perfect and the fact that you can enter if for free and touch all the strange walls of these mountains makes it a must visit destination in Eilat. You can easily get there by car (turn to the red canyon not so obvious so use the navigation) or by public transport. I wouldnt go there with kids under ±10 y.o. as it may be quite difficult to pass some of turns at the canyon. Also if possible go there early in the morning, so there would not be so many visitors and you dont have to wait the line. See more..
4.5 The Alpaca Farm (417 reviews)
- Charming farm!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Safaris • Ranches • Horseback Riding Tours

In the heart of the Negev highlands, near the edge of the Ramon Crater, you'll find a unique guest farm where you can see a herd of beautiful llamas and alpacas, originally from South America, and enjoy an unforgettable visit for the whole family! You may choose to pet the animals, hand-feed them, ride a llama in the farm or a horseback ride to the amazing views of the Ramon crater or take part in one of the other fun activities offered at the farm. you will be able to visit in our boutique alpaca wool factory and to see the process from the wool to the sweater or yarn. Come for a few hours or stay in a wooden cabin for a few days, we look forward to seeing you! The Alpaca Farm Team See more..
4.5 Ramon Crater Visitor Center - Makhtesh Ramon (413 reviews)
- Beautiful place to visit
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

The Makhtesh (crater), above which the Makhtesh Ramon Visitors Center is located, is part of the Matsok HaTsinim and Har HaNegev nature reserves. The Visitors Center offers an experience combining the life story of the Israeli astronaut, Col. Ilan Ramon, while enabling visitors to become familiar with the largest makhtesh in the world and its unique natural phenomena. See more..
4.5 Princess Beach (301 reviews)
- Firts time on coral reef
Beaches

The best thing is that the air temperature was around 15 and water around 21. Dont want to go out the water. The bridge has stairs on both sides so you can go down to the water on the side with no wind. Water is quite clean and there is a lot of fishes. To be sure you are safe, Israeli military ship is standing near the beach. Is it wort to go and see what is under the water, esspeciali in January. See more..
4.5 Botanical Garden Of Eilat (270 reviews)
- A green oasis in the desert
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

On Monday The 20.1.20 we will open for visitors at 13:30 The nursery opens at 8:30 Welcome to The Botanical Garden of Eilat (in the organic farm) On the northern border of the town of Eilat is hidden a spectacularly beautiful garden - the botanical garden of Eilat. The garden was created on a former military outpost and is built on stone terraces in ancient Biblical style. Inside the garden there are rare plants from all over the world, a reconstructed stream, waterfalls, enchanting walking tracks, signposting, seating areas, bird sanctuaries and its crowning glory, a rain forest. The rain forest is the first of its kind in the world! A cool and refreshing experience for all the family. Does it sound like the Garden of Eden? That's just what it's like. In the Park: Plant nursery, sales centre, herbal teas and organic coffee, ice lollies and more See more..
4.5 Big Fashion Mall Ashdod (222 reviews)
- beautiful
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

BIG Fashion Ashdod Mall is described as one of the most beautiful and advanced malls in Israel and in the world. A shopping center built from European style streets, with the biggest brands and a great atmosphere for both shopping and entertainment. See more..
4.5 Isrotel Theatre (215 reviews)
- a wow show!!! amazing -
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theaters

WOW show is a tradition of Vegas style shows The concept changes every year for over 16 years by now The shows produced by Tevet Films in cooperation with Isrotel and the directed by Hanoch Rosen The WOW Vegas Show performers completely enthrall the audience by pushing the limits of human abilities, demonstrating their incredible strength, uproarious humor, and astonishing acrobatic and juggling abilities. All of this is wrapped in festive music and dancing, as well as dazzling, eye-catching Las Vegas-style costumes Our new WOW VEGAS is the 14th show in the series of performances. The show is entertainment for the whole family, Visirors must be 4 years of age or older The show plays every night at 20:30 except for Sundays at the Royal Garden hotel in Eilat (there may be changes) The show last 90 minutes without a break See more..
4.5 Hatzerim Israel Airforce Museum (200 reviews)
- planes 4 the whole family
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums

this muesum presents the history of israel in a special and interesting way, via planes!! come and spend the day here and in the beersheva area. See more..