The large number of trails in the park make it popular with joggers and cyclists alike. Image: Flickr user RonAlmog

Aside from the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the neatly groomed lawns abutting the calm river, the Park also has some interesting features.

In the eastern part of the park lie the Rock Garden and the Tropical Garden. The Rock Garden, one of the largest of its kind in the world, gives ample expression to Israel’s geological diversity. Poetic descriptions term the interesting rocks on display in ways such as “a gift from the sea” and “a message from the depths.” Wandering the trails in the 10-acre enclosure you’ll find the rocks interspersed with some 3,500 species of plants, including over six acres of cacti, many of them beautifully flowering. One trail leads to a scenic view of the Yarkon Park’s lake.

Across from the Rock Garden, is the five-acre Tropical Garden where a wooden walkway shaded by towering palm trees takes you too its own tiny lake where swans glide and fish frolic. The rainforest-like micro-climate is the perfect home for the huge variety of orchids and vines you’ll see along the way.

A tranquil break from the bustle of the city. Image: Flickr user EagleXDV

Nearby is a bike-rental center. With the breeze in your hair, take a refreshing ride around the park, or bike over to another of the park’s attractions, Seven Mills, a heritage site that straddles a narrow point of the Yarkon, where historic flour mills that ran on the stream’s power have been restored, and ducks and other water-loving birds abound. On the way, you’ll pass the lakeside paddle-boat rental station.

Ganei Yehoshua is also home to one of Israel’s largest water parks (complete with water slides, a wave pool and a toddlers’ pool), a bird sanctuary and petting zoo.

The Park is also home to Israel's National Rowing Center. Image: Flickr user RonAlmog

If you’re ready to for an active break from the city’s famous galleries and museums and to work off a few calories after eating and drinking well at Tel Aviv’s famous restaurants (and if there are youngsters who have been promised a chance to let off steam), start your Yarkon Park experience at the western part of the park at Sportec, an outdoor center with a 45-foot high climbing wall, whimsically known as “Olympus,” basketball and rollerblading courts (rollerblades and balls are for rent) and trampolines.

For more information, and for opening hours of the attractions, its best to call the park on 03-6422828 or 03-6990307 or visit www.park.co.il.

Surfing in Tel Aviv by Flickr user werkunz1

Surfing in Tel Aviv is incredibly popular. Surf schools dot the city’s coastline, and surf-boards are constantly seen around the city, usually on the side of a moped as its rider nips through the city traffic to the beach. Of the beaches in Tel Aviv, Hilton Beach, Maravi Beach, and Doplhinarium Beach are the most popular for surfers due to the wave conditions which are created. You can rent a board or take lessons at the surf-schools at these beaches, and have an unusual experience – surfing in the city.

Tel Aviv is not Israel’s only popular surf-spot. The beach at Herzliya is also very popular with surfers, and when the waves are good, is full of local surfers all year round. Meanwhile, further north you will find surfing in Netanya, surfing in Caesarea, and surfing in the city of Haifa.

Because of the water temperature in the Mediterranean, surfing in Israel happens all-year-round which is great. The water temperature are about 29 degrees Celsius (84 Fahrenheit) in summer, with swells at 1.5 to 3 feet, whilst in winter, water temperatures are about 14 degrees Celsius (57 Fahrenheit) and wave heights reaching up to about 10 feet in rougher conditions.

If you would like to go surfing in Israel, fill out the form below. The center we work with is located on the Mediterranean Coast and is one of the top schools in the country, and possibly in the world, having trained many champions!

The Olympus Climbing Wall simulate real rock climbing, only in a city environment which is much safer than mountains.

Segway

Another way of seeing Tel Aviv is by segway, a two wheeled electric vehicle. See www.segways.co.il for more information.

Extreme driving

The Maslulim Driving School in Rosh HaAyin near Tel Aviv offers advance driving courses.

The sea plays a huge part in the Tel Aviv lifestyle and water sports are very popular. From sailboats and windsurfing, to catamarans and jet skis, it is possible to rent and take lessons along the coast. Water skiing can be done in a man made lake in South Tel Aviv, whilst rowing is available in the Yarkon Park.

One of Tel Aviv’s top surfing schools is Topsea Surfing Center, where lessons are available whether you are a beginner of expert. Equipment can also be hired from here.

It is also possible to dive off the coast of Tel Aviv.

Jogging in Tel Aviv by Flickr user naama

The most idealistic place for jogging in Tel Aviv is the long seafront promenade which is popular in the early morning with Tel Avivians keeping fit. The further north, the better for jogging, although during the day the promenade does get quite busy. For those who want one, there is a jogging track at Sportek, on Rokach Blvd.

Alternatively, join the Tel Aviv Running Club who run in the city several times a week, and welcome guests in for free.

In nearby Herzliya, the quieter roads also make perfect jogging conditions.