5 Best Parks and Gardens in Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv University Botanical Garden is well-respected research and educational institution in Israel. As such, the Garden offers its visitors unique scientific access to the plants' hidden world. The place has an impressive display of approximately 3800 plant species, mostly from Israel and the near area but also from the world. While the Botanical Garden provides an enriching ecological experience, it is also a true tranquil gem. The colorful flowers and vegetation make this place a great calm and relaxing outdoor option for children and adults equally.

Undoubtedly one of the best parks in Israel, Yarkon Park (Park HaYarkon, also called Ganei Yehoshua) is approximately 3,800 acres park with a long river and numerous activities for all the family. The park is full of green lawns, accessible walking and bicycle trails, sculptures, shaded sitting, barbecue areas, and fitness facilities. The place and surroundings offer many attractions, including Yarkon River sailing (Fun Park), TLV Balloon, Meymadion, Luna Park, iSkate, and Trampolines Park.

Other noteworthy attractions at Yarkon Park are the unique gardens: the Tropical Garden, Rocks Garden, the Trimmed Garden with some archeological findings, and the 30 acres Cactus Garden. Also, notables are the 10 mills and 7 mills archeological sites which show the remains of flour mills, millstone, and dam that were situated in this area.

Lovely Park with a splendid view of the Mediterranean. Inaugurated in 1952, Gan HaAtzmaut (Independence Park) includes green lawns, Mediterranean vegetation, and a beautiful mosaic ornamental pool. It surrounds the Hilton hotel and also includes a few memorials, a Muslim cemetery, statues, a playground for the children, and walking trails. The park receives mythological statues from the gay community since the late 1970s where it becomes a favorite place for gays socializing and cruising. In 2009 the park undergoes a massive renovation and the gay community abandons the place but it is still considered a milestone in Israel's LGBTQ history.

Meir Park (also Meir Garden, Gan Meir) is an engaging small park in the middle of a hectic urban area. The garden was named after the first Tel Aviv mayor, Meir Dizengoff, and was inaugurated in 1944. Meir Park is lighted and well decorated and has an ornamental pool, trees, and shaded sitting areas. The place is also a famous LGTB hub. It hosts Tel Aviv Municipal LGBT Community Center and is home to the main LGTB services and activities in the city. It is also home to the Gay and Lesbian Memorial, dedicated to the gays and lesbians who were persecuted and murdered by the Nazis. As one of the notable spots of the LGTB community, Meir Park is the starting point of Tel Aviv's stupendous Pride Parade.

Charles Clore Park is where the sun rays embrace you and the shores of the Mediterranean Sea are right in front of you. The Park has an invincible view of Tel Aviv shores, green lawns, sculptures, and wide walking and bicycle trails. It also includes a playground, barbecue area, yoga deck, and the Etzel in 1947 – 1948 Museum. Charles Clore Park is connected with the bewitching Tel Aviv promenade and Jaffa and is a perfect way to explore the Tel Aviv-Yafo shoreline and catch a fresh breeze from the sea. The Park hosts the annual Tel Aviv Pride Parade and is expected to accommodate the Eurovision Village of the 64th Eurovision Song Contest in May 2019.