5 Best Sights in Center City, Tel Aviv

In front of the hotel of the same name, Hilton Beach is very popular, especially with enthusiastic matkot players. The northern end of the beach is a gay-friendly area known as Gay Beach, which can get packed on sunny summer afternoons, especially during Tel Aviv Pride. Here you'll also find Dog Beach, which got its name because pampered pooches are let off their leashes to play. There is no car access, so walk or bike down the promenade to reach this stretch of sand. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

At the southern end of Hayarkon Street, Dolphinarium Beach (sometimes known as Aviv Beach) has a festive atmosphere, especially on Friday around sunset. Young Israelis, many of whom have returned from post-army trips to Asia or South America, gather for drumming circles and other group activities. It's also a popular spot for music festivals and concerts. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset.

Facing a strip of restaurants and cafés on the seaside promenade, Frishman Beach is across from many of the larger hotels and gets its fair share of tourists. The shallow water makes it popular with families. Saturday morning it attracts Israeli dancing circles. Lounge chairs are available for a fee, but there's not much quiet because of the lifeguards constantly screeching over the loudspeaker. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset.

At the end of Gordon Street, this wide beach is popular with local families because of its calm water and tidal pool. Weekends you'll find both sunbathing travelers and youngsters lining the beach with sand castles. Gordon Pool, just north of the beach, is a saltwater pool that's good for swimming laps. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; toilets. Good for: swimming; walking.

At the bottom of Allenby Road, Jerusalem Beach is known for its beachside café featuring Brazilian bands that get the crowd dancing. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers.