8 Things To Do In Beit Shemesh, Israel

Things to do in Beit Shemesh
Venkateshwar
Venkateshwar 
Published
| 3 min read

Located in the center of Israel between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the Beit Shemesh city is surrounded by beautiful hills, rivers, plains, hikes, archaeology and biblical/historical sites. Rishon/Ashkelon region beaches and other coastal attractions are just a short distance of just 35 minutes from the city. The history of Beit Shemesh goes back to pre-biblical times. The ruins of the ancient Biblical city can be seen at Tel Beth-Shemesh (Tell er-Rumeileh), a tell located near the modern city.

Beit Shemesh is home to a number of playgrounds and great parks with beautiful landscape. The city has a number of large shopping areas such as the Naimi Mall, Ramat Beit Shemesh Shopping Area (Merkaz Mischari), and Outdoor Big (strip mall); with much more under construction. Beit Shemesh and nearby areas are a joy for Israel’s bike riders with some of the country’s prominent mountain bike tracks. If you are planning to visit Beit Shemesh, visit these top attractions.

1. Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve

Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve @ Awesome experience

Posted by Madhu Kamle on Saturday, 21 May 2016

The fascinating cave is located in a suburban area. It is a small cave but the stalagmites and stalactites are varied and very beautiful. The audio visual at the beginning is wonderful.

There are many guided tours in multiple languages; English, Arabic, Spanish, and more. The guided tours are short and designed to provide adequate information for learning. There are a number of stairs to go down to reach there and then climb so beware of that.

Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve

Address: Beit Shemesh, Israel

Website: Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve

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2. The Biblical Museum of Natural History

Biblical museum of natural history 5.2017

Posted by Presh Gross on Friday, 5 May 2017

A combination of Biblical lore with naturalist knowledge, the museum is worth the trip to Beit Shemesh, especially if you or your kids like reptiles. The guide takes you on a tour, in which you learn about animals native to Israel, which are Kosher and which are not and why. The hour and a half tour are very informative and interactive. There are furry animals, reptiles, lots of shells, skulls, and eggs to touch along with a great photo opportunity with a giant snake.

The Biblical Museum of Natural History

Address: Ha-Tzaba St 5, Beit Shemesh, Israel

Website: The Biblical Museum of Natural History

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3. Adventure Israel day tours

Posted by Adventure Israel on Saturday, 11 February 2017

If you are an avid adventurer, Adventure Israel is the place for you. Ariel of Adventure Israel is an amazing guide and instructor. He organizes the program events such as rappelling, hiking, rock climbing, camping, and outdoor cooking with an extremely high level of professionalism.

He teaches people how to go rappelling and rock climbing. Ariel even shows how to bake pitas from scratch for lunch. Adventure Israel offers great and friendly service, tents are always ready in the campsite, barbecue is delicious, bonfire beautiful and help and advice always comes with a cheerful happy smile throughout.

Adventure Israel day tours

Address: Beit Shemesh, Israel

Website: Adventure Israel - Day Tours

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4. Adullam Grove Nature Reserve

Adullam Grove Nature Reserve in Israel ! Ancient Aliens ?

Posted by Roland Perez on Tuesday, 16 August 2016

Nestled between rolling hills and beautiful Mediterranean nature, it is a unique combination of ancient Jewish history, archaeology, and outdoor activity. You can watch the 2,000-year-old ruins of Khirbat Madras, Khirbat Burgin, and Khirbat Etri. If you wish to visit the caverns and underground passages, you need to bring torches. You also need to bring your own water and food but cannot leave anything behind.

Adullam Grove Nature Reserve

Address: Beit Shemesh, Israel

Website: Adullam Grove Nature Reserve

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5. Tzora Vineyards

Wine tasting at Tzora Vineyards.

Posted by Israel Adventure Journeys LTD. on Tuesday, 22 March 2016

If you appreciate wine, then Tzora is one of the wineries to visit. This boutique winery produces some of the best wines in Israel. The October 2016 issue of the Wine Spectator listed their Misty Hills with the highest score of 93, as well as Judean Hills 2014, Judean Hills White 2014, Shoresh White Judean Hills 2014, and Shoresh Red Judean Hills 2014 in their recommended wines from Israel. The winery is located at a very pleasant spot, and the tasting room is very nicely presented. Reminiscent of old-world wine regions where more emphasis is placed on terroir than grape variety.

Tzora Vineyards

Address: Kibutz Tzora, Israel

Website: Tzora Vineyards

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6. Israel Police Heritage Centre

Posted by NYPD Muslim Officers Society on Thursday, 2 March 2017

The museum has numerous photographs and exhibits of police items from the Ottoman Empire through modern times. It displays a rich fascinating history of Israel through the lives of police officers in the country. The museum displays all the old cars and equipment used from the beginning of Israel. It is quite useful for history buffs, the military, and law enforcement personnel.

Israel Police Heritage Centre

Address: Beit Shemesh, Israel

Website: Israel Police Heritage Centre

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7. Olya's Hot Glass Studio

Grisha in focus, #sculturing #Krang #glassstudio #israelglass #glassblowing

Posted by Olya's Hot Glass Studio on Wednesday, 3 May 2017

The glass blow course at Olya is an amazing experience. Olya explains about glass and steps in the glass blowing process in detail. She makes you feel like expert glass artists. You can make our own creation to take home.

Olya's Hot Glass Studio

Address: Avi'ezer 161, 99680 Aviezer, Israel

Website: Olya’s Hot Glass Studio

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8. Ellah Valley

This mornings sunrise over Ella Valley near Beit Shemesh.

Posted by Seth Aronstam on Sunday, 29 January 2017

It is the site of the Battle of David and Goliath. David fought Goliath with a slingshot and some stones. And eventually, David became king. But it started with his faith in God and no fear of the giant in the Valley of Elah.

It has tremendous historical Biblical significance. There are remnants and excavations. Tel Azeka near Britannia Park gives a great view of the valley.

Ellah Valley

Address: Beit Shemesh, Israel

Website: Ellah Valley

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Site of the battle of David and Goliath

Modern bet shemesh
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dustinroyer used under CC BY 2.5

A place of historical Biblical significance, Ellah Valley and the pre-biblical times’ history of Beit Shemesh makes it a place of significant importance for the history and adventure lover. Surrounded by beautiful hills, rivers, plains, hikes, archaeology, biblical/historical sites, Rishon/Ashkelon region beaches and other coastal attractions, Beit Shemesh has carved a niche for itself among the globe trotters and is worth visiting.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Journalist and a freelance writer based in India, traveling for K.Venkateshwar.Rao means exploring the world in search of arts and culture, interesting people, great food, and hidden gems. He has...Read more

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