Best locations for your Independence Day barbecue - Attractions - Israel travel and tourism

A barbecue is the traditional Independence Day pastime, and every year thousands of Israelis take to the parks and nature reserves to celebrate the birth of the nation with meat, salads and a grill. Here are some of the best places in Israel for a barbecue:

Britannia Park, Yehuda Plains

This beautiful piece of land is spread over 40,000 dunams of natural scrubland. The park features remnants of the biblical city, views over the valley, archeological remains from the tunnels built during the period of the Bar Kochba rebellion, as well as walking trails, outdoor grill areas and play facilities.

Location: Take Route 383 from Tel Azeka Junction, in a westerly direction. After 18km turn south and look out for signs to the park.

(Photo: Nir Kafri)

Zarya Forest

The Zarya Forest is a great site for a picnic, offering views that will take your breath away as well as natural fauna, archeological sites and lookout points.

Location: Take the main entrance to the Zarya Forest from Route 44 and continue for 2km north-west until the Shimshon Intersection. Turn left according to the Forest signposts, along the main route, "Derekh Ha'Pesalim."

Park Yakum-Poleg Nature Reserve

Park Yakum is an excellent location for picnics and barbecues. It is situated adjacent to the Poleg Nature Reserve, south of Netanya, in the heart of which lies a man-made lake, populated by a variety of birds. Enjoy the park's lawns, shaded areas and picnic benches as well.

Cost: 30 NIS per person.
Location: Take the entrance from Route 2 in the direction of Kibbutz Yakum. Those coming from the south, turn right towards Yakum. Those approaching from the north will need to head north on the underground pass located at the entrance to Kibbutz Gash.

Antipatris Fortress, Rosh Ha'Ayin

The National Yarkon Park neighbors the Tel Efek (Antipatris) site and Morasha Junction. The fortress boasts great views over the Yarkon Springs, along with flora and animals, a petting zoo, play facilities and barbeque grills for the use of visitors.

Cost: 23 NIS adults; 12 NIS children.
Opening hours: April-September 08:00-17:00; October-March 08:00-16:00.
Location: The park is located on the Hod Ha'Sharon-Petach-Tikva Road between Yarkon Junction and Segula Junction.

Eshtaul Forest, Neve Shalom

Towering pine trees, picnic tables, a range of children's play facilities and quaint picnic areas set in the heart of nature-all of this awaits you in Eshtaul Forest, the home of tranquility.

Location: Take Route 1, turn off at Latrun Junction and travel south on Route 3. After 3km turn off at Neve Shalom Junction and take the road toward Neve Shalom.

Woodlark Park, Beit She'an Valley

A water park offering three natural bathing pools, play facilities, water attractions, an animal park, hospitality tent, shaded areas, barbeque spots and showers and changing-rooms.

Cost: 29 NIS for anyone over 3 year.
Location: Woodlark Park, Beit She'an Valley, Beit She'an

Ramat HaNadiv, Zichron Yaakov

In an area rich in history, you will also come across beautifully-tended, European-style gardens, a range of walking paths, archeological sites, shaded areas and well-equipped barbeque grill sites.

Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 08:00-16:00; Friday and holiday eve 08:00-14:00; Saturdays and festivals 08:00-16:00
Location: Zichron Ya'akov

Sachne, Beit She'an Valley

Gan Ha'Shlosha (Sachne) National Park is one of the most scenic (and - beware - most popular) places in Israel, where you can spend time surrounded by natural pools, bridges, waterfalls, a children's play area and shaded picnic sites.

Cost: 33 NIS adults; 23 NIS children.
Location: Route 669 between the HaShita and Beit She'an Intersections.

Ein Zeitim, Biria Forest

The Biria Forest is one of the largest in the Galilee and borders the Ein Zeitim picnic spot which features a play area, picnic tables and a range of sports' facilities.

Location: Travel to the town of Safed and from there continue onto the Meron Intersection on Route 89; when you reach the Ein Zeitim Intersection, turn left.

Rayim, Be'eri Forest

The Be'eri forest adjoins the western Negev region. The Rayim picnic spot lies in the center of the forest and offers barbeque sites, children's play facilities, abundant fauna and a unique grove of Agave plants which can grow to heights of up to five meters.

Location: From the Sa'ad-Rayim Intersection (Route 232), between signs marked 38-39km, take the asphalt road signposted in red.

Yad Mordechei

The 'Derekh Ha'Shizaf' picnic spot in the Yad Mordechei Forest offers an abundance of Eucalyptus, Sycamore and Pistachio trees as well as grill facilities and tables.

Location: Kibbutz Yad Mordechei, Yad Mordechai.

Yatir Forest, Lahav

The Yatir Forest is the largest wooded area in Israel, bordering Mount Hevron in the southern Yatir region. The forest plays host to more than four million trees and within this site, under the care of the Jewish National Fund, you will also find picnic tables, barbeque and play facilities.

Location: Continue east at the Shoket Intersection on Route 31. Turn left (north) onto Route 316 and continue straight. The Yatir Forest is situated on the right-hand side of the road after 13km.

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