If you travel to Israel and have time to see more than the usual sites, or if you want to see a typical residential area, visit Raanana. Raanana was founded by Jews from New York and has a large Anglo population. It’s a city that has retained the feel of its agricultural beginnings. The streets are tree-lined, and you only have to drive or walk for about 5 minutes out of the city and you’ll be in fields. It’s not a city for nightlife, but more for families, both religious and secular. The main attractions for visitors are the Mall and Park Raanana.
Why Visit Raanana Park?
Although there are other beautiful parks in Israel this is my favorite. You can never get bored here. The park is overflowing with large trees, and in such a dry country this is a blessing. From the entrance, you have a huge wooden frame for climbing which surrounds a skating area. Then a long tree-lined path takes you through open green spaces.
Along this path, you pass a mini-zoo, roller-blade area, basketball courts and football fields. Then you come to “park chuverim”. Park Chuverim, is a fully accessible playground for all children, no matter what their physical challenges are. Throughout the walk down the central path of the Raanana Park there are pieces of art, large sculptures, and interesting objects.
Raanana Park Lake and Restaurant
A little further on and you reach the lake. It is not exactly a lake in terms of its size, but you can see swans and ducks swimming around, as well as a gondola offering romantic rides. On the shore of this lake is a restaurant, with outdoor seating. Alongside the restaurant is a small art gallery. Further on from the lake there is a large amphitheater that hosts Israeli and international stars.
Take a different route from the lake, through the Garden of the Seven Israeli plants. which include olive trees, wheat, barley, grapes, date palm trees, figs, haddas and various herbs and spices.
Not Far from Raanana Park
Not far from Raanana is Hertzliya, a city that stretches down to the shore. Herzliya boasts some of the nicest beaches in Israel. Herzliya has a magnificent marina and adjacent mall.
To Visit Raanana Park
Where: Raanana, Sharon Valley, Israel. About 30 minutes north of Tel Aviv.
Getting there: Regular buses from Tel Aviv(No.47) or Jerusalem central bus station. Make sure the bus is going to the Park end of town, you need the Lowenstein (a hospital next to the park) bus stop, not the Raanana central bus stop which is at the other end of town.
When: All year round from 08:30 – late evening +/-22:00
Cost: Free
If you are into Geocaching you can find a geocache in the park!
SOunds great, I love discovering local places.
You found a great place, a great park. It is a place I sometimes take my granddaughters, even though it takes us some 20 minutes to get there.