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Here you can experience the culture of Ethiopian Jews.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Located in the northern part of the modern city, preserves the extensive remains of the ancient city, both the Caananite and Egyptian city on the dramatic tel or high city-mound, and the extensive, well-preserved Romano-Byzantine city below. Extensively excavated and reconstructed since 1989, this antiquity site is one well worth visiting.
The stream which runs north of ancient Beit Shemesh. A nice, scenic, easy hike.
Has a great natural spring ("HaMaayan"/"Ein Yehudah") with clean water, a diving-board and a Tarzan swing. Hold you feet very still and you can feel the tiny fish biting your toes. You might meet other people and maybe get some free food from someone making a bbq. Mostly young people with their friends or soldiers visit the natural spring. No entry on Saturday.
A short river fed by spring water that is great for swimming in on a hot day. Water depth is a consistent 1-2 meters, so you can go in on foot and the water will push you along, like a natural "lazy river". As of last notice, entry is free and unrestricted. A great stop on a trip through the region.
A small zoo where you can see, pet, and feed a variety of Australian wildlife. The name combines the Hebrew "Gan" (garden/park) with the word "Kangaroo".
Sakhne
A natural water park, with a spring that maintains a constant 28-degree Celsius temperature, so the water is good for swimming all year around. There are a number of pools here, and large park areas, as well as an archaeology museum, and a reconstructed early Zionist "Stockade and Tower" settlement from the 1930s. Be sure to get a natural massage from the waterfall just before the last pool and then the natural whirlpool in the last pool.