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The historic caravanserai at the entrance to the Shaar Hagai valley. Now a museum commemorating the convoys which broke the blockade on Jerusalem.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Remains of Palmach armored vehicles that were destroyed by the Jordanian Legion forces while trying to break the blockade of Jerusalem during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. You can see the vehicles along the side of Route 1 as you drive by. You might be able to stop for a closer view by exiting Route 1 at the Shoresh interchange (just to the east of the vehicles).
An park in the Yad HaShmona moshav which shows the lifestyle and culture of the residents living in this region during the Bible period, as well as the Talmud and Mishnah periods. The park includes orchards, fields, vineyards, and restored paths, as well as authentic archaeological findings.
Avshalom Cave
A cave full of stalactites, stalagmites, and other impressive rock formations. It's an especially good choice in summer due to the cool underground air. You have to enter on a (free) organized tour (which often includes an entire class of school kids). You will need to wait at least 20 minutes for a tour, so be sure to arrive at least an hour before closing time. Tours are normally in Hebrew, but Arabic or English ones can be arranged. Beware that the nearest public transportation is about 5 km away, in Nes Harim or Beit Shemesh. When you turn off road 3866 to get to the cave, there is a nice picnic spot on your right, with a great view in all directions. If you're lucky, the gate to the lookout tower will be open and you can see the view from there (say hi to the fire-spotter, if he's up there).
A very large and elaborate water cistern carved in a rock. During the First Temple period water used to be stored in it as it was mainly used for agricultural purposes. After the destruction of the First Temple, and after the Jewish population returned to the region after the Babylonian exile period, the cistern was used as a Mikveh (bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion in Judaism). During the 4th century the site became a popular place of pilgrimage and worship for John the Baptist, and on the caves walls drawings were carved which relate to John the Baptist or to Christianity.