Herzliya Wave Breaker Walk

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Distance: 2.2km	Time: 1 hour	Difficulty: Easy
Ascent: 15m	Trailhead and Markers Gallery

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For everything there is a season. And summertime in Israel is not exactly hiking season.

In the summertime, it is generally hot outside.  This works okay if you’re willing to go on an early morning or sunset hike, especially a short one in a forested area.  Water hikes are also great for hot days.

But the fact remains that, especially for parents of little kids, the level, and type of hiking often has to change in the summertime.  Those who once planned 20 kilometer hikes in all parts of the country find themselves planning 2 kilometer walks on the beach (after a trip to the wax museum).  And this is exactly where we found ourselves last week, with our kids, on one of the last days of the summer.

We were finishing up a long vacation full of adventures.  And truth be told, it wasn’t just the kids who were too worn out from all the fun to complete a long and challenging hike somewhere.  I was recovering from a nasty virus.  A short, flat walk seemed about as much as I could handle.  So, I was really happy when my husband suggested this 2 kilometer walk along the wave breaker in Herzliya.

Our plan for the afternoon was to hit up the small wax museum in the mall near the marina, park ourselves on the beach for an early picnic dinner, then stroll out along the wave breaker as the sun set.

And it turned out to be a great day!  Despite my exhaustion, I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet coastal walk at sunset.  The kids were very happy to have a more chilled out kind of adventure.  And we all enjoyed watching the sailboats and ships setting out into the sea with the setting sun.

Here’s how we walked this 2 kilometer trail at the wave breaker in Herzliya:

City Life

We pulled into a parking lot near the start of the trail, after a very relaxing afternoon at the wax museum and a long picnic dinner.  I was ready to feel that sea breeze on my face and take in the sound of crashing waves.

The kids piled out of the car, and we made our way towards the start of the walkway, past surfers and sunbathers and moms entertaining their kids in the water.  At the beach, it was the very picture of summer serenity.

As we approached the walkway, we noticed large piles of concrete formations which had been used to form the wave breaker itself.  These geometric shapes looked almost artistic, scattered as they were in random piles.  Beyond the breaker towards shore, the sea was flat and calm.  The dry dock and the wet dock were home to all kinds of ships.

Moseying Along

On this walkway, we were free to just relax and walk.  It was absolutely unchallenging, as a late summer sunset walk on the coast should be.  We paused to take a look at the various sights: the fishermen, the pulley used to haul boats out of the water onto the dry dock, and the ships setting out on sunset cruises.

Down in the shallow water, we could see fish and crabs just underneath.  Seagulls flew overhead, along with pigeons here and there.  Despite its proximity to the city, there was plenty of nature to take in out there on the water.

Soon, we saw the end of the wave breaker in the distance.  A tall tower stood at the end, topped with an Israeli flag.  My youngest son ran towards it, hoping that we would be able to climb to the top.  But as we suspected, entrance to the tower’s ladder was blocked.

Stay for Sunset

Now it was time to settle in and enjoy the show.  With the waves crashing all around it, we each found our spot on the concrete piles.  Other couples appeared, each choosing their place on the benches scattered around the end of the walkway.  Someone asked me to take their picture.

And then, I lay down on a perfectly situated piece of concrete and closed my eyes.  It was so quiet and calm there.  As often happens near the sea, all noise was completed drowned out by the crashing of the waves.  I opened my eyes occasionally to watch the progress of the sun or a boat gliding by.  But mostly, I just sat there with my eyes closed, contemplating the end of the summer season.

Homeward Bound

We left just before the sun had fully set.   I wanted to take some more pictures of the place before darkness set in.  As they bopped along with the sea breeze in their faces, I could tell that my kids were really happy and content – and thankful that we had chosen this walk instead of a more intense adventure. They were so tired even without a long hike!

After a slow walk watching the last sliver of sun disappear below the horizon, we reached the car, tired and happy.  We were all ready to fall asleep on the long drive home.

This wonderful walk along the wave breaker in Herzliya certainly cannot be called a hike or even an adventure.  But it is a wonderful discovery near the city, a perfect way to send off the summer season.

Hikers’ Notes:

Here’s what you need to know to take this walk along the wave breaker in Herzliya:

• This is an all season trail.
• This is an out and back trail.
• Suitable for dogs.
• Great for kids!
• To follow the trail, drive to the Waze link in the table at the top of the page. You should see the pathway nearby. Follow it to the end and return the way you came.
• There are bathrooms and places to buy food at the beach.
• Free entry.

Don’t forget to read my guide to the navigational features in this post before you hit the trail!

Trail map from Amud Anan.

Questions? Have you walked at the wave breaker in Herzliya? Let’s hear about it in the comments!