Caesarea
Caesarea National Park, Caesarea, Israel
With a huge Roman-era theater, an ancient aqueduct framing a golden beach, and more, Caesarea is home to some of Israel’s most striking ruins. Built by Herod the Great around the time of Christ, the remains of this once-thriving port extend beneath the ocean, while waterfront restaurants and bars let you soak up the views in style.
Lapped by the blue Mediterranean, the remains of Caesarea are crazy photogenic. Highlights from Herod’s time include a waterfront palace, an amphitheater, the theater, which hosts concerts during summer, and a sunken harbor—perfect for a guided snorkel or scuba adventure. A bathhouse marks the remains of a Byzantine-era governor’s mansion, while a fortified city survives from Crusader times. A couple of museums and an informative visitor center help navigate the site. Most travelers visit Caesarea from Tel Aviv, typically with other north coast attractions such as the Crusader city of Acre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), historic Haifa with its gardens, and the Rosh Hanikra sea caves.
- There is a moderate admission charge to visit Caesarea National Park.
- The Aqueduct of Caesarea (Aqueduct Beach) is about a mile (1.5 kilometers) north of the rest of the site.
- Much of ancient Caesarea is wheelchair accessible, with a wheelchair-friendly bathroom in the theater area. The harbor front is generally easy to access; beaches are usually not.
- Caesarea National Park is family-friendly. Strollers are no problem but be aware that Aqueduct Beach is usually not lifeguard-protected.
Caesarea National Park sits on Israel’s north coast, about a 37-mile (59-kilometer) drive north of Tel Aviv. Pick up an 825 bus from Tel Aviv Central Station, then change to the 76 at Hadera River Junction. It loops through modern-day Caesarea then returns to stop close to the visitor center.
Caesarea National Park is open seven days a week, with shorter hours during the winter season, and early closing on Fridays and before religious holidays. Try to avoid visiting on Fridays and Saturdays (the Israeli weekend) and public holidays, when it can get very busy.
Herod gets a bad rap in Christian belief, but the historical king (73–4 BC) was a master builder. Caesarea’s artificial harbor broke new ground in port design: His majestic cliff-top fortress, Masada, is recognized with UNESCO World Heritage Status, while his Herodium fortress-palace, in the West Bank, still dominates its artificial mountain.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!