Ashkelon National Park Park

Address: Ashkelon National Park, Ashkelon, Israel

Website: https://en.parks.org.il/ParksAndReserves/ashkelon-national-park/

Ashkelon National Park protects a coastal stretch and the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Ashkelon on Israel’s Mediterranean shore.

Within the park are the excavated remains of the ancient city mound (Tel Ashkelon), visible defensive works and material from Canaanite, Philistine, Roman and Byzantine periods as well as seaside areas used for swimming and recreation.

Archaeological research and public presentation are combined with visitor facilities, beaches and picnic areas, making the park a destination for both cultural heritage and seaside leisure.

The park sits adjacent to the modern city of Ashkelon on Israel’s southern coastal plain, roughly south of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area.

• Dual character: Combines coastal recreation with an extensive archaeological site spanning several millennia of habitation, making it suitable for families and history visits in a single trip.
• Location advantage: Located on Israel’s southern Mediterranean coast, near the modern city of Ashkelon and within easy reach of central Israeli population centers.

What to See#

• Tel Ashkelon: An archaeological mound and excavated ruins representing the ancient city core, with walls and remains from Bronze Age through Roman and Byzantine periods.
• Coastal beaches and dunes: A stretch of the Mediterranean coastline within the park that includes sandy beaches and seaside recreation areas used by residents and visitors.
• Roman and Byzantine remains: Areas with visible remains from Roman, Byzantine and later periods, including public structures and remains of the ancient harbor and port installations.

Ashkelon National Park is on the Mediterranean coast adjacent to the city of Ashkelon. You can take Israel Railways to Ashkelon railway station and then a short taxi or local bus ride to the park entrance. By car from Tel Aviv the drive is roughly south along Route/Highway 4 (about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic, roughly 50 km). Parking is available near the park.

• Visit in the late afternoon to combine cooler temperatures, softer light for photography and a chance to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean beaches inside the park.
• Plan a route that links the archaeological trails with the park's coastal sections - many visitors miss the continuity between the ancient ruins and the shoreline if they only hit one area.
• Check opening hours at the visitor center before you go (hours can change seasonally) so you don't arrive after gates close for the day.