It maybe only a medium-sized burg by international standards, but it’s as busy as the biggest of them. While in European cities you’re likely to find people relaxing in a nice verdant park, Tel Aviv has an unfortunate shortage of green due to the heat and general aridness of the region. It does have Park Ha’Yarkon—the city’s largest park, situated on the northern outskirts of the city—but as far as inner-city parks go, all Tel Aviv has is the small and dusty Gan-Meir. Therefore, …More

Blessed with picture postcard views and neighborhoods of incomparable charm, San Francisco is the city where everyone leaves their heart, as the song lyric goes. Whether wandering foggy streets with your arm snuggled around a lover, stealing a kiss from your sweetheart in a hilltop park on a bright sunny day as a spectacular view stretches out below you, sharing a bottle of fine Napa wine with the object of your affection overlooking the bay or whispering sweet nothings to each other over cocktails in an elegant …More

No trip to the Tel Aviv area would be complete without a gander through the restored Tel Aviv Port, known locally (and forthwith here) as the Namal. This special attraction is located in the northern region of the city where the Yarkon River empties into the Mediterranean. From morning till late at night, there’s a whole lot going on at the Namal, but first—a brief summary of its interesting history.  In the late 1930s, the pre-independence struggle prevented Jewish access to the ancient port of …More

Beautiful people and gorgeous climate notwithstanding, the City of Angels is not health heaven. For starters, L.A. is a leading edge producer of ingeniously tempting, grease-laden fast food. Also, urban sprawl and limited public transportation means that, yes, nobody walks in L.A.—not if they can afford a car. You literally have to go out of your way to exercise.  Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to do that. Those seeking places to work out will find scores of gyms to choose from, from the muscly …More

Eilat, nudged at the tip of the Red Sea, this former military post and port has evolved into a beach hotspot frequented by sun starved Europeans and rightly so. Life on the sea takes center stage in this city on the edge of the Negev desert, as do many of its attractions. And after dark, nightlife reigns supreme. Start your day with some fish—or perhaps coral—for breakfast. Eilat’s subtropical climate means the water is warm and the underwater fauna accordingly colorful. Among the top rated …More

Santa Monica immediately brings to mind glistening images of the beach. Yes, the beaches are beautiful but there’s plenty else to do besides just sitting on a beach chair and getting a tan.  Visit the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, which offers guests a chance to touch sea stars, crabs, sea urchins, snails, and sea cucumbers. The aquarium is just a $5 suggested donation and free for children under 12 when accompanied by a parent.  For people seeking peace and quiet, visit The Palisades Park, …More