The Alexander River winds across the coastal plain just north of Netanya and is a quietly excellent walk on a hot day. The reach near Kibbutz Hama'apil has a paved riverside path, picnic areas, and a series of wooden viewing platforms over the slow brown water.
The headline attraction is the colony of African softshell turtles that live in the river — large, ancient-looking creatures that bask on the banks and slide into the water at the first vibration. Early morning is the best time to see them. Bring binoculars.