Herzliya, Tel Aviv's affluent northern neighbour, is popular because of its fine, clean beaches, marina and string of seafront cafes. Just 13km north of Tel Aviv, its shores are notably quieter, though the town itself offers less to travellers.
Named after Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern Zionism, Herzliya started as a small farming community in 1924 and now consists of two main areas separated by Hwy 2. Herzliya Pituach (west of the highway) is where most of the restaurants, shops and beaches are found, whereas central Herzliya, east of the highway, is mainly residential and commercial.