Ballıkayalar Valley-Gebze
The Ballıkayalar Valley is located in the Tavşanlı village of Gebze and is a declared "Natural Park and Protected Natural Area". The Valley is 1.5 km in length and has a width of 40-80 m. Mountaineers make climbing and ascending excursions upon the Valley and it is a karst strait with unique geomorphologic patterns as a result of the melting of lime stones. There are travel ledges on the freshwater limestone which lead to the lake, waterfalls and the Ballıkaya River within the valley. The canyon has suitable plains for camping and setting up tents and there are areas for walking trips along the east and west ridges.
Yuvacık Dam and Beşkayalar Natural Park
The Yuvacık Dam was built near the Yuvacık County in the valley where two large rivers meet. Before the dam was built there were attractive freshwater fish farms and nature grounds on the banks of the rivers. Later the dam lake became a great place to view with its Environmental beauties. By climbing the hills with a view of the dam, the Gulf and İzmit and after passing several villages the Aytepe village can be reached which is about an hour away frrom Yuvacık by walking. The region has been opened to weekend tourism and trekking takes place. By walking along the canyon where the Cold River and the Hot River meet the Menekşe Meadow and the Beşkayalar Natural Park is reached. The park area is one of Marmara's leading trekking sites. The region is also suitable for tent camps.
Maşukiye
The Maşukiye town of the Central County of Kocaeli Province located at the skirts of Kartepe, is a district of natural wonder with its fresh air, all green plant cover and Pasture Tourism, Mountain Tourism, picnic areas founded on Salmon trout Valley, waterfalls, restaurants, watching terraces, caves, tracking areas, Sapanca Lake available for water sports, greenhouses, medicinal water healing skin and stomach sicknesses.
Kocaeli City Forest-izmit
Our province is located within the county borders of İzmit Central County, in the vicinity of Umuttepe campus of Kocaeli University. As well understood frrom the ground purpose, the City Forests was founded to meet physical and spiritual rests of the people and to integrate them with nature as well as creating a consciousness about it except the traditional pastime understanding.
Kartepe and Kuzuyaylası (The Sheep Meadow)
İzmit Kartepe is located within the boundaries of Kocaeli and is at a height of 1606 m. The roads leading to Kuzu Yaylası are lined with pines, beeches, linden trees and flowers in a multitude of colors. The panorama view at Kuzu Yaylası and its wild nature creates a very impressive atmosphere. Its difference frrom other tourism regions where winter sports are made is that it is one of the few mountains which sea views. On Kartepe, Ski centers and tourism facilities have been completed and become a tourism center available to render service for domestic and foreign tourists for 4 seasons long. Kartepe extends at the skirts of Samanli Mountain with great natural views and has become one of the attraction centers of Kocaeli tourism.
The Darıca Bird Paradise and Theme Park
The Darıca Bird paradise and Theme park was built in 1991 in Bayramoğlu to provide care for animals on the brink of extinction. The park covers an area of 140.000 m2 and houses 350 species of animals and 250 species of plants.
Başdeğirmen Recreation Area-Karamürsel
Başdeğirmen is located in the Valley of Karapınar Village at 7 km frrom Karamürsel county of Kocaeli. It is 130 km frrom İstanbul and has arrival is provided by ferryboats and highways. At the skirts of mountains full of Oak trees bearing tint of green, with the accompaniment of natural melodies of Suluderesi (creek) and in peace there are tracking areas, picnic and camping areas with wonderful views.
The Kocaeli Fair- izmit
The Fair was built in 1966 and occupies an area of approximately