Callantsoog Hondenstrand

Groote Keeten, Netherlands

Groote Keeten is a small, relaxed beach village in the municipality of Schagen, located between Callantsoog and Petten on the North Holland coast. The beach is wide and sandy, earning a Blue Flag designation for its cleanliness and water quality. During winter from October through March, dogs can run freely on the entire beach with no restrictions. In summer, dogs must be leashed between 9:00 and 19:00, but are free to roam in the early morning and evening hours. One of the big advantages of Groote Keeten is free parking — a rarity on the Dutch coast. The car park is located at the end of Helmweg, where you will also find a bicycle rack. The beach is accessed via a dune crossing from the parking area. Restaurant De Princen Keet sits at the beach entrance, and seasonal beach pavilion 't Klavertje 4 operates directly on the sand during the summer months. In high season, lifeguards and a first aid post are present. Groote Keeten is part of the same stretch of coast as neighbouring Callantsoog, which has additional year-round off-leash zones at specific beach poles. The quiet, uncommercialised character of Groote Keeten makes it particularly appealing for dog owners who prefer a more peaceful beach experience.

Sint Maartensvlotbrug, Netherlands

Sint Maartenszee is a tranquil seaside resort in the municipality of Schagen, known for its wide dunes and expansive beach. The village is popular with families and dog owners alike, offering a relaxed North Sea beach experience. During winter from October through March, dogs enjoy complete freedom on the beach with no restrictions. In summer, dogs must be leashed between 9:00 and 19:00, but can run freely in the early morning and evening hours. The dunes at Sint Maartenszee are notably wider than at other nearby resorts, meaning a longer walk (approximately 700 metres) from the parking area to the beach — but this also means the beach feels more secluded and natural. In summer months, a small train runs from just past the entrance to help with the journey. Free parking is available at the beach access points, with Strandslag 14 and 15 recommended. Two beach pavilions — Sint Maartenszee Noord and NewZuid — operate during the season, offering food and drinks on the sand. The village borders the year-round off-leash Korfwater beach to the south, making it possible to walk to a fully unrestricted area even during summer daytime hours.

Julianadorp, Netherlands

Julianadorp aan Zee is the southernmost beach of the municipality of Den Helder, offering a beautiful stretch of North Sea coastline with a dedicated year-round off-leash zone for dogs between beach poles 6 and 7. This makes it one of the few beaches on this coast where your dog can run freely even during peak summer months. Outside this designated area, the standard Den Helder rules apply: dogs off-leash from October through April, and leashed between 9:00 and 19:00 during the summer season. The beach is wide and well-maintained, with good facilities including Strandrestaurant Paal 6 — a popular beach pavilion offering food and drinks. The beach entrance is fully paved and wheelchair-accessible, with a beach wheelchair available at the lifeguard station. Free parking is available at the car park near the bungalow park and restaurant Noordzee, just a few minutes' walk from the sand. Julianadorp itself is a pleasant village with holiday parks, restaurants, and easy access to the coastal dunes. The beach is well-connected to neighbouring areas, making it possible to walk north towards Den Helder or south towards Callantsoog for extended beach hikes with your dog.