Hargen aan Zee Strand

Schoorl, Netherlands

Camperduin is a distinctive beach destination in North Holland, famous for its unique lagoon that formed in 2015 as part of a major sand nourishment project called the Hondsbossche Duinen. The result is a wide, sheltered beach with a shallow lagoon — perfect for dogs who enjoy wading and splashing in calmer water. The beach is part of the municipality of Bergen and follows the same dog-friendly rules as the other Schoorl-area beaches. From October through April, dogs can run freely on the entire beach. In summer, leashed dogs are welcome on the activity beaches throughout the day, while off-leash time is available before 10:00 and after 19:00. Camperduin has excellent infrastructure with over 2,500 parking spaces within walking distance of the beach (about 300 metres). The beach has two notable pavilions: STRUIN Strandpaviljoen and Prince George, both offering food and drinks with sea views. The newly created dune landscape behind the beach provides additional walking opportunities. Note that not all navigation systems find Camperduin correctly — use postcode 1871 GL in Schoorl for best results. The combination of the lagoon, wide beach, and dune trails makes Camperduin particularly appealing for dog owners looking for variety in their coastal walks.

Schoorl, Netherlands

Schoorl aan Zee is a unique and peaceful beach accessible only on foot or by bicycle through the stunning Schoorlse Duinen — the widest dune area in the Netherlands. This car-free approach gives the beach a wonderfully secluded feel, making it a favourite among nature lovers and dog owners seeking a quieter coastal experience. The beach is part of the municipality of Bergen and follows the same dog-friendly rules as neighbouring Bergen aan Zee and Camperduin. During winter, dogs can roam freely across the entire beach. In summer, leashed dogs are welcome on the activity beaches all day, while off-leash play is permitted before 10:00 and after 19:00 on all sections. Strandpaviljoen Paal 29 operates on the beach during the warmer months, offering food and drinks with panoramic North Sea views. Since there is no direct car access, the nearest parking is at Hargen aan Zee (a large car park with 1,600 spaces) or at Camperduin. The walk through the dunes to the beach is part of the experience and offers beautiful scenery. The Schoorlse Duinen themselves are a magnificent nature area managed by Staatsbosbeheer, with trails where dogs are welcome — leashed during breeding season (March–September) and off-leash the rest of the year.

Petten, Netherlands

Petten is a quiet seaside village in the municipality of Schagen, offering a peaceful stretch of North Sea beach that is less crowded than many neighbouring resorts. The beach is wide and sandy, backed by the Hondsbossche Zeewering — one of the most impressive sea defences in the Netherlands. During winter from October through March, dogs can run freely across the entire beach, making it a superb destination for off-leash walks. In summer, dogs must be leashed (maximum 1.5 metres) between 9:00 and 19:00, but can be off-leash in early morning and evening hours. Strandpaviljoen Zee en Zo is located at beach entrance 17B (Petten Centrum) and provides food, drinks, and toilet facilities. The beach also features a children's play area and volleyball nets near the pavilion. Parking is available at various spots including free parking along the Spreeuwendijk. Petten sits conveniently between the year-round off-leash Korfwater beach to the north and the Bergen municipality beaches to the south, making it easy to combine with other beach walks. The village itself is small and quiet, with a few restaurants and shops — perfect for dog owners who prefer a relaxed atmosphere away from the busier tourist beaches.