Julianadorp aan Zee Strand

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.

Callantsoog, Netherlands

Callantsoog is one of the best dog beach destinations in North Holland thanks to its four year-round off-leash zones. These designated sections between specific beach poles allow dogs to run freely every day of the year, regardless of season. The four zones are located between poles 8100–9400, 10500–11100, 14500–17100, and 18400–20000, together offering several kilometres of unrestricted beach. Outside these zones, the standard Schagen municipality rules apply: dogs off-leash from October through March, and leashed between 9:00–19:00 during the summer months. The beach at Callantsoog is wide and sandy, backed by pristine dunes, and is a favourite among Dutch families and dog owners. The village itself is a charming seaside resort with restaurants, shops, and all the amenities you need for a beach day. Parking is available near the beach entrances. The nearby Zwanenwater nature reserve — one of the largest dune lakes in the Netherlands — offers additional walking opportunities, though dogs may need to be leashed there. Callantsoog earned a Blue Flag award for its clean water and well-maintained beach, so you can be confident about water quality for your dog.

Den Helder, Netherlands

Huisduinen is the beach area of Den Helder, the northernmost point of the North Holland peninsula. The beach offers a unique coastal experience with views of the island of Texel and the busy shipping lanes of the Marsdiep strait. During winter from October through April, dogs can run freely on the entire beach. In summer, dogs must be leashed between 9:00 and 19:00 on most sections, but there is a year-round off-leash area between beach poles 6 and 8. A standout feature for dog owners is the Zeepromenade — a grass-covered sea dike stretching over 5 kilometres that serves as a year-round off-leash area. This makes Den Helder exceptional: even on the hottest summer day, you can walk for kilometres along the coast with your dog running free on the dike. Parking is available at Fort Kijkduin (Admiraal Verhuellplein 1), a historic Napoleonic fortress that now houses an aquarium and museum. The nearby dog-friendly restaurant Nogal Wiedus (Zeeweg 6) is about 100 metres from the parking area and has its own parking lot. Den Helder is the departure point for the ferry to Texel, one of the Wadden Islands, making it possible to combine a beach visit with a day trip to the island.