Katwijk aan Zee Hondenstrand

Noordwijk, Netherlands

Noordwijk aan Zee Hondenstrand at Langevelderslag is a beloved dog beach on the South Holland coast, offering a dedicated year-round dog-friendly section that connects with the Katwijk dog beach for an impressive combined stretch of coastline. The permanent dog beach runs from beach exit 1 at the end of Koningin Astrid Boulevard southward to the Katwijk municipal border, where dogs are welcome off-leash every day of the year. During the extended off-season from September 1 through May 31, the entire Noordwijk coastline opens up for off-leash dog walking — a generous nine months of unlimited beach freedom. In summer (June through August), the rules tighten: dogs are prohibited on the main Noordwijk beach between exits 1 and 21, but the Langevelderslag area between beach poles 74.5 and 75.0 remains accessible for dogs on leash. The Noordvoort section between poles 71.5 and 73.0 requires a leash year-round. Parking is available at the large Langevelderslag parking lot (Langevelderslag 20, Noordwijk), which has 700 spaces at reasonable rates. The beach pavilion Vrijstaat Nederzandt at Langevelderslag is known for its relaxed atmosphere and welcomes dogs. The area is backed by the Coepelduynen and Berkheide dune reserves, creating a stunning natural setting. Noordwijk is also famous as the home of the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), and the Space Expo museum is a popular nearby attraction.

Wassenaar, Netherlands

Wassenaar Hondenstrand is a beautiful, wide sandy beach on the South Holland coast between Scheveningen and Katwijk. The dedicated dog beach is accessed via the beach exit between beach poles 91 and 92, from where dogs can run freely northward all the way to the Katwijk border year-round. This section of beach is backed by the pristine Berkheide dune area, one of the most important nature reserves in the region. Outside the summer season (September 15 through May 15), the entire Wassenaar beach opens up for off-leash dog walking, providing an enormous expanse of sand to explore. The beach is reached via the Wassenaarse Slag, a broad access road through the dunes ending at two large parking areas: De Kuil (approximately 700 spaces) and Zeelust (approximately 180 spaces). De Kuil is the best choice for the dog beach — follow the marked dog route from the parking lot (at the end of the Wassenaarse Slag, turn right) to reach the off-leash section. The beach has a wild, natural character with wide views along the coast. Wassenaar enforces a maximum of four off-leash dogs per handler and requires dog waste cleanup at all times, including in the off-leash areas. The municipality takes these rules seriously and dog owners are expected to carry cleanup tools at all times.

Den Haag, Netherlands

Scheveningen Hondenstrand at the Zwarte Pad is the most accessible year-round dog beach near central The Hague. The permanent off-leash area starts at beach pole 47 at the Zwarte Pad and extends northward all the way to the Wassenaar border, giving dogs a generous stretch of beach to enjoy every day of the year without any time restrictions. The Zwarte Pad is a distinctive part of Scheveningen's northern beach (Noorderstrand) with its own relaxed, bohemian atmosphere — less touristy than the main boulevard area near the Pier and Kurhaus. During the off-season from October through mid-May, the off-leash zone expands dramatically: dogs can run free on all sections of Scheveningen beach, making it one of the largest urban dog beaches in the Netherlands. In summer, the main bathing beach areas between the harbour and pole 47 are off-limits for dogs, but the Zwarte Pad section remains open. Parking is available at the Zwarte Pad car park (Parkeerterrein Zwarte Pad) with 450 spaces, costing approximately 3.90 euros per hour, paid year-round. The beach is also reachable by tram from The Hague city centre. Several beach pavilions operate along the Zwarte Pad, each with its own unique character. The wide, clean beach backed by low dunes offers excellent walking opportunities with views of the iconic Scheveningen skyline to the south.