Kijkduin Hondenstrand

Monster, Netherlands

Monster Molenslag Strand is a wide, natural beach on the Westland coast that extends into the spectacular Zandmotor (Sand Engine), a man-made peninsula that is one of the largest coastal reinforcement projects in the world. The beach is part of the Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen and offers a wild, unspoiled stretch of coast that dogs love to explore. During the off-season from October through April, dogs enjoy full off-leash freedom across the entire beach. In summer, dogs can be off-leash before 10:00 and after 19:00, while leashes are required during the day. The section from Molenslag northward to the Kijkduin border allows year-round off-leash access, connecting seamlessly with the Kijkduin dog beach for an extended walk. Halfway along the Molenslag there is also a Hondendijk — a large, fully enclosed dune area specifically designed for dogs to run freely year-round. Parking is available at the Molenslag beach entrance. From April through September, parking is paid with the first two hours free, followed by hourly charges. The Zandmotor itself is a fascinating landscape feature — a huge artificial sand deposit that naturally distributes sand along the coast, creating an ever-changing beach environment with shallow lagoons and wide sandbars that are perfect for dogs to explore.

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.

Hoek van Holland, Netherlands

Hoek van Holland Strand is a wide, 3.5-kilometre sandy beach at the mouth of the Nieuwe Waterweg, where the shipping channel meets the North Sea. It is one of the widest beaches in the Netherlands at around 250 metres, giving dogs enormous space to run and play. During the off-season from October through April, dogs enjoy full off-leash access across the entire beach all day long. In summer, dogs are welcome off-leash in the early morning before 09:00 and in the evening after 19:00. There is also a dedicated year-round off-leash section at the southern end of the beach, near the traffic control centre with its distinctive yellow radar mast by the Nieuwe Waterweg harbour entrance. This area allows dogs to run free at any time regardless of the season. The beach is easily accessible by metro from Rotterdam via the Hoek van Holland Strand station. Parking is available at several lots along the boulevard including Badweg, Strandweg, and Helmweg. The area around the Koningin Emmaboulevard offers spectacular views of enormous cargo ships entering and leaving the Port of Rotterdam. Multiple beach pavilions along the Zeekant serve food and drinks. The dunes behind the beach are part of the Nationaal Park Hollandse Duinen, though dogs must be kept on a leash in the dune areas.