Noordwijk aan Zee Hondenstrand (Langevelderslag)

Katwijk aan Zee, Netherlands

Katwijk aan Zee Hondenstrand is a magnificent 2.5-kilometre dedicated dog beach stretching from north of the Het Wantveld beach pavilion all the way to the start of Koningin Astrid Boulevard in Noordwijk. This is one of the longest dedicated dog beaches in the Netherlands, and dogs are welcome here off-leash all day, every day of the year — no seasonal restrictions apply. The dog beach starts at the last building in Beach Section 23, near the Kitesurfvereniging Airtime, and runs northward along a beautiful, relatively quiet stretch of coast. Dogs are also allowed off-leash in the adjacent dunes west of the bike and walking path to Noordwijk, giving even more space to explore. The Coepelduynen nature area borders the beach, offering additional walking opportunities through the dunes. For the rest of Katwijk's beaches, seasonal restrictions apply: from April through September, dogs are not permitted between 09:00 and 19:00, unless the daytime temperature stays below 18 degrees Celsius — an unusual and practical rule unique to Katwijk. After October 1, all Katwijk beaches open up for off-leash access all day. The best parking for the dog beach is at the Noordduinseweg lot (Noordduinen parking), which provides the closest access to the northern dog beach section. Dog waste cleanup is mandatory on the beach and in the dunes.

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.

Zandvoort, Netherlands

Zandvoort aan Zee is one of the Netherlands' most popular seaside resorts, offering 9 kilometres of wide sandy beach on the North Sea coast. Located just 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam, it is easily one of the most accessible dog-friendly beaches in the country. During the off-season from October 1 through April 15, dogs enjoy completely unrestricted off-leash access across the entire beach all day long. In the summer bathing season, dogs are prohibited between 09:00 and 19:00, but can run freely in the early morning and evening hours. The beach is divided into different sections, each with its own character — from lively stretches with beach pavilions to quieter areas backed by the dunes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Dog owners particularly love the wide, flat expanse of sand at low tide which gives dogs plenty of room to run and play in the waves. The town itself has embraced its dog-friendly reputation, with Doggy Beach House offering a dedicated dog bar with ice treats and snacks. Nearby, the dune areas of Noordduinen and Wurmenveld nature reserve offer year-round off-leash walking. Parking is available at Boulevard parking, P-Circuit, and Parking De Zuid. Zandvoort is served by a direct train line from Amsterdam Centraal to Zandvoort aan Zee station, just a short walk from the beach.