Scheveningen Hondenstrand (Zwarte Pad)

Den Haag, Netherlands

Kijkduin Hondenstrand is one of the most popular dedicated dog beaches in the Den Haag region, offering year-round off-leash access on the southern section of the beach from strandslag (beach entrance) 2 all the way south to the Monster border. This permanent dog beach requires no seasonal restrictions — your dog can run free here every single day of the year. The beach is part of the Zuiderstrand, the quieter southern stretch of The Hague's coastline, which has a more natural and relaxed character than the bustling Scheveningen to the north. During the off-season from October through mid-May, the entire Zuiderstrand opens up for off-leash dog walking, giving even more space to explore. The sand is wide and clean, and the gentle waves make it safe for dogs who love to swim. Parking is available at the Machiel Vrijenhoeklaan, which offers free parking spots between restaurant De Haagsche Beek and Roompot holiday park. From here it is a short walk to the dog beach section. The Kijkduin area has been recently redeveloped with a new coastal village called Nieuw Kijkduin, featuring restaurants, shops, and the Atlantic Hotel. Several beach pavilions including Suiderstrand serve food and drinks. The dunes behind the beach are part of the Westduinpark nature reserve, home to rare orchids and sand lizards, though dogs must be on leash in this protected area.

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.

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.