Sint Maartenszee Strand

Petten, Netherlands

Korfwater is one of the most celebrated dog beaches in North Holland — and for good reason. Located between Petten and Sint Maartenszee at beach access point 16, this is one of the rare Dutch beaches where dogs can run off-leash year-round, with no seasonal restrictions whatsoever. The beach stretches over 2 kilometres wide, offering an extraordinary amount of space for dogs to run, play, and swim. Even in summer, when most Dutch beaches impose leash rules, Korfwater remains completely unrestricted for dogs. The spacious nature of the beach means it rarely feels crowded, even on busy days. Parking is available for free at the Korfwaterweg, making access easy and affordable. The beach is part of the municipality of Schagen, which has designated this area specifically as a year-round off-leash zone. After 19:00 in summer and all day in winter, dogs can also roam freely on the adjacent Petten and Sint Maartenszee beaches, allowing for exceptionally long coastal walks. This is a must-visit destination for any dog owner in the Netherlands. The natural, unspoiled character of the beach — with minimal commercial development — adds to its appeal for those seeking a genuine off-leash beach experience.

Petten, Netherlands

Petten is a quiet seaside village in the municipality of Schagen, offering a peaceful stretch of North Sea beach that is less crowded than many neighbouring resorts. The beach is wide and sandy, backed by the Hondsbossche Zeewering — one of the most impressive sea defences in the Netherlands. During winter from October through March, dogs can run freely across the entire beach, making it a superb destination for off-leash walks. In summer, dogs must be leashed (maximum 1.5 metres) between 9:00 and 19:00, but can be off-leash in early morning and evening hours. Strandpaviljoen Zee en Zo is located at beach entrance 17B (Petten Centrum) and provides food, drinks, and toilet facilities. The beach also features a children's play area and volleyball nets near the pavilion. Parking is available at various spots including free parking along the Spreeuwendijk. Petten sits conveniently between the year-round off-leash Korfwater beach to the north and the Bergen municipality beaches to the south, making it easy to combine with other beach walks. The village itself is small and quiet, with a few restaurants and shops — perfect for dog owners who prefer a relaxed atmosphere away from the busier tourist beaches.

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.