Texel Beach (De Koog / Paal 17-20)

Texel, Netherlands

Paal 33 at the far northern tip of Texel is widely regarded as the island's best dog beach. Located near the iconic Texel lighthouse (Vuurtoren) in De Cocksdorp, this unguarded stretch of beach allows dogs to run freely off-leash year-round. The beach is beautifully wide and relatively quiet compared to the busier central beaches near De Koog, making it ideal for dogs who love space to roam. From the sand you can spot seals on nearby sandbanks and see the neighbouring island of Vlieland across the water. The beach pavilion Kaap Noord sits right at Paal 33, offering food and drinks with stunning sea views. Parking at Volharding is just 125 meters from the beach, and the path is flat — no dune crossing required, making it accessible for all visitors. Texel is reached by TESO ferry from Den Helder (20-minute crossing, runs every hour). Dogs travel free on the ferry but must be kept on a leash during the crossing. Note that swimming is prohibited between paal 31 and 33 due to strong currents, but the beach itself is perfect for dogs to splash and play in the shallows.

Den Helder, Netherlands

Huisduinen is the beach area of Den Helder, the northernmost point of the North Holland peninsula. The beach offers a unique coastal experience with views of the island of Texel and the busy shipping lanes of the Marsdiep strait. During winter from October through April, dogs can run freely on the entire beach. In summer, dogs must be leashed between 9:00 and 19:00 on most sections, but there is a year-round off-leash area between beach poles 6 and 8. A standout feature for dog owners is the Zeepromenade — a grass-covered sea dike stretching over 5 kilometres that serves as a year-round off-leash area. This makes Den Helder exceptional: even on the hottest summer day, you can walk for kilometres along the coast with your dog running free on the dike. Parking is available at Fort Kijkduin (Admiraal Verhuellplein 1), a historic Napoleonic fortress that now houses an aquarium and museum. The nearby dog-friendly restaurant Nogal Wiedus (Zeeweg 6) is about 100 metres from the parking area and has its own parking lot. Den Helder is the departure point for the ferry to Texel, one of the Wadden Islands, making it possible to combine a beach visit with a day trip to the island.

Julianadorp, Netherlands

Julianadorp aan Zee is the southernmost beach of the municipality of Den Helder, offering a beautiful stretch of North Sea coastline with a dedicated year-round off-leash zone for dogs between beach poles 6 and 7. This makes it one of the few beaches on this coast where your dog can run freely even during peak summer months. Outside this designated area, the standard Den Helder rules apply: dogs off-leash from October through April, and leashed between 9:00 and 19:00 during the summer season. The beach is wide and well-maintained, with good facilities including Strandrestaurant Paal 6 — a popular beach pavilion offering food and drinks. The beach entrance is fully paved and wheelchair-accessible, with a beach wheelchair available at the lifeguard station. Free parking is available at the car park near the bungalow park and restaurant Noordzee, just a few minutes' walk from the sand. Julianadorp itself is a pleasant village with holiday parks, restaurants, and easy access to the coastal dunes. The beach is well-connected to neighbouring areas, making it possible to walk north towards Den Helder or south towards Callantsoog for extended beach hikes with your dog.