Velsen-Noord Strand

IJmuiden, Netherlands

IJmuiderslag is widely regarded as one of the finest dog beaches in the Netherlands. This spectacular 6-kilometre stretch of broad, sandy beach south of beach pole 57.5 allows dogs to run off-leash year-round, making it a true haven for dog owners. The beach is remarkably wide, giving dogs enormous space to run, play, and splash in the North Sea waves. During the off-season from October through March, dogs enjoy expanded access across all IJmuiden beaches including IJmuiden aan Zee and Strand Noordpier. In summer, dogs are restricted to the IJmuiderslag section and the designated zones 3 and 4. The beach is backed by the pristine dunes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, where dogs can also enjoy off-leash walking in the dunes behind the beach and around the Kennemermeer lake. Two beach pavilions — Beach Inn and Hightide Surf & Food — operate year-round, offering food and drinks with a sea view. The beach is also popular for wind sports including blokarting, kitebuggying, and beach sailing. Parking is available at the Heerenduinweg car park (EUR 1.80/hour or EUR 8.50/day for all-day parking), with closer seasonal parking at IJmuiderslag I and II (max 2-4 hours, EUR 2.30/hour). The navigation address is Kennemerboulevard, 1976 EG IJmuiden.

Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands

Wijk aan Zee is a peaceful seaside village in the municipality of Beverwijk, offering a beautifully wide and spacious beach on the North Sea coast. The beach stretches approximately 5 kilometres, providing ample room even on busier days. During the off-season from October 1 to May 1, dogs enjoy unrestricted off-leash access across the entire beach all day. This generous off-season period makes it an excellent winter and spring destination for dog owners. In the summer bathing season from May 1 to October 1, dogs are not permitted on the beach between 09:00 and 19:00. Outside these hours, dogs may come on the beach but must remain on a leash. An exception exists for owners of beach huts, who may keep their leashed dog near their hut during restricted hours. The beach features several cosy pavilions and terraces where you can enjoy lunch or drinks with a sea view. Parking is free in most streets in Wijk aan Zee, with options at Julianaplein, Julianaweg, Reyndersweg, and other locations. On busy summer days when regular parking fills up, the Dorpsweide overflow parking opens. The village sits at the edge of the Noordhollands Duinreservaat, a vast 5,300-hectare nature reserve stretching along the coast, offering wonderful additional walking opportunities through dunes, forests, and heathlands.

Bloemendaal, Netherlands

Bloemendaal aan Zee Hondenstrand is one of the most beloved year-round dog beaches in the Netherlands, located between the Parnassia beach exit and the naturist beach in the heart of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Unlike most Dutch beaches that restrict dogs in summer, this designated dog section allows off-leash play 365 days a year, making it a true paradise for dog owners from across the Randstad. The beach stretches along a beautiful, wide section of North Sea coastline backed by pristine dunes. During the off-season from September 15 to May 15, dogs are welcome everywhere along Bloemendaal aan Zee on a leash, with the dog beach section remaining off-leash. In the high season from May 15 to September 15, dogs are restricted to the designated dog beach area and may visit pavilion terraces on a leash. The nearby Parnassia aan Zee beach pavilion is dog-friendly and even offers a special dog menu. Parking is available at the large Parnassia car park on the Zeeweg, with the first half hour free, then EUR 3.00 per hour or EUR 19.00 for a day pass. Bike parking is also available. The beach is easily accessible from Haarlem and Amsterdam, nestled within the stunning dune landscape where you might spot Highland cattle and Konik horses on your walk in.