Wassenaar Hondenstrand

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.

Den Haag, Netherlands

Scheveningen Hondenstrand at the Zwarte Pad is the most accessible year-round dog beach near central The Hague. The permanent off-leash area starts at beach pole 47 at the Zwarte Pad and extends northward all the way to the Wassenaar border, giving dogs a generous stretch of beach to enjoy every day of the year without any time restrictions. The Zwarte Pad is a distinctive part of Scheveningen's northern beach (Noorderstrand) with its own relaxed, bohemian atmosphere — less touristy than the main boulevard area near the Pier and Kurhaus. During the off-season from October through mid-May, the off-leash zone expands dramatically: dogs can run free on all sections of Scheveningen beach, making it one of the largest urban dog beaches in the Netherlands. In summer, the main bathing beach areas between the harbour and pole 47 are off-limits for dogs, but the Zwarte Pad section remains open. Parking is available at the Zwarte Pad car park (Parkeerterrein Zwarte Pad) with 450 spaces, costing approximately 3.90 euros per hour, paid year-round. The beach is also reachable by tram from The Hague city centre. Several beach pavilions operate along the Zwarte Pad, each with its own unique character. The wide, clean beach backed by low dunes offers excellent walking opportunities with views of the iconic Scheveningen skyline to the south.

Noordwijk, Netherlands

Noordwijk aan Zee Hondenstrand at Langevelderslag is a beloved dog beach on the South Holland coast, offering a dedicated year-round dog-friendly section that connects with the Katwijk dog beach for an impressive combined stretch of coastline. The permanent dog beach runs from beach exit 1 at the end of Koningin Astrid Boulevard southward to the Katwijk municipal border, where dogs are welcome off-leash every day of the year. During the extended off-season from September 1 through May 31, the entire Noordwijk coastline opens up for off-leash dog walking — a generous nine months of unlimited beach freedom. In summer (June through August), the rules tighten: dogs are prohibited on the main Noordwijk beach between exits 1 and 21, but the Langevelderslag area between beach poles 74.5 and 75.0 remains accessible for dogs on leash. The Noordvoort section between poles 71.5 and 73.0 requires a leash year-round. Parking is available at the large Langevelderslag parking lot (Langevelderslag 20, Noordwijk), which has 700 spaces at reasonable rates. The beach pavilion Vrijstaat Nederzandt at Langevelderslag is known for its relaxed atmosphere and welcomes dogs. The area is backed by the Coepelduynen and Berkheide dune reserves, creating a stunning natural setting. Noordwijk is also famous as the home of the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), and the Space Expo museum is a popular nearby attraction.