Wijk aan Zee Hondenstrand

Velsen-Noord, Netherlands

Velsen-Noord Strand is a quieter, less crowded beach stretching between the Noordzeekanaal (North Sea Canal) and the southern end of Wijk aan Zee beach. This hidden gem is popular with local dog owners who appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and year-round off-leash access during the off-season. The dog-friendly zone runs from the southernmost point of Wijk aan Zee beach to approximately one hundred meters before the first beach pavilion of the Noordpier. During the off-season from October 1 to May 1, dogs can run freely off-leash all day. In the summer bathing season, dogs are restricted between 09:00 and 19:00, though a Zone 2 area may still permit off-leash dogs during summer — check the signs posted at each beach access point. Green signs marked 'Losloopplek' indicate off-leash areas, while red signs marked 'Speelplek' or 'Verbodsgebied' indicate restricted zones. One of the biggest advantages of this beach is the free parking available at Reyndersweg in Velsen-Noord, making it an affordable day out compared to the paid parking at nearby IJmuiden and Bloemendaal beaches. The beach is part of the municipality of Velsen, which maintains clear signage with zone maps at every beach entrance. The surrounding area offers access to the dunes and coastal paths connecting to IJmuiderslag and Wijk aan Zee.

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.

Castricum, Netherlands

Castricum aan Zee offers a stunning natural beach setting surrounded by the Noordhollands Duinreservaat, the largest coastal nature reserve in the Netherlands. During the off-season from October 1 to May 1, dogs have full off-leash access to the entire beach, making it a wonderful destination for autumn and winter beach walks. In the summer bathing season from May to October, dogs are welcome before 10:00 and after 19:00. Even during peak summer hours between 10:00 and 19:00, dogs can still access designated leashed walking paths — from the Bad Noord beach entrance heading north to beach pole 43, and from the Stille Strand entrance heading south to pole 47.750. The beach itself is wide and natural, backed by rolling dunes rather than a boulevard, giving it a wilder feel than many Dutch resort beaches. A large car park at the end of the Zeeweg accommodates approximately 1,700 vehicles with paid parking. Several beach pavilions including Strandpaviljoen Zeezicht offer refreshments with sea views. The real treasure here is the surrounding Noordhollands Duinreservaat — a 5,300-hectare reserve with over 100 kilometres of walking and cycling paths through dunes, forests, heathlands, and open sand plains. The De Hoep Visitor Centre in Castricum provides information about the area and its wildlife, including Scottish Highland cattle and Konik horses that graze freely in the dunes.