Zandvoort aan Zee

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.

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.

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.