Are you looking for a fun activity to do with your dog? Bring your dog to the beach! But which beaches allow dogs, what rules apply there, and what are actually the best beaches in the Netherlands to visit with your dog? Read below about the best beaches in the Netherlands to visit with your dog!
- Erkemederstrand in Zeewolde
In first place is Erkemederstrand in Zeewolde. This beach in Flevoland has a special area 1.5 kilometers long where dogs are welcome. Dogs can run free, dig, swim, and play there all year round. At the beach, various facilities are available for your dog, such as: free poop bags, dog showers, and restrooms. Dogs are also welcome at the campsite located next to the beach. Erkemederstrand is at the top of this list for a reason, as it was also voted the best dog walking spot in the Netherlands in 2018.
- Noordwijk Aan Zee
In second place is Noordwijk Aan Zee in North Holland. This beach also has a special area towards the south of the beach up to the boundary of the Katwijk municipality where dogs can run free all year round. However, there is a clean-up obligation here. Additionally, there are different zones where dogs must be leashed or are not welcome at all, so pay close attention.
- Kijkduin in The Hague
In third place is Kijkduin in The Hague. To the left along the entrance at beach access 2 up to Monster, which is in the southern direction, dogs are welcome all year round. At this beach, you can park for free on Machiel Vrijenhoeklaan.
- Dog Beach Lauwersmeer in Lauwersoog
In fourth place is Dog Beach Lauwersmeer in Lauwersoog. As the name suggests, dogs can run free and swim all year round on this beach. The dog beach is about a kilometer wide and is mostly grass. There is also an area with beach sand. Free parking is available a short distance from the Strandpaviljoen Meerzicht. The parking lot is close to the dog beach. Additionally, you can take beautiful walks around Lauwersmeer with your dog, although leashes are generally required.
- IJmuiderslag in IJmuiden.
In fifth place is IJmuiderslag in IJmuiden, also known as Kennemerstrand. From beach pole 57.5, there is a stretch of beach 6 kilometers long where dogs can run free all year round. This beach extends all the way to Bloemendaal. The best place to park for this beach is on IJmuiderslag itself on the left side. This way, you walk directly into the off-leash area.