The most beautiful beaches in South Holland
With no less than 65 km of coastline, South Holland is bursting with beautiful beaches. This vibrant province has a coastline full of variety: from lively boulevards lined with beach bars to tranquil dunes and pristine stretches of beach. In this blog, we take you along the most beautiful and surprising beaches in South Holland. Including popular beaches as well as hidden gems.
Noordwijk aan Zee
Noordwijk aan Zee is a favorite among beach lovers. The beach is known for its wide sandy beaches, charming village center, and stylish beach pavilions where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a view of the sea. Did you know that Noordwijk aan Zee is also called the Flower Seaside Resort of the Netherlands? That is hardly surprising, as this seaside resort is located right in the heart of the Bulb Region.
Hospitality and beach clubs
Noordwijk is a popular destination for both a summer beach day and a refreshing beach walk in autumn or winter. Noordwijk's boulevard is bustling with cozy restaurants, ice cream parlors, and shops. For those wishing to enjoy a luxurious beach day, there are popular beach clubs such as Bries, Tulum Tulum, and Beachclub O.
Parking at Noordwijk aan Zee
Thanks to its easy accessibility and ample parking, Noordwijk Beach is ideal for a spontaneous day out by the sea. Dog lovers will also be pleased here, as there are special zones where your four-legged friend is allowed to run free.
Parking is available at various locations, including the large parking garage on the edge of the city center and several parking lots closer to the beach. In the winter and on some weekdays, parking is even free.
Katwijk aan Zee
A beach where children can play safely, where you can walk straight onto the sand from the boulevard and are greeted by the scent of fresh fish in the evening: welcome to Katwijk aan Zee! This cozy seaside resort between Noordwijk and Scheveningen has a beautiful wide beach and a charming village center. Did you know that this beach is among the cleanest beaches in South Holland? Clean swimming water and beach, beneath the dunes and right on the boulevard.
The boulevard invites you to take a stroll past cozy beach pavilions, charming boutiques, and ice cream parlors. Those in the mood for a tasty break with a view of the waves can settle down at the atmospheric Strandpaviljoen Zand or Het Wantveld.
A fishing village with history
Would you rather learn something about the rich history of this fishing village? Dive into the Katwijk Museum, where you step inside a former shipowner's house.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating artists' colony of around 1900. Admire masterpieces by Jan Toorop, Jan van Goyen, and Willy Sluiter. Together with the children, discover seascapes and fishermen's stories through a fun scavenger hunt.
Nature in Katwijk aan Zee
Besides being cultural, the beach of Katwijk is also a green paradise. Walk or cycle straight into the dunes towards the Panbos or the Coepelduynen. The Panbos is a beautiful and peaceful wooded area where children can play, build dams, or look for squirrels. Walkers can enjoy shady paths.
The Coepelduynen form a vast dune landscape where you can stroll through the sand, look out over the sea, or spot rare plants and birds. An ideal place for a relaxing nature walk close to the beach.
Parking in Katwijk
You can park in Katwijk worry-free in the modern parking garage under the DunaTheater or at one of the parking lots just outside the center. The beach is a short walk away, so you'll have your feet in the sand in no time.
In the low season, you can even park for free in certain spots, and with a bit of luck, you might snag a spot right near the boulevard.
Wassenaarse Slag
For those wishing to avoid the crowds, the Wassenaarse Slag is an oasis of tranquility. Tucked away among the dunes and accessible via a beautiful nature reserve, this beach is ideal for walkers, peace seekers, and nature lovers.
Dog lovers can also indulge themselves here: outside the summer season, dogs are allowed to run free on the beach and through the surrounding dunes. During the summer months, clear zones are marked where dogs are welcome on a leash.
Walking routes and nature
The Wassenaarse Slag borders the beautiful Meijendel, one of the largest continuous dune areas in South Holland. Here you can walk endlessly along well-marked hiking trails that take you past dune lakes, viewpoints, and flower-rich grasslands.
Beach bars and hospitality
Although the range of hospitality options here is somewhat more limited than in the major seaside resorts, there are a few nice beach bars where you can settle down. Beachclub BAIT and Strandpaviljoen Sport @ Wassenaar are cozy spots where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with a view of the sea. In the summer, it is lovely to spend time here on the spacious terrace with a drink in hand, while children play in the sand.
Tip: Bring your own picnic basket and find a quiet spot in the dunes or on the beach. Enjoy nature and your brought-along treats to the fullest.
Parking at Wassenaarse Slag
At the end of Wassenaarseslagweg, you will find a large car park right by the beach. Paid parking applies during the high season, but you are within walking distance of both the beach and the restaurants and bars. Arriving early pays off, as there is often plenty of space in the morning. Are you coming by bike? Then you can easily park your two-wheeler in the spacious bike racks. Free of charge, of course.
Scheveningen
One of the most popular beaches in the South Holland province, with many hotspots, is Scheveningen Beach. This iconic seaside resort of The Hague is the place where culture, hospitality, and entertainment come together. From a lively beach to a long boulevard full of restaurants and shops.
What to do in Scheveningen
There is so much to do in Scheveningen. Enjoy a movie at Pathé Scheveningen, experience underwater life at SEA LIFE Scheveningen, or admire top musicals at the AFAS Circustheater.
Take a ride on the Ferris wheel on the pier, take a leap while bungee jumping from 60 meters above the North Sea, zipline down from a height of 55 meters, or play an exciting game in one of the many escape rooms.
Food and entertainment on the boulevard
Stroll along the kilometers-long boulevard with its beach bars, shops, and food trucks. Step inside the iconic Kurhaus, try your luck at Holland Casino Scheveningen, or enjoy fresh fish at Simonis or sushi at a modern beach club. For shared dining or a quick bite, head to Foodhall Scheveningen.
Do you want to know in advance if the beach is busy? Click here to view the beach via the popular Scheveningen webcam.
Parking in Scheveningen
You can easily park at Q-Park Scheveningen Strand, Parking Kurhaus, or Nieuwe Parklaan. In winter or on quiet days, there are options for free parking. Are you coming by public transport? From The Hague Central Station, take tram line 9 towards Scheveningen, and from The Hague Hollands Spoor Station, tram lines 1 and 9 run towards the beach.
Kijkduin
Oh Oh The Hague, beautiful city behind the dunes! Kijkduin is the place for those who want to enjoy a quiet beach day close to The Hague, but without the crowds of Scheveningen. Kijkduin is also known as Scheveningen's little sister.
This smaller seaside resort has been completely renovated in recent years. Kijkduin's stylish, car-free boulevard offers a beautiful view of the North Sea and features trendy shops, cozy cafes, and delicious restaurants.
Nature reserves in Kijkduin
In Kijkduin, you can enjoy a lovely walk along the beach, through the dunes, or through the Solleveld and Kapittelduinen nature reserve, which borders directly on the seaside resort. Beautiful walking and cycling paths can be found there. Perfect for a relaxing morning in nature.
You can check the weather and beach crowds live via the popular Kijkduin webcam before you leave. Click here for the Kijkduin webca
Food and drink by the sea
For lunch or dinner with a sea view, pull up a chair at Beachclub Birds, a favorite among locals and visitors. With fresh seafood, lounge chairs, and a sea view, this is the place to unwind completely. Habana Beach is also known for its friendly service and flavorful dishes.
The revamped Kijkduin boulevard is full of surprises: from sushi bars to pizza, from vegan bowls to pancake restaurants. With artisanal ice cream parlors and cozy coffee shops, there is also plenty of choice for a light snack.
Parking in Kijkduin
Kijkduin is easily accessible by public transport. Bus lines 23 and 24 stop at the central square in Kijkduin. From there, you can easily walk along the boulevard to the beach.
You can park underground in the new Kijkduin Strand parking garage, directly beneath the boulevard. There are plenty of spaces here to park your car. Prefer free parking? If you are lucky during the high season, you can park above ground at the Kijkduinsestraat Parking Lot or the Zandvoortselaan Parking Lot.
Zandmotor
Walking through a moving landscape? You can do so at the Zandmotor, near the village of Monster. This innovative art project between Kijkduin and Ter Heijde is an artificially created sandbank that was constructed in 2011 to naturally reinforce the coast.
Driven by wind, waves, and tides, the sand slowly spreads across the coastline. The result? A vast, rugged beach and a unique example of building with nature.
What to do at the Zandmotor
This beach is not a place for sun loungers or beach volleyball, but a natural beach in its purest form. Ideal for a long beach walk, birdwatching, or a photo session.
The tides ensure that the landscape constantly changes, with small lagoons and sandbanks coming and going. You walk past dunes, small temporary islands that form at low tide, and see how nature does its work.
It is also a great place for dogs to run free.
Water sports
The Zandmotor is also a popular spot for kitesurfers. Thanks to its vastness, calm location, and constant wind, it is one of the favorite spots for both beginners and advanced riders. Don't forget your wetsuit! The water can be chilly.
Accessibility and parking
You can park at the edge of Kijkduin (near Machiel Vrijenhoeklaan) or at the parking lots along Strandslag Ter Heijde near Monster. From there, it is about a 10 to 15-minute walk to the heart of the Zandmotor. Bring sturdy shoes. The terrain is sandy and the paths are not paved.
Hoek van Holland
Sun, sea, and a touch of harbour life: Hoek van Holland is a unique blend of beach fun, industrial charm, and maritime history. Situated at the mouth of the Nieuwe Waterweg, this seaside resort offers an impressive view of incoming ships while you enjoy the sun, sea, and sand.
History and entertainment
Stroll along the wide beach or visit the iconic Sea Tower, where you can learn all about the surroundings and the unique coastal management. The historic Fort 1881 is also highly recommended for a touch of history. Children can let off steam in playgrounds on the boulevard, and there is a specially designated nudist beach for those who enjoy naturism.
For those curious about England: the Stena Line ferry departs from Hoek van Holland to Harwich. The crossing takes about 6.5 hours.
Food and drink by the sea
Along the boulevard, you will find various cozy beach bars and restaurants, including popular spots like Plaza and Beachclub Royal. Here you can go for everything from breakfast to dinner: from battered fish and poké bowls to cocktails with a view of the sunset.
Barbecuing on the beach is permitted, but only in designated zones and under strict conditions: do not leave any waste behind and bring a fire extinguisher.
Accessibility and parking
Thanks to the direct metro connection to Rotterdam (RET line B), you will be at Hoek van Holland in no time.
There are several car parks within walking distance of the beach, including the spacious Badweg car park. The Zeekant car park is located slightly further from the beach, but it offers a quieter parking area. For those looking to save money, the Rechtestraat car park is free. There is also a P+R Hoek van Holland Haven with 134 spaces. You can park here for free, after which the metro takes you to the beach in 8 minutes.
Maasvlakte beach
Located at the impressive Maasvlakte lies the vast Maasvlakte Beach, a unique place where industrial innovation and nature meet. This beach is relatively unknown to day-trippers and tourists, making it wonderfully quiet even during the high season. Here, there is no busy boulevard, but a sea of space, vast sandy plains, and views of container ships and wind turbines.
Maasvlakte Beach is ideal for peace seekers, nature lovers, and kitesurfers. The strong wind makes this spot popular among water enthusiasts with kites or boards. You can also enjoy beautiful walks or photography here.
Parking at Maasvlakte
Parking at the car park on Maasvlakteboulevard is free. Please note: the beach is quite secluded, so bring everything you need. There are no beach bars or facilities in the immediate vicinity. This beach is pure nature.
Oostvoorne
Oostvoorne beach is one of the best-kept secrets of the South Holland coast. The beach is quiet, child-friendly, and unique: it is situated on a lagoon and surrounded by nature reserves, dunes, and forests. No high waves or busy boulevards, but a calm sea and plenty of space for nature and relaxation.
The Green Beach
The famous Green Beach of Oostvoorne is car-free and safe, making it perfect for families with young children. Additionally, the beach is suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, or kite flying.
The Voornse Duinen and the De Putten nature reserve border directly on the beach and offer endless possibilities for walking and cycling. Dogs are welcome outside the summer season and during the morning and evening hours.
Food and drink
For a tasty break, pull up a chair at Aan Zee Oostvoorne, an atmospheric seaside restaurant with panoramic views. Here you can enjoy fresh fish, locally roasted coffee, or a summery salad.
In the cozy center of Oostvoorne, you will find charming lunchrooms, ice cream parlors, and cafes. Ideal for a cup of coffee after a morning walk or a drink at the end of the day. In Oostvoorne, you can taste the season by the sea.
The area around De Putten is also highly recommended: a beautiful nature reserve with vast reed beds and lagoons teeming with birds. It is the perfect spot for a quiet walk with a picnic. Some routes lead you to benches with a view of the water.
Hiking and nature
The Voornse Duinen boasts a varied landscape of forests, dunes, and small lakes, with countless walking trails. Here, you walk among Scottish Highland cattle and grazing horses, over wooden boardwalks and sandy paths. Take a walk towards the rugged Putten area, for example, where you can spot birds in peace and quiet and enjoy sweeping views.
Parking at Oostvoorne
On Strandweg, you will find a large car park from where you can walk straight to the beach. Parking is usually free here. Smaller car parks can be found at the edges of the dunes and along nature reserves. Cyclists can easily park their bikes at the start of the Groene Strand.
Rockanje
Rockanje is located on the island of Voorne-Putten and is an ideal destination for a relaxing beach day with the whole family. The beach is wide, clean, and easy to supervise. You will find Rockanje between Oostvoorne and Hellevoetsluis. The atmosphere is friendly and somewhat less touristy than Noordwijk or Scheveningen, without compromising on coziness.
Did you know that Rockanje beach has earned the European Blue Flag for several years in a row? The Blue Flag symbolizes a clean and safe beach.
Beach and activities
Rockanje consists of several beach entrances, including the well-known 1st Slag and 2nd Slag. At the 1st Slag, you will find most of the facilities, such as catering, a lifeguard, showers, and toilets. The 2nd Slag is slightly quieter and perfect for those seeking a bit more space. Between these two, you will also find the nudist beach, which is clearly signposted. Want to avoid the crowds? Walk a little further to the Stille Strand. Here, you can truly relax in peace.
Hikers and nature lovers can also indulge themselves here: surrounding the beach are beautiful dunes and forests with walking and cycling paths. Dog lovers are also welcome. In the low season, dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach; in the high season, a time limit applies.
Food and drink
Along the beach entrances, you will find several cozy beach bars and hospitality venues. One of the most popular is undoubtedly Havana Beachclub. This atmospheric spot features a wooden terrace, lounge sofas, and a menu full of summery dishes, cocktails, and local specialties.
Parking in Rockanje
Spacious parking areas are available at the 1st and 2nd Slag. Please note that parking is paid during the summer. The parking areas are located close to the beach, so you won't have to walk far with towels, a cooler, or beach chairs.
Ouddorp Beach
Ouddorp is located on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee and feels almost like a piece of Zeeland, even though it officially belongs to South Holland. Ouddorp's wide North Sea beach is famous for its tranquility, space, and vast dunes. Are you coming to sunbathe, walk, kitesurf, or get a breath of fresh air? Ouddorp beach is perfect for nature lovers.
The village itself is charming and cozy. You will find nice shops, boutiques, and pleasant cafes there. In the center of Ouddorp, you will find everything for a fun day out, from local bakeries to souvenir shops.
Activities at the beach
The miles-long coastline offers space for water sports, horseback riding, cycling, and long beach walks. Dogs are welcome, as they are allowed to run free outside the high season, and even during the summer season there are times and zones where they are permitted.
The nearby nature reserve De Punt and the Brouwersdam are perfect for active outings: from kitesurfing and blokarting to birdwatching.
On warm days, you can swim or relax at a cozy beach bar. For the adventurer, there are also surf schools, SUP rentals, and organized sports activities.
Food and drink
Along the beach, you will find several beach pavilions where you can have lunch or drinks. Think fresh fish dishes, vegetarian bowls, and locally brewed beers. Beach Pavilion Paal 10 and De Zeester are popular choices with views of the dunes and the sea. You will find more atmospheric hospitality venues at the Brouwersdam.
Parking at Ouddorp
There are several car parks along the coast, such as at the Brouwersdam, the Strandweg, and the Flauwe Werk. Some locations offer free parking, especially if you park a little further from the beach. It can be busy during the summer months, so it is best to arrive early in the day.
Heading out well-prepared? Check the beach checklist!
Are you all set to plan your day at the coast? Then make sure you don't forget anything. We have put together a beach checklist with handy tips. Ideal for stepping into the sea well-prepared.
Click here to view the checklist & tips for a day at the beach.
