Scheveningen
Photos from Google
The Pier, with its big wheel and viewpoint above the sea, is the best-known landmark in Scheveningen. The beach stretches for several kilometres along the boulevard, with the central section near the harbour on one side and the quieter Noorderstrand and Zuiderstrand on the other.
For centuries Scheveningen was an independent fishing village, later absorbed into Den Haag, of which it now forms a district. Its fishing past is still visible in the harbour and in parts of the old village, while the beach itself grew into one of the most visited stretches of coast in the Netherlands.
With 57 beach clubs, the choice here is larger and more varied than on most other Dutch beaches. They range from simple spots for coffee and lunch to venues with an extensive dinner and cocktail menu. The average rating of the beach clubs is around 4.2 out of 5.
The central beach section by the boulevard is the liveliest, with terraces, shops and places to eat and drink within walking distance. If you want it quieter, head to the Noorderstrand towards Wassenaar or the Zuiderstrand towards the harbour, where the buildings thin out and the dunes come closer.
The offering at the beach clubs covers the whole day: breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. That makes Scheveningen suitable for both an early walk with coffee and an evening by the sea. Several beach clubs welcome dogs and cater to families, and there are venues that host corporate outings and weddings.
Den Haag Centraal lies about 4.7 kilometres away and is connected to the coast by tram and bus. Nearby you will find Kijkduin at 5.7 kilometres, Wassenaarse Slag at 8.2 kilometres and Katwijk at 13.5 kilometres, all three quieter than Scheveningen itself. For parking information, please see the parking overview on this page.
Great for
The broad, gently sloping beach gives children plenty of room to play, and several beach clubs cater to families with a suitable menu and a terrace close to the water. The boulevard with its shops, ice cream parlours and the Pier is within walking distance, so there is something to do even when the beach weather is less than perfect.
Dogs are welcome at several beach clubs. Do bear in mind the seasonal rules on the beach itself, which are described below under the beach zones.
Some of the 57 beach clubs have an extensive dinner menu and terraces with a sea view, ideal for an evening watching the sunset. Several venues also offer the option of a seaside wedding.
Almost all the beach clubs serve lunch, from simple sandwiches to more substantial dishes. The central section by the boulevard offers the widest choice within a short walk.
Several beach clubs host corporate outings, with space for groups and packages for drinks or dinners. The good connections from Den Haag Centraal also make it suitable for groups arriving by public transport.
Unlike many stretches of coast, here you have a whole city right next to the beach. The Pier, the museums and the shops of Den Haag offer alternatives when things at the beach do not work out.
In the summer months, Scheveningen is one of the busiest beaches in the Netherlands. The boulevard, the Pier and the central beach clubs draw many day visitors, especially at weekends and on warm days.
The beach follows a fixed rhythm: between 15 May and 1 October most beach clubs are in place and the central section is at its liveliest. Outside that period many of them are dismantled and the beach becomes quieter.
Throughout the year there are events, including firework competitions, sporting events and festivals on the beach and the boulevard. On peak days these bring extra crowds and limited parking.
Out of season, in autumn and winter, Scheveningen is popular mainly with walkers and dog owners. The beach is then quiet, with wind and space, while some of the venues along the boulevard stay open all year.
If you want to avoid the crowds, your best bet is to come on a weekday or in the early morning. For quiet within easy reach, there are the Noorderstrand and the neighbouring seaside resorts of Kijkduin and Wassenaarse Slag.
Parking
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Nearby seaside resorts
Last updated: 23 June 2026