Spend a day at Scheveningen Beach, The Hague’s historic seaside resort. Play a game of beach volleyball with the locals, enjoy family-friendly seaside entertainment or go for a swim and sunbathe on a towel. In the evenings, choose between cinemas, numerous restaurants and a range of nightclubs.
Scheveningen Beach is a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometre) stretch of sand to the north west of The Hague. It is roughly divided into four sections: the Boulevard, the Harbour Beach, Northern Beach and a nudist beach.Start on the Boulevard, where the main attractions are located. This is also where you can see the beach’s most iconic building: The Kurhaus Hotel. It dates back to 1885. Look out over the pier, a former glorious structure that caught on fire in 2011, making its future uncertain.
Scheveningen Beach is known as one of the best places to kite surf or wind surf in Holland. To get started, rent gear from one of the outlets along the beach or take lessons. If you’re already proficient head straight to the best waves at Harbour Beach. You can also rent a sea kayak.
Make your way to Northern Beach in the evening to party with the outgoing locals in one of the many nightclubs. Join one of the regular beach festivals here in summer. Northern Beach also houses The Hague Beach Stadium where you can watch national and international volleyball, hockey or handball tournaments in summer.
Head away from the main areas to find a quiet spot to yourself along the water. On colder days you can go for a refreshing beach walk followed by a visit to the nearby SEA LIFE Aquarium, cinemas or shopping malls.
The beach is located on the eastern side of The Hague, about a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Summer months get very busy and parking can be an issue, so the easiest way to get there is by taking a bus or tram to Kurhaus from central The Hague.