The top three
1) Bloemendaal aan Zee — the beach club capital, 25+ pavilions in summer, wide sand, easy from Haarlem (bus 81, 15 min). 2) Texel De Koog — cleanest and widest sand, dunes behind, less party more nature. 3) Egmond aan Zee — dramatic dune backdrop, working fishing village charm, family-friendly.
The rest
Zandvoort is the big-name choice — train direct from Amsterdam, F1 circuit, but the sand is narrower and clubs are corporate. Bergen aan Zee is quiet and pretty. Castricum aan Zee has the best dune walking. Wijk aan Zee is windsurfer central. IJmuiden has the pier and industrial port views (better than it sounds). Camperduin has the coastal defense project — a huge artificial lagoon that's swim-friendly.
Practical
All beaches are free. Parking runs $10-$18 a day in July-August, half that off-peak. Water hits 18-20°C in August, 8-12°C otherwise. Beach clubs typically open May 1 and close October 1. Bring windbreaks — the North Sea is windy.
Questions answered
Are the beaches dog-friendly?
Yes off-season (October-May) usually leash-free; June-September has leash and sometimes zone restrictions. Texel is best year-round for dogs.
Best beach for kids?
Egmond aan Zee — shallow entry, family-run beach clubs, and cheap ice cream in the village behind.
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