Scheveningen is the seaside district of The Hague, and the most popular beach resort in the Netherlands. It is a wide sandy beach with a long promenade, a pier, beach clubs and a working fishing harbour. You can reach it by tram in about 20 to 30 minutes from The Hague city centre, so it is an easy half-day or full-day trip. Here is how to enjoy it without the usual rookie mistakes.
Getting to Scheveningen
From The Hague Central Station, urban trams (lines 9 and 1 have historically served the beach area, but check current line numbers on the local transit operator’s site) run directly to the coast. From Amsterdam, take a train to The Hague (about 50 minutes), then change to the tram. Cycling from the city centre is also easy, via a mostly flat route through the dunes and parks. In summer, the beach roads and car parks fill quickly, so public transport is the smarter option. Check the official site for any seasonal changes.
What to do in Scheveningen
Walk the promenade
The boulevard stretches along the beach with cafés, restaurants and kiosks. It is lively on sunny days and dramatically empty on stormy ones, both worth seeing. Sunset along the North Sea can be particularly striking.
The pier
Scheveningen Pier is a landmark with an observation tower, a Ferris wheel and a zip-line in the warmer season. Opening times and attraction availability change by season, so check before you go. Even without paying for rides, walking out over the water gives you a sea view.
Swim, surf or just sit
The North Sea is cold even in summer. Swimming is popular from roughly late spring to early autumn, but pay attention to lifeguard flags and local advice. Kitesurfing and surfing are practised here too, with schools offering lessons. In winter, locals walk the beach in warm coats and gloves, and the hardiest take New Year’s Day dips.
Beach clubs and cafés
A strip of beach pavilions serves drinks and meals right on the sand. They are pleasant for a sunset drink, though prices are what you would expect for a prime location. A cheaper option is to buy snacks from the kiosks and sit with a view.
The harbour
Scheveningen’s harbour is still a working fishing port. Walk around the marina to see boats and fish restaurants. Herring, fried fish and shrimps are classics here. Check restaurant opening hours in advance, since smaller places may close one day a week.
Museum visits
Museum Beelden aan Zee displays sculpture in a building by the dunes. Check the museum’s website for opening times and ticket details. The area also has the historic Kurhaus hotel, a grand seaside building from the nineteenth century that you can admire even if you are not staying.
Best time to visit
- July and August: warmest water and the busiest beach. Expect crowds on hot weekends.
- May, June and September: quieter, with a good chance of nice days.
- Winter: bracing walks and empty sands, with a smaller number of places open.
Tips
- Bring a windbreaker, even on warm days. The sea breeze can be sharp.
- Sunscreen is still necessary because the sand and water reflect sunlight.
- Be careful with valuables on the beach, as in any popular resort.
- Check the weather forecast and surf conditions. Dutch weather changes quickly.
- Sandy feet and sandals are normal, but leave shoes you care about at the hotel.
Scheveningen and The Hague combined
A good day combines a morning in The Hague, such as the Binnenhof, the Mauritshuis museum and the old centre, with an afternoon at the sea. Eat a fish lunch at the harbour, spend time on the beach, and finish with a sunset on the promenade. It is easy to return to the city centre by tram in the evening for dinner.
Things to avoid
- Coming only for the pier. The wider beach and harbour make the trip better.
- Driving on a sunny summer Saturday without checking parking.
- Ignoring wind and sea warnings.
For travel information on the region, visit Holland.com. Whether you come for surf, fish, a long walk or simply the sky, Scheveningen is the Dutch coast at its most accessible.
Photo: Michielverbeek, CC BY-SA 4.0, source.
