Scheveningen is one of the most famous seaside resorts in the Netherlands, located right next to The Hague.
Unique city by the sea: The only true city beach in South Holland, where seaside fun blends effortlessly with vibrant urban life. Attracting millions of visitors every year.
Long and wide sandy beach:Scheveningen boasts a beach about 4.5 kilometres long and on average 110 metres wide, stretching between the Westduinpark and the Oostduinpark, with views of the North Sea.
Noorderstrand: The most visited part of the beach, featuring landmarks like the Pier and the historic Kurhaus. Here you'll find beach clubs, terraces, shops and attractions galore.
The Pier: A true eye-catcher: a promenade pier stretching over the sea with food trucks, a Ferris wheel and a bungee jump tower – unique in the Netherlands.
Zuiderstrand: Ideal for peace and space: on the far side of the marina lies the relaxed Zuiderstrand, a favourite with locals.
Activities: From sunbathing to water sports, walking or festivals – there’s always something happening in Scheveningen. Think beach volleyball, firework displays, food festivals and open-air movies.
Easy to reach: Located within The Hague, the beach is easily accessible by tram, bike, car or even on foot from the city centre.
Whether you're planning a day out or a longer holiday: Scheveningen offers the perfect mix of beach, promenade and city energy – a true classic among Dutch seaside resorts.
Award-Winning Beaches
The beaches of Scheveningen have received several awards for their quality, safety, and maintenance.
Blue Flag: In 2024, the beach of Scheveningen was awarded the 14thBlue Flag – an international quality label that stands for clean bathing water, excellent facilities, and a safe beach.
The Blue Flag confirms the high standards that Scheveningen has maintained for years – a popular seaside resort where you can enjoy sun, sea, and sand in comfort and safety.
The wide-open beach of Scheveningen is more than two kilometers long and is located right in front of the boulevard, between the harbor dam and the famous Pier. This so-called Noorderstrand is mainly visited by tourists in the summer, but locals also like to drop by. It is ideal for sun lovers who like to have a good time. The 2.5 km long boulevard of Scheveningen has many nice restaurants, terraces and beach pavilions with a beautiful view of the sea and the Ferris wheel. The beach pavilions are constructed at the beginning of March. They remain open until the beginning of October.
The beach area near the harbor dam is a bit more quiet and therefore a great spot to visit with children. This southern part of the boulevard has room for sports such as surfing and beach volleyball. There are several permanent beach pavilions and surfing schools, where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner, even in the winter months. In addition, there are several delicious seafood restaurants at the port of Scheveningen.
Zuiderstrand (South beach)
The Zuiderstrand is located north of Kijkduin and south of the port of Scheveningen. It is one of the most beautiful parts of The Hague. Among locals it is also known as the quiet beach. It is the quiet - 'secret' - alternative between Scheveningen and Kijkduin, directly behind the dunes, perfect for anyone who loves wide open spaces. You will mainly see locals here, as well as some tourists , the ones who know how to find this place that is.
Kijkduin
The beach of Kijkduin is a lot quieter than the Noorderstrand of Scheveningen and that's great for anyone who's not a fan of big crowds. But not only the beach of Kijkduin is lovely, behind it you can find a beautiful dune area for walking. The top of the dunes sport a great track for cycling or running, with a view out to the sea!
Zwarte Pad Strand (Black Path Beach)
North of the Pier lies the Zwarte Pad Strand. Less touristy than the beach directly in front of the Kurhaus, but this is the place where most of the beach parties are held in summer. If you fancy a little party, you've come to the right place. But there's also ample space for you to relax and enjoy a glass of rosé or prosecco on a trendy lounge couch here. It's always nice to sunbathe at one of the many beach pavilions.
Facilities & Safety on the Beach
The beaches of Scheveningen are clean, well-maintained and equipped with all the conveniences for a relaxing day by the sea.
Daily cleaning: Every summer day, the beaches are cleaned so you can enjoy a fresh and tidy spot on the sand.
Showers: Showers are located throughout the beach to rinse off sand and seawater – ideal after swimming or playing.
Supervision & First Aid: During the summer season, lifeguards and beach patrols look after your safety. First aid stations are available at the busier entrances.
Comfort for Everyone
Whether you come to sunbathe, walk, play or enjoy watersports – the wide beaches of Scheveningen offer peace, space and comfort for all ages.
Accessibility: Many beach entrances are suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Nearby parking areas make your beach visit even easier.
Food & drink nearby: Along the beach you'll find cosy pavilions and terraces for an ice cream, lunch, drink or dinner with a sea view.
Orientation Poles on the Beach
On the main beaches of Scheveningen, eye-catching orientation poles are placed during the summer season. Each pole has a unique figure on top – like an animal or symbol – clearly visible from a distance. They are mainly intended as reference points for children.
For children: The recognisable figures help them remember where they are sitting or where their parents are.
For parents: Agree on a specific pole in advance as a meeting point to find each other again.
Beach Supervision in Scheveningen
At the main beaches of Scheveningen, lifeguards ensure a safe day by the sea. This way, you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand without worry.
When: Daily from 10:00 to 18:00 in July and August, and also on weekends between 15 May and 15 September if the weather is good.
Qualified lifeguards: Trained in first aid and equipped with communication tools and rescue gear.
Lifeguard stations: Spread along the beach, clearly marked with flags and lookout points. These manned stations provide constant supervision.
Danger warnings: In case of strong currents or bad weather, you will be warned in time via flags.
Flags and Their Meanings
On the beaches of Scheveningen, you will find various information signs and beach flags to inform and warn swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and other beachgoers about the risks associated with swimming in the sea. Below you will find the meanings of these flags:
Red-Yellow Flag
Supervised beach zone. Lifeguards present Lifeguard station is open, and qualified lifeguards are monitoring the area within the lifeguard brigade's working area.
Red Flag
No swimming! Very dangerous sea Warns of serious danger and is raised when swimming conditions are very dangerous. Swimming, bathing, and other activities in or on the sea are strongly discouraged.
Yellow Flag
Be careful when swimming! Dangerous sea Warns of dangerous conditions in the sea. Extra caution and vigilance are required.
Orange Windsock
Be careful when swimming! Do not use floatation devices! Warns against the use of (inflatable) floatation devices due to offshore winds.
White Flag with Blue Question Mark
Child found! A child has been found who is missing their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians are asked to report to the lifeguard station.
Green Flag with White Cross
First Aid Post First aid personnel are present at the lifeguard station.
Black and White Chequered Flag
Water sports allowed In the zone between the two black and white chequered flags, water sports are allowed.
Pay attention to these flags and always follow the instructions of the lifeguards for your safety and the safety of others on the beach.
Dogs on the Beach
For many dogs, the beach is the ultimate place to run, play, and swim. Whether it’s a seaside walk in the fresh sea breeze or a cheerful game with a frisbee or ball – dogs clearly enjoy a day by the sea. But please note: on many beaches, seasonal rules apply regarding dogs.
Dogs are prohibited on the beaches of Scheveningen during the period 15 May till 1 October.
Outside of the above mentioned period are dogs allowed (both loose and leased) on the beaches of Scheveningen.
Further, we also recommend reading the information board, with the local beach rules, which is often placed near every beach (entrance).
At low tide there is a strong current towards the sea, than stay close to shore. In case you get pulled in by the current do not try to swim straight against it, but swim slanting to the shore with the current. Also be aware of floating devices like air-beds, boats or other swimming devices.
Do not get to close to the poles, piers or other obstacles.
Watch your children carefully, do not let them alone near the water. Are there recognition signs on the beach, tell it to your children.