Zandvoort by the Sea
Zandvoort has always lived with the sea. First as a fishing village, later as one of the Netherlands’ best-known seaside resorts. In the 19th century it grew into a fashionable bathing place, with grand hotels, horse-drawn trams, and wide promenades that attracted both Dutch and German holidaymakers. That mix of everyday village life and seaside glamour still lingers today — you’ll notice it in the architecture, the old villas, and the long boulevard that still feels made for strolling.
The beach itself stretches wide, with soft sand and endless views. But Zandvoort is not only about sunbathing. The town has a rhythm of its own, shaped by the tides, the sound of gulls, and the summer crowds. You’ll find cafés tucked in side streets, small shops selling everything from surf gear to seaside souvenirs, and festivals that turn the beach into a stage.
And perhaps the best part: Zandvoort is one of the easiest escapes from Amsterdam. In just 30 minutes by train you swap canals for coastline, city noise for sea breeze. It’s a day trip that feels surprisingly far away — yet it’s as simple as stepping onto the train.
Prefer to skim? Use the quick‑jump menu below:
Beach time & village strolls
A beach day in Zandvoort is never just about lying in the sand. Yes, you’ll find wide beaches and plenty of seaside cafés where you can order a chilled drink with your toes in the sand. But walk a little further and you’ll notice that each stretch of beach has its own atmosphere — from quiet dunes for those who like calm, to livelier sections where music and beach clubs set the tone.
Step off the sand and you’ll find the village side of Zandvoort. Narrow streets lead you past bakeries, surf shops, and small boutiques selling local art or summer clothes. In summer, the village often hosts open-air markets and small festivals, adding music and colour to your walk. It’s the kind of place where you can easily mix a lazy beach afternoon with a bit of browsing and a slice of cake in a corner café.
🧳 TravelGlaze Tip: Skip the crowded boulevard cafés and head to Kerkstraat or Haltestraat just behind the beach. You’ll find quieter spots for coffee or lunch, often at friendlier prices.
TravelGlaze Moment: Choosing Your Beach Style
I’m not really a “lying-on-the-beach-all-day” type of person. In the Netherlands, there are no trees for natural shade and the sea is usually a little murky. Still, I love the coastline — walking through the dunes or along the sand with the salty breeze feels refreshing.
Most of the time, I choose quieter beaches like Castricum or Bergen aan Zee. They’re a bit farther from Amsterdam, but the calmer vibe makes them much more comfortable for me.
If I do go to Zandvoort, I skip the busiest hours. Early mornings or late afternoons are much more relaxed. Many beach clubs also have shaded spots or loungers with parasols — a smart way to enjoy the beach without baking in the sun. And if the sea feels too chilly, the nearby dunes are perfect for a peaceful walk with great views.
TravelGlaze Tip: Just up the coast in Bloemendaal, you’ll find Theater Caprera, an open-air stage hidden in the dunes. On summer evenings, you can catch concerts or performances while surrounded by nature — it’s a unique experience that combines culture with the calm of the coast.
Practical info
📍 Location: Hoge Duin en Daalseweg 2, Bloemendaal
🎭 Season: May–September (mainly evenings)
💡 Getting there: 10 minutes by bike or 5 minutes by car from Bloemendaal beach; also reachable by bus from Haarlem.
A Glimpse of Zandvoort’s Past
Zandvoort may look like a modern beach resort, but it has been drawing visitors for more than 200 years. When the railway to Amsterdam opened in 1881, the quiet fishing village suddenly transformed into a seaside escape for city dwellers. Steam trains packed with families made their way to the coast, and Zandvoort became one of the first Dutch towns to truly live from tourism.
In the early 20th century, elegant seaside hotels were built, and the beach became a place to stroll rather than work. Photos from this period show parasols, striped bathing cabins, and women in ankle-length bathing dresses — a different kind of seaside glamour.
But the town also has a darker chapter: during World War II, the German army demolished large parts of the old village to make way for bunkers and coastal defenses, part of the Atlantic Wall. Many residents had to leave, and Zandvoort’s historic heart was lost. Today, you can still see traces of this in the dunes, where bunkers remain hidden among the grasses.
Another piece of history sits just outside the village: the Zandvoort racing circuit (Circuit Zandvoort). Opened in 1948, it has hosted major races, including Formula 1, and continues to bring international attention to the town.
TravelGlaze Tip: Take a short detour to the Juttersmu-Zee-um, a quirky little beachcomber museum where locals display everything the sea has washed ashore — from everyday objects to the downright bizarre. It’s a fun way to see Zandvoort’s past through beach finds.
Practical info
Juttersmu-Zee-um
Location: Strandafgang Barnaart 23A
Open: Daily, 11:00–17:00
Admission: Free
Beach Time in Zandvoort
Zandvoort’s long sandy stretch is one of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands. It’s wide enough to feel open, even on busier days, and the dunes behind it create a natural backdrop. Unlike smaller Dutch beaches, Zandvoort has a full mix of beach clubs, family spots, and quieter stretches.
What makes it comfortable for a day trip:
Facilities are close by – from restrooms to beach cafés, everything is within walking distance.
Accessibility – Zandvoort aan Zee train station is only a few minutes’ walk from the beach.
Choice of vibe – you can pick a trendy beach club with music and cocktails, or head north/south for quieter sand.
The Dutch weather is famously changeable — you can have sunshine, clouds, and wind in the same hour. That’s part of the charm, but it also means a light jacket or scarf is just as useful as sunscreen. Another thing to know: the North Sea has strong rip currents (muien). They’re marked with warning signs, so if you want to swim, stay within the lifeguarded zones.
🧳 TravelGlaze Tip: If you’re visiting on a sunny weekend, head a little north towards Bloemendaal aan Zee — a 20-minute beach walk — for a livelier, younger crowd, or south towards the Kennemerduinen for peaceful dunes and fewer people.
Practical info
Beach access: Free, all year round
Facilities: Restrooms/showers available at main beach entrances
Events: Check the Zandvoort tourist office calendar for beach festivals and markets (especially June–August)
Station: Zandvoort aan Zee (5 min walk to the beach)
The dunes & nature walks
Right behind Zandvoort beach begins a very different landscape: the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. It’s a protected nature reserve where drinking water for Amsterdam has been filtered through the sand for more than a century. Today, it’s also one of the best places for quiet walks, away from the crowded boulevard.
You’ll find sandy paths, open fields, and wooded areas — and a good chance of spotting wildlife. Fallow deer are almost guaranteed, but you may also come across foxes, rabbits, and countless birds. The pace here is naturally slower; it’s the kind of place where you hear your footsteps and the wind, nothing more. 
🧳 TravelGlaze Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle. There are fountains at the entrances, and filling up before you start is both practical and part of the experience — this really is Amsterdam’s water source.
Practical info
Entrances: Several, the most used is at Zandvoortselaan 130 (15 min walk from the train station)
Open: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Entry fee: €1.50 per person (tickets from machines at the entrance, no cash)
Note: Cycling is not allowed inside the reserve — it’s strictly for walking.
Village life & beach clubs
Zandvoort isn’t only about sand and sea. The village itself still has the atmosphere of a seaside resort, with small streets full of cafés, ice cream shops, and local stores. On summer evenings, music drifts from terraces, and weekend markets bring extra liveliness.
For a more comfortable way to enjoy the coast, the beach clubs are worth a stop. These aren’t just bars with sunbeds — many have full restaurants, stylish lounges, and even fireplaces for cooler evenings. Some are seasonal pop-ups, rebuilt every spring, while others stay open all year.
🧳 TravelGlaze Tip: Reserve a table if you’re coming on a sunny weekend. The most popular beach clubs fill up quickly, especially around sunset.
Practical info
Village center: 5–10 min walk from the train station
Beach clubs: Stretch along the main beach; many open March–October, a few all year
Events: Summer weekends often include live music or DJ sets on the boulevard and terraces
Getting there & around
One of the reasons Zandvoort is such a popular day trip is its easy access from Amsterdam. Direct trains run from Amsterdam Centraal and Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Zandvoort aan Zee station in about 30 minutes. From the station, the beach is just a 5-minute walk.
If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that Zandvoort is not connected by highway. The road takes you through smaller towns, which means traffic can be slow on sunny weekends. Parking near the beach is possible, but it is expensive during the summer months and spots fill up quickly. In winter, parking fees are lower (or sometimes free), making it a more relaxed option outside peak season.
For a scenic route, cycling through the dunes from Haarlem or Bloemendaal is a beautiful alternative — you’ll pass through nature reserves with plenty of places to stop for a break.
🧳 TravelGlaze Tip: On summer days, skip the car stress and take the train. In winter, when parking is easier and cheaper, driving becomes a much more comfortable option.
Final thoughts on Zandvoort
Zandvoort is one of those places where comfort depends on how you approach it. If you join an organized day tour, you’ll be dropped right at the beach and taken back without having to think about transport. But if you prefer a slower style of travel, it’s easy to reach on your own — by train, bike, or even a walk through the dunes. That way, you can combine the sea with the town, or detour to quieter spots like Bloemendaal or even Castricum.
It’s also worth knowing that Zandvoort is more than just sand and sea. The village has a long history as a seaside resort, beach clubs add a touch of comfort, and events keep the atmosphere lively in summer. And with the dunes right behind you, there’s always the option to step away from the crowd and find your own rhythm.
If you’d like to explore more easy day trips, have a look at my other nearby escapes: Haarlem, Zaandam, and Volendam. Each has its own pace, but all are close enough to enjoy without rush.
