Beverwijk by the Sea: Beach Days and Dune Walks

Beverwijk aan Zee pairs a broad North Sea beach with quiet dune trails, all within a short drive of Haarlem and IJmuiden.

The Beach and the Dunes

Beverwijk aan Zee is the seaside annex of Beverwijk, a town known for its market but also home to a wide, clean North Sea beach. The sand stretches from the pier at Wijk aan Zee in the south to the harbour mouth at IJmuiden in the north. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards from May to September, and the busiest stretch is near the main access at Zeestraat. For more space, walk ten minutes north towards the Kennemerduinen. The dunes here are part of the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, a protected area of rolling sand hills, pine woods and fens. Entry is free, and waymarked trails start right behind the beach.

The dune network offers routes for all levels. The easiest is the 3-kilometre circular from the Bezoekerscentrum De Kennemerduinen, which is flat and family-friendly. More ambitious walkers can follow the 10-kilometre route to the Vogelmeer, a lake popular with birdwatchers. The paths are sandy but well-maintained; sturdy shoes are recommended. Best months for walking are April to June and September to October, when temperatures are mild and crowds are thin. July and August bring warm beach weather but also peak visitor numbers, especially at weekends. There is no charge to enter the dunes, and several cafés near the entrances serve coffee and snacks.

Getting There and Around

Beverwijk is easily reached by train from Amsterdam Centraal in about 35 minutes; from Haarlem it is a 15-minute ride. The station is in the town centre, 4 kilometres from the beach. Bus 73 runs from the station to Beverwijk aan Zee in roughly 15 minutes, or you can cycle the flat route in 20 minutes. By car, take the A9 motorway and exit at Beverwijk; follow signs for Beverwijk aan Zee. Parking near the beach costs around €2 per hour in summer, but free spots can be found on the outskirts. If you are coming from IJmuiden, the ferry to Newcastle is a 20-minute drive north and offers a scenic coastal route. For a car-free day, combine the train with the bus; a day ticket for the region costs about €10.

Once at the beach, everything is walkable or bikeable. The promenade has a few beach pavilions and a restaurant, but for more variety, head to Wijk aan Zee, a 10-minute drive south, where you will find a cluster of cafés and a small supermarket. Bicycles can be rented at the station in Beverwijk for about €10 per day. The dunes are best explored on foot; cycling is only allowed on designated paths. If you want to extend your beach day, the ferry at IJmuiden to Newcastle is a 20-minute drive north, though it is a different kind of trip. For a cultural break, the Bazaar in Beverwijk, a large indoor market, is a 10-minute drive from the beach and open on weekends.

Where to Stay

Most visitors base themselves in Haarlem, a 20-minute drive or 15-minute train ride away. Haarlem has a wide range of hotels, from budget chains near the station to boutique stays in the old centre. Expect to pay €80–€150 per night for a double room in summer. Beverwijk itself has a few smaller hotels and guesthouses, often cheaper at €60–€100, but they are limited in number and book up quickly during the August market weeks. IJmuiden, 15 minutes north, offers harbour views and a handful of hotels, but the beach there is less inviting. If you want to be within walking distance of the sand, there are a couple of holiday parks and campsites near Wijk aan Zee, with cabins starting around €70 per night in low season.

My recommendation is to book a hotel in Haarlem if you plan to combine beach days with city exploring; the train connection is frequent and reliable. For a pure beach holiday, look for accommodation in Wijk aan Zee or Beverwijk aan Zee itself, but book early, especially for July and August. Avoid staying in Amsterdam and commuting; the drive can take over an hour in traffic. If you are arriving by ferry from Newcastle, consider one night in IJmuiden before moving on. For a quiet retreat, the dunes have no hotels, but nearby Driehuis has a few bed-and-breakfasts. Check cancellation policies, as summer storms can change plans.

What to Skip and When to Go

Skip the beach on windy days; the sand stings and the water is cold even in summer. Also avoid the Beverwijk market on Saturdays if you are not a fan of crowds; it is one of the largest in the region and draws big numbers. The beach is at its best in June and September, when the water is still swimmable and the crowds are manageable. July and August are warmest but busiest. If you visit in winter, the dunes are bracing and quiet, but most beach pavilions close. Note that the beach is not suitable for swimming when the red flag is flying, and there are no lifeguards outside the summer season.

For a day trip, consider the Zee Aquarium in Beverwijk, a small but well-run attraction that is good for families with young children. However, if you have limited time, prioritize the dunes and the beach over the aquarium. The nearby town of Haarlem has more significant sights, including the Frans Hals Museum and the Grote Markt. If you are relying on public transport, check the bus schedule; bus 73 runs every 30 minutes on weekdays but less frequently on Sundays. Booking a hotel in Haarlem gives you more dining options in the evening, as Beverwijk aan Zee has only a few restaurants. Overall, Beverwijk by the sea is a straightforward, unpretentious beach destination that pairs well with dune walks and easy access from the Randstad.

Questions, answered

Do I need a car to visit Beverwijk aan Zee?

No. The beach is reachable by train to Beverwijk and then bus 73, which takes about 15 minutes. Cycling from the station is also an option. A car is useful for exploring the wider dune area, but parking can be expensive in summer.

Are the dunes suitable for children?

Yes, the shorter trails like the 3-kilometre route from the visitor centre are flat and easy. However, some paths are sandy and may be difficult for strollers. Bring water and sun protection, as there is little shade.

When is the best time to visit for a beach day?

June and September offer a good balance of pleasant weather and smaller crowds. July and August are warmer but busier, especially at weekends. Lifeguards are on duty from May to September, but the sea can be cold even in summer.

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