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Scheveningen Beach
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Scheveningen Beach in the Netherlands pairs North Sea sands with The Hague’s pier, surf culture, seaside dining and historic resort atmosphere.

Sea, Sand and the Seaside Promenade

Scheveningen Beach is the Netherlands’ best-known urban seaside resort, stretching along the North Sea on the western edge of The Hague. Its broad sandy shore is backed by a lively boulevard, the historic Kurhaus, the distinctive Pier and a long sequence of cafés, restaurants and seasonal beach pavilions. The beach changes character with the weather: on calm days it is a wide horizon of pale sand and shallow surf, while stronger winds bring kite flyers, windsurfers and walkers wrapped against the sea air.
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A Resort with Layers of History

Scheveningen began as a fishing village and developed into a fashionable bathing resort during the nineteenth century, when improved roads, railways and trams connected it with The Hague. The Kurhaus remains the most recognisable reminder of that era, while the nearby Museum Beelden aan Zee adds a contemporary cultural dimension with its sculpture collection. The Pier, rebuilt in its present form in the 2010s, extends over the water and provides elevated views along the coast.

Exploring the Wider Seafront

Visitors can combine time on the sand with swimming where conditions permit, surfing lessons, beach volleyball, cycling, coastal walks and visits to Sea Life Scheveningen. Further south, Scheveningen Harbour has a working maritime character and restaurants associated with the fishing tradition; north of the main resort, quieter stretches of coast lead towards dunes and nature areas. Public transport from central The Hague makes the beach unusually easy to reach, although the seafront is busiest on warm weekends and during major events. The atmosphere is distinctly Dutch: informal, wind-conscious and shaped by the meeting of a historic coastal community with a modern city.

When is the best time to visit Scheveningen Beach?

Best: June–August · 19–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January668
February655
March848
April1340
May1645
June (best)1960
July (best)2271
August (best)2271
September1964
October1680
November1380
December871

Getting to and around Scheveningen Beach

How to get there

Scheveningen Beach is part of The Hague and is most commonly reached through the city. The Hague’s main railway station and Den Haag Hollands Spoor station connect with Dutch intercity and regional rail services; from either, visitors can continue by tram or bus towards the beach and boulevard. Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol are the nearest major air gateways, with onward rail travel to The Hague. Road access is available from the Dutch motorway network, but the seafront becomes congested during sunny weekends and large events. Check current public-transport routes and road conditions before travelling.

Transportation

Trams and buses provide the principal connection between central The Hague, Scheveningen and the harbour area, while cycling is practical on the city’s extensive cycle network. The promenade, beach and main attractions are approachable on foot once visitors arrive, although the full coastal area extends farther than the central resort. Cars are useful for reaching the wider coast but are less convenient at busy times because of traffic and parking pressure. Cycling on the beach itself is generally not appropriate; use signed cycleways and follow local restrictions. Taxis and app-based services may supplement public transport, but availability varies.

Best attractions in Scheveningen Beach

The central sweep of Scheveningen Beach is anchored by the Pier, whose viewing decks and attractions project into the North Sea beside the long boulevard. The historic Kurhaus provides the resort’s most recognisable nineteenth-century landmark, while Sea Life Scheveningen introduces marine life through an indoor attraction suited to changeable weather. Museum Beelden aan Zee, built into the dunes near the boulevard, displays modern and contemporary sculpture in a setting closely connected with the coast. Southwards, Scheveningen Harbour retains working fishing activity and leads towards the Zuiderstrand, where the built-up resort gradually gives way to a more open coastal landscape. The northern shoreline connects with dunes and the wider Westduinpark landscape, offering a different experience from the busy central beach. Seasonal pavilions, surf schools and marked recreational areas add active points of interest, while cyclists and walkers can use the coastal route to connect the beach with The Hague’s urban attractions.

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Best landmarks in Scheveningen Beach

Scheveningen’s defining natural landmark is its broad North Sea beach, an exposed sandy coast shaped by wind, tides and ongoing Dutch coastal management. The Pier is the resort’s most distinctive structure over the water, while the Kurhaus represents the grand nineteenth-century architecture that established Scheveningen as a bathing destination. The harbour is both a working maritime landscape and a reminder of the former fishing community, with boats, quays and seafood businesses distinguishing it from the central resort. Museum Beelden aan Zee occupies a dune-side position and is notable for bringing sculpture into the coastal setting. Beyond the busiest section of shore, the dunes and Westduinpark form an important transition between the city and the open coast. Wartime bunkers in the wider area provide physical evidence of the Atlantic Wall and the military reshaping of the shoreline during the Second World War.

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Explore Scheveningen Beach on the map

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Best restaurants in Scheveningen Beach

Dining in Scheveningen is concentrated around the boulevard, the beach pavilions and the harbour rather than spread evenly along the full coastline. Menus commonly reflect the district’s maritime identity with fish, seafood and casual coastal dishes, while cafés and international restaurants provide options away from the shore. The harbour is particularly associated with fishing and seafood businesses, and visitors can find restaurants and food outlets within the wider Scheveningen area as well as in central The Hague. Beach pavilions bring a seasonal dimension, with some operating only during part of the year, so choices vary with weather and date. Dutch snacks, coffee, cakes and drinks are easy to find around the resort, while the nearby Keizerstraat and residential streets add everyday cafés and local eateries. Visitors with dietary requirements should check menus directly, especially at temporary beach venues.

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Best bars in Scheveningen Beach

Scheveningen’s evening life is centred on the boulevard, beach pavilions, the harbour and the larger resort venues rather than a dedicated nightclub district. On warm evenings, beach establishments may offer relaxed drinks and music, while the harbour and surrounding streets provide pubs, bars and restaurants with a more local maritime setting. The Kurhaus and major seafront venues can host concerts, performances or private events, but programmes change and should be checked in advance. Outside the summer season, the atmosphere becomes quieter, with fewer temporary pavilions operating and more activity concentrated in permanent businesses. Visitors seeking a broader choice of clubs, theatres and late-night venues can continue into central The Hague, which is connected to Scheveningen by public transport. Noise and closing arrangements vary, so respect nearby residents and follow venue guidance.

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Best nightclubs in Scheveningen Beach

Scheveningen’s evening life is centred on the boulevard, beach pavilions, the harbour and the larger resort venues rather than a dedicated nightclub district. On warm evenings, beach establishments may offer relaxed drinks and music, while the harbour and surrounding streets provide pubs, bars and restaurants with a more local maritime setting. The Kurhaus and major seafront venues can host concerts, performances or private events, but programmes change and should be checked in advance. Outside the summer season, the atmosphere becomes quieter, with fewer temporary pavilions operating and more activity concentrated in permanent businesses. Visitors seeking a broader choice of clubs, theatres and late-night venues can continue into central The Hague, which is connected to Scheveningen by public transport. Noise and closing arrangements vary, so respect nearby residents and follow venue guidance.

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Best shops in Scheveningen Beach

Shopping in Scheveningen is practical and visitor-oriented rather than comparable with a major city centre. The boulevard and streets around the resort contain shops for beachwear, souvenirs, cycling needs and leisure equipment, while seasonal stalls and beach businesses add to the summer atmosphere. Keizerstraat, one of Scheveningen’s established commercial streets, offers everyday shops and independent businesses alongside cafés and services. The harbour area is associated with fish and maritime products, although opening arrangements and individual availability vary. Visitors looking for Dutch design, specialist fashion, major department stores or a wider selection of cultural goods will find more choice in central The Hague, a short public-transport journey inland. Local food products and small gifts are generally easier to buy in the built-up district than on the open beach, where retail facilities are limited and seasonal.

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Scheveningen Beach essentials

Currency and Payment
The Netherlands uses the euro (EUR). Contactless cards and mobile payments are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, attractions and shops around the main resort, although individual beach businesses may have their own payment policies. Carrying a small amount of cash remains sensible for occasional purchases, lockers or smaller seasonal vendors, but do not assume every temporary beach outlet handles cash. Cash machines are more likely to be found in the built-up parts of Scheveningen and The Hague than on the open shore. Visitors should check whether their card provider applies foreign-transaction charges.
Safety
The beach is exposed to North Sea weather, and wind, cold water, strong currents and rapidly changing conditions can make swimming or water sports hazardous. Use designated bathing areas and heed lifeguard instructions, warning flags and local signs; never treat calm-looking water as proof of safe conditions. Parts of the promenade and beach may be crowded during events, so keep valuables secure. At night, stay on well-lit routes and take care near the water’s edge. Cyclists should use marked paths, while walkers should remain alert to traffic, dunes and uneven surfaces.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 in the Netherlands for urgent police, fire or medical assistance. Give the operator the beach access number, nearby landmark, street name, Pier, boulevard section or harbour location, and describe visible signs or facilities if possible. For a non-urgent police matter, use the Dutch police non-emergency number 0900 8844, though visitors may prefer to ask accommodation staff for help with communication. Coastal incidents should be reported immediately rather than attempting a rescue alone. A European Health Insurance Card can support access to medically necessary state healthcare, subject to its terms.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect beach warning flags, bathing zones, dune fences and seasonal signs, and leave wildlife and coastal vegetation undisturbed. Keep the sand and promenade free of litter, use public facilities, and dispose of disposable barbecues only where local rules permit. Do not climb dunes or enter fenced conservation areas, and keep dogs and bicycles within permitted zones. In the resort and harbour, be considerate of residents and working businesses, particularly late at night. Follow local instructions for fires, alcohol, water sports and event areas, as these can differ between sections of the beach.
Local Tips
The central boulevard is convenient for first visits, but the harbour offers a more maritime atmosphere and the northern coast provides a quieter route towards the dunes. Early mornings and weekdays usually feel calmer than sunny weekend afternoons. The beach can be enjoyed in every season, though winter brings stronger wind and fewer open seasonal facilities. Combine a seafront visit with central The Hague rather than assuming Scheveningen is a separate day-trip region, as the tram journey makes both areas easy to link. For outdoor activities, arrange instruction with an established provider and check conditions before setting out.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHoi[hoi]
GoodbyeTot ziens[tot ziyens]
YesJa[ya]
NoNee[nee]
Please/You're welcomeAlsjeblieft[als-ye-bleeft]
Thank youDank je wel[dank yeh vel]
Excuse me/SorrySorry[sore-ee]
How are you?Hoe gaat het?[hoo gat het]
Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?[hoot. en met yow]
Do you speak English?Spreek je Engels?[sprek yeh engels]
I don't understandIk begrijp het niet[ik buh-grayp het neet]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart willen zien, alsjeblieft[ik zow khraag duh menoo-kart vil-en zien, als-ye-bleeft]
I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees[ik ate khayn flays]
Cheers!Proost![prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alsjeblieft[ik vil khraag buh-talen, als-ye-bleeft]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help]
Go away!Ga weg![ga vekh]
Call the Police!Bel de politie![bel duh po-lee-see]
Call a doctor!Bel een dokter![bel ayn dok-ter]
I'm lostIk ben verdwaald[ik ben fer-dwaald]
I'm illIk ben ziek[ik ben zik]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...[ik vil khraag koh-pen]
I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar[ik kayk al-ayne mar]
How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?[hoo-vel kost het]
That's too expensiveDat is te duur[dat is tuh doo-r]
Can you lower the price?Kun je de prijs verlagen?[kun yeh duh prays ver-lah-gen]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hoe laat is het?[hoo laht is het]
It's one o'clockHet is een uur[het is ayn oor]
Half past (10)Half elf[half elf]
MorningOchtend[okh-tent]
AfternoonMiddag[mid-dakh]
EveningAvond[ah-vont]
YesterdayGisteren[khist-ern]
TodayVandaag[vahn-dakh]
TomorrowMorgen[mor-khen]
1Eén[ayn]
2Twee[tway]
3Drie[dree]
4Vier[feer]
5Vijf[vayf]
6Zes[zehs]
7Zeven[zay-ven]
8Acht[ahkht]
9Negen[nay-khen]
10Tien[teen]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?[var is ayn/de]
What's the address?Wat is het adres?[vat is het a-dres]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kun je me laten zien (op de kaart)?[kun yeh meh lat-en zien (op de kaart)]
When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?[ven-ner is de vol-hende (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Een kaartje (naar ....)[ayn kart-yeh (nar)]

History of Scheveningen Beach

A Fishing Village by the North Sea

Scheveningen developed for centuries as a coastal fishing settlement beside the North Sea, with livelihoods tied to herring, flatfish and other marine resources. Unlike many Dutch towns, it was not built around a historic harbour in its earliest form; fishing boats were traditionally drawn up on the beach, and the shoreline remained central to village life. The settlement’s dialect, working traditions and close relationship with the sea helped give Scheveningen a distinct identity even as it became increasingly connected with The Hague.

The Rise of Sea Bathing

Scheveningen’s transformation into a seaside resort began in the early nineteenth century, when Jacob Pronk opened a bathing house in 1818. Sea bathing and coastal leisure gradually became fashionable among visitors from The Hague and further afield. Better roads, railways and tram connections encouraged day trips and longer stays, while hotels and entertainment buildings began to reshape the shore. The fishing village and the resort developed alongside one another rather than being entirely replaced by tourism.

The Kurhaus and Resort Architecture

The Kurhaus, opened in 1885, became the architectural centrepiece of the resort and symbolised Scheveningen’s late nineteenth-century ambitions. Its concerts, social events and grand hospitality helped establish the beach as an international destination. The building was damaged by fire in 1979 but subsequently restored, preserving its role as a landmark on the boulevard. The surrounding seafront was repeatedly modernised as tastes, transport and expectations of seaside entertainment changed.

War and the Atlantic Wall

The Second World War brought major disruption to Scheveningen. German military authorities incorporated the coast into the Atlantic Wall, a defensive system stretching along occupied Western Europe. Parts of the shoreline and built-up area were altered or cleared for military purposes, while bunkers and other defensive structures formed part of the wartime landscape. Surviving remains, including bunkers in the wider coastal area, provide reminders that the resort’s leisure identity overlays a more difficult twentieth-century history.

Modern Coastal Renewal

After the war, Scheveningen was rebuilt and expanded as a metropolitan beach destination serving The Hague and international visitors. The seafront gained new leisure facilities, beach pavilions, cultural attractions and improved public spaces, while the harbour continued to reflect the district’s maritime origins. The Pier has been renewed more than once, most recently reopening in a substantially redeveloped form in 2016. Today, coastal management, beach safety, recreation and protection of the adjoining dunes remain important to the resort’s future.

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Planning a trip to Scheveningen Beach? Evendo is here to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. Our app offers a comprehensive guide to all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences in Scheveningen Beach. With detailed descriptions, local tips, images, maps, and contact details, Evendo makes it easy to discover and plan your perfect trip.

Visit the iconic Scheveningen Pier, explore the fascinating Sea Life Scheveningen, or relax at the stunning Kurhaus Hotel. Looking for dining options? Enjoy fresh seafood at Catch by Simonis or savor international cuisine at The Harbour Club. Evendo provides curated local tips to help you experience Scheveningen Beach like a local.

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