Noordwijk, a beautiful coastal town in South Holland, is the perfect destination for a beach day. Whether you are a sun worshipper, a water sports enthusiast or a nature lover, Noordwijk offers something for everyone. In this blog, we take you on a journey through the best beaches, activities, dining options and tips for a perfect day out on the coast.

1. Start your day with a lovely walk on the beach

Start your day early with a leisurely walk on the beach. Noordwijk has an expansive beach no less than 13 kilometers long, which means you have plenty of room to enjoy the peace and natural beauty. The sound of the waves, the soft sand under your feet and the fresh sea air make for a perfect start to your day.

Tip: Don’t forget your camera, as the sunrise over the North Sea offers breathtaking photo opportunities.

2. Explore the different beach areas

Noordwijk has several zones along the beach, each with its own unique atmosphere and facilities:

• Noordwijk aan Zee: The most popular part of the beach, close to the center of Noordwijk. Here you will find a bustling promenade with stores, restaurants and beach bars. This is the place to enjoy a mix of relaxation and liveliness.
• The family beach: South of the promenade is the family beach, a quieter area ideal for families with children. Here the amenities are geared toward a relaxing and child-friendly day by the sea.
• The dog beach: Noordwijk also has a special area where dogs are welcome, both in summer and winter. This beach section is located north of the Duindamseslag and offers plenty of space for your four-legged friend to run around freely.

3. Enjoy water sports and beach activities

For active visitors, there are plenty of water sports and beach activities to experience in Noordwijk. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, there is something for everyone:

• Surfing and kitesurfing: Noordwijk is a popular spot for surfers and kitesurfers thanks to the favorable wind conditions. There are several surf schools offering lessons for beginners and advanced surfers.
• Suppen (Stand-up Paddleboarding): An increasingly popular activity that involves paddling across the waves while standing on a surfboard. Supping is a great way to enjoy the sea while working on your balance and core stability.
• Beach volleyball: Scattered along the beach you will find several beach volleyball courts. Bring a ball and organize a game with friends or join one of the local teams that play regularly.
• Building sand castles: For children (and adults), there is nothing more fun than a day of building sand castles. Unleash your creativity and build the most beautiful sand creations.

4. Have lunch at one of the beach bars

After a morning full of activities, it’s time for a well-deserved lunch. Noordwijk has a wide selection of cozy beach bars where you can enjoy delicious food overlooking the sea. Some recommendations:

• Beachclub O: A stylish beach club with an extensive menu of local and international dishes. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes, salads and homemade burgers.
• Beach Club Witsand: Known for its relaxed atmosphere and sustainable cuisine. Here you can enjoy organic food and a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options.
• Bries Noordwijk: A luxurious beach club with an expansive terrace and stunning views. Ideal for a more upscale lunch moment that includes oysters and champagne on the menu.

5. Relaxing and sunbathing

After lunch it is time to relax and sunbathe. Find a comfortable spot on the beach, roll out your towel or rent a beach chair and umbrella for some extra comfort. Remember to apply sunscreen properly, as the sun can be quite bright, even on a windy day.

Tip: Read a good book, listen to your favorite music or podcast, or just do nothing at all and enjoy the moment.

6. Explore the dunes and natural areas

Noordwijk is blessed not only with beautiful beaches, but also with vast dune areas and nature reserves. Take a walk or rent a bike to explore the area:

• National Park Holland Dunes: This nature reserve stretches along the coast and offers a beautiful landscape of dunes, forests and heathland. There are several hiking and biking trails that take you past the most beautiful places in the park.
• The Coepelduynen: A smaller but no less impressive dune area between Noordwijk and Katwijk. This area is perfect for a quiet walk and offers various views of the sea and the hinterland.

7. Dinner overlooking the sunset

After an active afternoon, it’s time for a delicious dinner. Noordwijk has numerous restaurants that overlook the beach and sea, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful sunset while you dine. Some suggestions:

• Restaurant The Zuiderbad: An attractive restaurant right on the beach with an extensive menu of fish and meat dishes. The perfect place to end the day with a romantic sunset dinner.
• Breakers Beach House: Located at Grand Hotel Huis ter Duin, this restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with stunning sea views. Ideal for a more special night out.
• The Beach: An informal beachside joint with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu that ranges from pizzas and pastas to fresh seafood and salads. Perfect for families and groups of friends.

8. Evening stroll along the promenade

End your beach day with a relaxing evening stroll along Noordwijk’s boulevard. The promenade is illuminated and offers a cozy atmosphere with several stores and ice cream parlors still open. Enjoy a delicious ice cream or hot waffle while breathing in the evening air and looking back on a perfect day by the sea.

9. Practical tips for your beach day

Finally, here are some practical tips to make your beach day in Noordwijk as enjoyable as possible:

• Parking: Noordwijk has several parking lots close to the beach. In high season it can be crowded, so arrive early to find a good spot. There are also parking garages such as the “Wantveld” garage.
• Don’t forget to bring: sunscreen, a hat or cap, a cooler with drinks and snacks, towels, a beach towel, swimwear and possibly a windbreaker.
• Safety: Pay attention to the flags raised on the beach. A red flag means swimming is prohibited, a yellow flag warns of dangerous conditions, and a green flag means swimming is safe.
• Respect for nature: Keep the beach clean and take your trash with you or throw it in the designated trash bins. Respect the nature and animals that live in the dune area.

Noordwijk is an ideal destination for a versatile beach day. Whether you come for the rest, the activities or the delicious food, there is something for everyone. Hopefully, with these tips and suggestions, you have gained enough inspiration for an unforgettable day by the sea.