A 4.5-kilometer sandy beach with a Ferris wheel pier, miniature city Madurodam, and the famous New Year's dive into the North Sea.
Scheveningen is a coastal area in The Hague, Netherlands. Its main draw is a 4.5-kilometer sandy beach. You can ride the Ferris wheel on the Pier. You can explore the miniature city of Madurodam. You can see sculptures at the Beelden aan Zee museum. Many people join the New Year's dive into the sea. Summer fireworks attract large crowds. Kiteboarding is a common water sport here. Trams connect Scheveningen easily to The Hague. This provides access to both the sea and city facilities.
Scheveningen has four main beach areas. Each one feels different. Noorderstrand sits near the Pier and Kurhaus hotel. This section is the most active. It has beach pavilions, shops, and volleyball courts. It runs for over two kilometers. Lifeguards watch the water from May to September. Zuiderstrand is south of the harbor. Locals often prefer this area. It feels more open and has good sunset views. Zwarte Pad is north of the Pier. This area has beach parties and around ten bars with lounge seating. It creates a social atmosphere. Kijkduin is further south. It borders the dunes. This area is good for walks or cycling. Workers clean all beaches daily during summer. Showers are available. Ramps provide wheelchair access. Find orientation poles with animal figures to mark your spot. Check the flags: red-yellow means lifeguards are present, red signals dangerous swimming, an orange windsock prohibits inflatables. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches from May 15 to October 1, except north of Noorderstrand 34.
Begin at the Scheveningen Pier. You can try bungee jumping, ziplining, or ride the Ferris wheel for sea views. Visit Madurodam to see small-scale Dutch landmarks, including Amsterdam's canals and the Dom Tower. SEA LIFE aquarium houses sharks, rays, and seahorses. Beelden aan Zee museum presents outdoor sculptures by Tom Otterness. The Muzee Museum details the area's fishing history. Panorama Mesdag surrounds you with a large 360-degree painting of the 19th-century beach. For active options, take surfing lessons at Hart Beach. Cycle through the Westduinpark dunes. Highland cows live near old WWII bunkers there. Westbroekpark is a calm place with rose gardens and boats you can rent. LEGOLAND Discovery Center has model building and play areas for families.
Several yearly events define Scheveningen. On January 1, thousands take part in the Nieuwjaarsduik, jumping into the cold sea for Unox beanies and soup. Flags Day in spring marks the first herring auction at the harbor. Summer includes weekly fireworks displays. A festival week features nightly fireworks. From December 26 to New Year's Eve, Duindorp and Scheveningen dorp build huge towers from pallets for Vreugdevuur. They burn these towers at midnight. Festival Classique holds concerts. Beach pavilions organize parties during warmer months.
Fresh seafood is a key experience. Restaurants at the harbor serve fish caught locally in a busy setting. Beach pavilions line the boulevard from March to October. They offer meals with views of the sea. Some pavilions south of the harbor stay open all year. Try grilled dishes at steampunk-themed places. Get casual food on the Pier. Evening activities focus on the boulevard's bars, the casino, and the Pathé cinema. Circustheater puts on musicals and cabaret shows. Zwarte Pad beach bars serve drinks and play music for nighttime visitors.
Take tram lines 1, 9, or 11 from The Hague Central Station. The journey takes about 15 minutes. You need an OV Chip Card. If driving, follow signs for Scheveningen Bad. Park in garages such as Zwolsestraat. The central boulevard is being rebuilt until summer 2025. Temporary paths lead to the beach. Buy surf equipment or clothes on Keizerstraat or Palace Promenade. Places to stay include hotels facing the beach, apartments near the harbor, and family spots in Scheveningen village. Check denhaag.nl for the latest event details and beach status.
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