Oostvoorne Hondenstrand (Autostrand)
Oostvoorne Hondenstrand, formerly known as the Autostrand (car beach), is one of the best year-round off-leash dog beaches in the Netherlands. Located on the wild, undeveloped coastline of the former island of Voorne, this beach offers dogs complete freedom to run, swim, and play every day of the year without any time restrictions. The beach is wide, natural, and backed by pristine dunes — a stark contrast to the more developed beaches further north. Dogs are allowed off-leash everywhere except within the orange-marked bird breeding areas, though a designated path runs alongside these areas so you can still enjoy a pleasant walk. The beach is approximately 700 metres from the main parking area at pavilion Aan Zee at the end of Strandweg. This walk through the dunes is part of the experience and is itself a beautiful route. The former autostrand has a wilder, more rugged character than typical Dutch beaches, with good waves and plenty of natural features for dogs to explore. The area is also popular with kite surfers, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. Being part of the municipality of Voorne aan Zee, the beach benefits from the area's generally dog-friendly policies. The Slikken van Voorne nature reserve is nearby for additional walks, though dogs must be on leash there.
Quick Info
Hours
Year-round off-leash access all day. Dogs can run free everywhere except the marked bird breeding area (orange markers). There are no seasonal or time restrictions.
Leash
Off-leash OK
Parking
Available
Water
Bring your own
Beach Rules 📋
- ●Dogs allowed off-leash year-round on the entire beach
- ●Dogs forbidden in orange-marked bird breeding areas
- ●Dog waste must be cleaned up — mandatory cleanup obligation in Voorne aan Zee municipality
- ●Maximum number of dogs per handler should be reasonable
Local Tips from Dog Owners 💡
- 🐾Navigate to Strandweg 1, Oostvoorne — park at the large lot near pavilion Aan Zee
- 🐾It's a 700-metre walk from the parking through the dunes to reach the beach — enjoy the scenic route
- 🐾Watch for the orange-marked bird breeding areas where dogs are not allowed — a path runs alongside them
- 🐾This is one of the few Dutch beaches where dogs can be off-leash all year round without time restrictions
- 🐾Bring your own water and waste bags — facilities are limited on this natural beach
- 🐾The beach can be windy and exposed — ideal for dogs who love waves but bring a windbreak if needed
Nearby Attractions 🗺️
Location
Amenities
Heading to Oostvoorne Hondenstrand (Autostrand)?
Make sure you're prepared with all the beach day essentials for your pup!
🦺 Dog life jacket
💧 Fresh water + bowl
🧴 Dog sunscreen
🎾 Floating fetch toy
🧹 Poop bags
More Dog Beaches in Netherlands 🐾
Ameland Noordzeestrand
Off-LeashAmeland, Netherlands
Ameland's North Sea beach is a continuous 27-kilometre strip of fine white sand running the entire length of the island's northern coast. Dogs are welcome off-leash year-round on the vast majority of this beach, making Ameland one of the most generous islands for four-legged visitors. The main beach access points are at Hollum (west, near the lighthouse), Ballum, Nes (the busiest section with most facilities), and Buren (east). The only restrictions are at the monitored beach crossings and the green beach near Ballum, where leashes are required. Away from these spots, your dog has kilometres of open sand and surf to enjoy. Ameland also has three designated off-leash zones inland: near Koudenburg in Hollum, Roosdunen in Ballum, and Kwekerijbos in Nes. In forests, dunes, grazing areas, and villages, dogs must stay on a leash. Ameland is reached by Wagenborg ferry from Holwerd, with a 45-minute crossing running approximately seven times daily. Dogs need a paid ticket for the ferry (approximately the child fare rate). The island has four villages — Hollum, Ballum, Nes, and Buren — each with their own character, shops, and restaurants. Nes is the main village and ferry port, making it the easiest starting point for beach adventures with your dog.
Bergen aan Zee Strand
Off-LeashBergen aan Zee, Netherlands
Bergen aan Zee offers a beautiful stretch of North Sea coastline that is part of the municipality of Bergen in North Holland. The beach is divided into distinct zones: activity beaches (marked with orange poles), sunbathing beaches (yellow poles), and a naturist beach (pink poles). During winter from October through April, dogs can roam freely across all beach sections, making it ideal for long walks with your four-legged friend. In summer, the rules vary by zone — leashed dogs are welcome on activity beaches throughout the day, while all other areas are accessible before 10:00 and after 19:00. The village of Bergen aan Zee is a charming seaside resort with the popular Zee Aquarium featuring over 300 species of marine life. Behind the beach lies the magnificent North Holland Dune Reserve, home to Scottish Highland cattle and Exmoor ponies, with excellent walking trails. Paid parking is available at several locations including Parkweg (225m to beach) and Van Der Wijckplein (150m to beach), costing around EUR 1.90 per hour or EUR 10 per day. Several beach pavilions offer food and drinks, and the village has a relaxed, artistic atmosphere that complements a day at the beach with your dog.
Bloemendaal aan Zee Hondenstrand
Off-LeashBloemendaal, Netherlands
Bloemendaal aan Zee Hondenstrand is one of the most beloved year-round dog beaches in the Netherlands, located between the Parnassia beach exit and the naturist beach in the heart of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Unlike most Dutch beaches that restrict dogs in summer, this designated dog section allows off-leash play 365 days a year, making it a true paradise for dog owners from across the Randstad. The beach stretches along a beautiful, wide section of North Sea coastline backed by pristine dunes. During the off-season from September 15 to May 15, dogs are welcome everywhere along Bloemendaal aan Zee on a leash, with the dog beach section remaining off-leash. In the high season from May 15 to September 15, dogs are restricted to the designated dog beach area and may visit pavilion terraces on a leash. The nearby Parnassia aan Zee beach pavilion is dog-friendly and even offers a special dog menu. Parking is available at the large Parnassia car park on the Zeeweg, with the first half hour free, then EUR 3.00 per hour or EUR 19.00 for a day pass. Bike parking is also available. The beach is easily accessible from Haarlem and Amsterdam, nestled within the stunning dune landscape where you might spot Highland cattle and Konik horses on your walk in.