Image of Noordwijk aan Zee by Lia Underground
I’m a tropical chick, so I love the sensation of strolling across soft, crumbly sand and taking a dip in sun-warmed water. When I first moved to Leiden a little over five years ago, I assumed that regular trips to the beach were probably going to be a thing of the past.
Surprise, surprise: they’re not. My new home is within easy commuting distance to several gorgeous beaches that you don’t have to wear half a dozen parkas to enjoy. So, if you live in or near Leiden, do take advantage of this week’s unexpected blast of summer weather and check out these beaches!
Wassenaarseslag beach: Leiden’s dog-friendly beach
The least-crowded option on the list, my inner introvert found this beach to be a true hidden gem for peace. Having visited it on the back of a friend’s bicycle a few times, I also loved the stunning scenery we rode past, such as rolling dunes and the shimmering Valkenburgse Meer.
And, if your furry pal wants to tag along (and maybe play a game of fetch), the dog-friendly Hondenstrand Wassenaar is a 10-minute bike ride from this one.
However, this is one beach that you’d definitely need a bicycle to visit, as we didn’t find it quite as accessible by public transport.
Katwijk aan Zee beach: Leiden’s family-friendly option
Home to a few more amenities than Wassenaarseslag, Katwijk aan Zee is another fast-favourite of mine. It’s a short bike or bus ride away from Leiden and is the perfect place for a beach picnic or a refreshing dip in the sea.
If you fancy a day trip to Katwijk, my best advice is to pack some food, drinks, and snacks with you. The beachside restaurants are rather expensive here, and the dishes never really wowed us enough to justify the price hike.
However, if you’re absolutely famished, there’s a fish n’ chips joint a short walk away from the beach (Harteveltvis; by the bus halt), and it’s pretty good.
How to get there via public transport: Walk or bike to Leiden Centraal and take bus 431 towards Katwijk Boulevard-Zuid. Check the departure boards at the station for the correct platform, as these can change.
Noordwijk aan Zee beach: Leiden’s trendier option
If you’d dig a slightly more upmarket vibe, but still want to avoid the throngs of beach-goers at Scheveningen or Zandvoort, then Noordwijk aan Zee might be right up your alley. Featuring long stretches of soft sand and gorgeously blue water, the beach is undeniably lovely — but don’t miss out on a hike through the sand dunes if you’re able to!
Although this beach is pretty car-friendly in terms of access, you may have to wait ages for a parking spot to free up during peak season. It’s far more convenient to take the bus. Like Katwijk, most of the beachside restaurants here are pretty pricey, so you may want to bring your own food/bevvies along if you aren’t keen on splurging on a meal.
How to get there via public transport: Walk or bike to Leiden Centraal and take bus 20 to Noordwijk via Picképlein.
Bonus: Scheveningen beach, a bus ride from Leiden
Scheveningen often gets a bad rap for being crowded AF, but there are still plenty of reasons to brave the crowds for a dip in the surf. In summer, the water is deliciously inviting. In winter, a brisk walk (followed by piping hot chips at the Pier!) is a much-needed tonic for the soul.
And, with activities ranging from surfing to speedboating, it’s also the perfect beachside destination for those craving a little more than just a dip in the sea. My friends and I aren’t quite that adventurous yet, but we’ve heard nothing but good things from the people who are!
How to get there via public transport: Walk or bike to Leiden Centraal and take the train to Den Haag Centraal. From there, take tram 1 or 9 towards Scheveningen Noord/Noorderstrand.
What’s your favourite beach in the Leiden area? I’m always on the lookout for new experiences and fun escapes, so do let me know!
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