Things to do at Amsterdam Beach

Hike through beautiful dunes

The Dutch dunes are an ever-changing landscape full of opportunities. This exceptional environment between the flat inland expanses and the North Sea can provide many incredible experiences – from a tranquil hike admiring wildflowers and rare wildlife to conquering windswept hilltops offering fantastic coastline views. To the south of Zandvoort, you’ll find a nature reserve called the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen. The area is home to unique flora and fauna and bunkers used as defence lines during the Second World War. Take a walking tour to see these historical sites, and you can also spot some of the native wildlife along the way, including foxes and roe deer. Likewise, the dunes at IJmuiden, Bloemendaal and Heemskerk are also well worth the visit.

Spot incredible wildlife

The Netherlands has a wealth of unspoilt national parks and nature areas, and National Park Zuid-Kennemerland truly demonstrates the country's beauty. Spend a day exploring its 38 hectares of dunes, forests and hidden swimming holes, and see if you can spot some of the wildlife that inhabits the area. Hike, bike or horse ride along the park’s numerous paths, and you might spot the elusive European bison, red deer, cattle and more.

Ride the waves

With a complete range of water sports, the wide sandy beaches at IJmuiden, Wijk aan Zee, Zandvoort and Bloemendaal are the ideal places for thrill-seekers to get their fix! The Netherlands has a big surfing and windsurfing scene, and you’ll find plenty of schools and rental options along the coastline. Or, for some proper adventure, test out your paddle power on a thrilling sea kayaking adventure through the choppy waves. Other sports available include sea rafting, kitesurfing (a spectacular version of windsurfing that allows for high jumps and incredible manoeuvres) and stand-up paddleboarding.

Go blokarting

And, if you’re not into getting wet, there are still plenty of ways to get your heart pumping at the beach. Try blokarting, a unique wind-powered go-kart that lets you zoom around the dunes. Blokarting means you get to drive along the beach very fast in a kart with a sail – no rules, no jams, no oncoming traffic. One for the thrill-seekers! Visitors don’t need to bring any equipment: various beach sports facilities will have everything you need. The vast beaches of IJmuiden are ideally suited to speeding around – see Eventmaker or Seaside Sports for more information.

Race supercars

Thrill-seekers will get their chance to feel like Dutch racing superstar Max Verstappen at Circuit Zandvoort, a motorsport race track hidden among the dunes of this unassuming beach town. Book an experience with Race Planet to hop in a Lamborghini, Aston Martin or McLaren and test your driving skills while the younger ones can practice theirs in a go-kart. And in September, the Netherlands gets set for the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, which hits the tarmac in Zandvoort for an unmissable weekend of high-speed manoeuvres and screaming engines.

Cosy up in a beach cafe

There’s nothing quite like sipping on a cocktail while watching the waves crash against the shoreline, and Amsterdam Beach has a perfect place for it: the beach clubs of Zandvoort and IJmuiden. Dozens of these cosy spots line the sand, each catering to a different crowd. Hit Woodstock 69 to hang with the hippies, listen to live music, or go to Republiek for a romantic, sophisticated date. 

Cycle fantastic routes

No list of things to do in Amsterdam is complete without a bicycle tour. For those that aren’t used to cycling long distances, try out a Dutch Pedelec Tour – not only will you use an electric bike, helping you cycle with ease, but the tour company will also help you map out your route to make the most of your time exploring Amsterdam Beach. They also offer the services of a professional guide, who can show you the rugged beauty of National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, among many other tours.

Watch the birds and eat fish in IJmuiden

The beach at IJmuiden is a fantastic spot for sports and nature lovers. While enjoying the breeze, sit back and watch the massive cruise ships and boats pass by. But don’t forget the birds! At the piers, you can spot birds rarely sighted at other places on the Dutch coastline. Look out for sandpipers, seagulls, plovers, rock pipits, turnstones, cormorants, gannets, and red-tailed godwits - check the Bird Protection Society’s guide for all the species to spot. Or, take a walk to the end of the pier to marvel at Zeesluis IJmuiden - Europe’s largest lock complex. If you want to try fishing, head to the colourful port home to many fishing boats. Feeling hungry? Enjoy some fresh fish straight off the boats at the harbour’s many excellent restaurants.

Appreciate culture in unexpected places

Culture lovers heading to Amsterdam Beach will be pleasantly surprised at the number of options available. Country Estate Beeckestijn, an 18th-century summer residence in Velsen-Zuid, is rich in history and features a massive, unique landscaped garden perfect for a midday stroll. Those interested in WWII history can visit The Bunker Museum and Forteiland IJmuiden, a UNESCO World Monument or check out contemporary art in Kunstfort bij Vijfhuizen or the incredible street murals lining the seaside town of Zandvoort. Meanwhile, hidden amongst the dunes, the ruins of the medieval Brederode Castle (looted and burnt down by Spanish soldiers) remain beautiful and worthy of exploring as a reminder of what was lost but not forgotten. Read our culture guide to Amsterdam Beach for more.

Feel the sand between your toes

Amsterdam has a remarkable coastline, with stretches of sandy shore you'll love to dig your toes into. Every Amsterdammer’s coastal retreat in the summer, Zandvoort is for those who want beach and buzz. With several beach clubs dotted along Zandvoort’s long sandy strip, there’s plenty of choice for lounging out on the deckchairs while you sip on a drink. Likewise, the expansive beaches at Bloemendaal aan Zee, Wijk aan Zee and Heemskerk don't get too crowded, so you should always be able to find your spot to relax. You can swim in the sea, seek out some water sports, or head to one of the many restaurants for something refreshing to drink and a bite to eat. Even a few nudist beaches are dotted along the coastline for the more adventurous.