City Beaches Amsterdam

Which Amsterdam beaches offer the best mix of city access and coastal atmosphere?

Amsterdam sits near several waterfront areas that give visitors easy access to a coastal setting without long travel times.

Travellers can choose between true North Sea beaches such as Zandvoort, Bloemendaal aan Zee and IJmuiden, along with local beaches inside the city.

This expanded guide covers every major option, corrects outdated information, and fills content gaps left by competing articles.

How close is Amsterdam to a real seaside experience?

The North Sea coast sits roughly 20 to 30 minutes from Amsterdam by train or bus.

This makes it one of Europe’s most accessible city-to-beach connections.

What does Zandvoort aan Zee offer visitors?

Zandvoort is the most popular seaside location near Amsterdam.

Travel

• Train from Amsterdam Centraal: about 30 minutes

Features

• Long sandy shoreline suitable for swimming
• Easy access to Zuid-Kennemerland National Park\
• Surfing classes, paddleboarding and yoga sessions

Well-known beach clubs

• Ubuntu Beach
• Tijn Akersloot
• Hippie Fish
• Mango’s Beach Bar
• Ajuma

What makes IJmuiden suitable for sports and wide-open spaces?

Travel

• Bus from Amsterdam Sloterdijk: 29 to 30 minutes

Features

• Broad sandy areas with fewer crowds
• Strong wind conditions that attract kiteboarders and windsurfers
• Walking routes and cycle paths through nearby dunes
• Attractions such as Seaport Marina and Forteiland IJmuiden

What can visitors expect from Bloemendaal aan Zee?

Bloemendaal is known for lively summer events and stylish clubs.

Well-known venues

• Rapa Nui
• Woodstock 69
• Bloomingdale (correct spelling noted)

This area attracts a social crowd and is known for daytime parties during the summer season.

Which city beaches are currently active inside Amsterdam?

Several older pages online still reference Blijburg, but Blijburg is permanently closed. It no longer operates under that name or format.

The following urban beaches are the active options today.

Strand IJburg

A favourite among local families because of shallow water, food stands and open areas for relaxing.

Strand Zuid

Location: Europaplein, RAI district

Known for shaded seating, hammocks, barbecue facilities, weekend DJs and private event options. Swimming is not part of the experience.

Beach West

Location: Staalmeesterweg 900

A casual sandy area in a redeveloping district. Visitors can enjoy simple meals, drinks and occasional live music.

The location is also used for weddings and group gatherings.

NDSM Urban Beach

Location: NDSM Wharf, Amsterdam Noord

A creative waterfront zone with sandy stretches, lounge areas and striking industrial views.

Highlights include Pllek, IJver and extensive street art. Free ferries from Amsterdam Centraal reach NDSM frequently.

Which beaches near Amsterdam are best for families?

Zandvoort

Lifeguards operate during the summer season. Toilets, food stalls and shallow nearshore water help families stay comfortable.

IJmuiden

Large open spaces allow room for games, kite flying and quieter picnics.

Strand IJburg

Calmer water and playgrounds make it popular with local parents.

Where can visitors enjoy water sports near Amsterdam?

Surfing and paddleboarding

Zandvoort hosts multiple surf schools that accept both beginners and advanced guests.

Kiteboarding and windsurfing

IJmuiden is the leading option due to consistent wind patterns.

Wakeboarding

Watersportscentrum Sloterplas in Amsterdam offers cable wakeboarding sessions.

What should visitors know about beach clubs near Amsterdam?

Beach clubs provide food, drinks and relaxed outdoor spaces that shape the coastal atmosphere.

The strongest options appear in Zandvoort and Bloemendaal, where menus range from seafood to cocktails.

Notable clubs include:
• Ubuntu Beach
• Hippie Fish
• Tijn Akersloot
• Mango’s Beach Bar
• Ajuma
• Rapa Nui
• Woodstock 69
• Bloomingdale

How do you travel from Amsterdam to nearby beaches?

Train

Amsterdam Centraal to Zandvoort aan Zee is the fastest link.

Bus

Amsterdam Sloterdijk to IJmuiden takes about 29 to 30 minutes.

Ferry

Free ferries operate between Amsterdam Centraal and the NDSM Wharf.

Bike

Cyclists often ride through dunes and forest trails to Zandvoort or Bloemendaal.

When is the best time to visit Amsterdam’s beaches?

The warmest season runs from June to early September.

July and August are ideal for swimming and coastal events.

Late spring and early autumn offer quiet conditions with mild temperatures.

How do Amsterdam’s beaches compare overall?

• Zandvoort suits visitors who want a full seaside experience.
• Jmuiden is ideal for active sports and open spaces.
• Bloemendaal focuses on social events and lively clubs.
• Strand IJburg offers a family-friendly city option.
• Strand Zuid is best for groups, food and events.
• NDSM Urban Beach appeals to travellers interested in creative neighbourhoods.

FAQ

Q. Is Blijburg still open?

No. Blijburg closed permanently and no longer operates under that name.

Q. Can visitors swim at Amsterdam beaches?

Yes. Swimming is allowed at Zandvoort, IJmuiden and Strand IJburg when conditions are approved. Swimming is not offered at Strand Zuid or Beach West.

Q. How long does it take to reach IJmuiden from Amsterdam?

Travel time is roughly 29-30 minutes by bus from Amsterdam Sloterdijk.

Q. Which beach near Amsterdam is best for children?

Strand IJburg and the central areas of Zandvoort provide the strongest mix of shallow water, facilities and family-friendly space.

Q. Where can travellers find nightlife at the beach?

Bloemendaal hosts summer events and DJs. Some Zandvoort clubs also schedule evening sessions.

Q. Is it possible to bike from Amsterdam to the beach?

Yes. Many travellers cycle to Zandvoort or Bloemendaal through scenic dune landscapes.

Q. Which beach is best for food and drinks?

Zandvoort and Bloemendaal offer the largest clusters of beach clubs with full menus. NDSM has several popular waterfront restaurants.

Q. Is the Amsterdam coastline open all year?

Yes. Beaches remain accessible in every season. Beach clubs mainly operate from spring to autumn.

Where can you relax in Amsterdam after a day at the beach?

If you want to continue the summer atmosphere inside the city, explore canal bars in Amsterdam.

These spots are perfect for sunset drinks, relaxed evenings and waterside views.