Dogs on the Beach in Wassenaar: Where, When and the Summer Rules

The rules in one table

These rules always apply as well:

• You must pick up after your dog, on the beach too. You must carry a poop bag and show it if an enforcement officer asks (APV article 2:58).
• There's no maximum number of dogs on the beach. The limit of four off-leash dogs per person applies in parks such as De Paauw and Backershagen, not on the beach.
• Guide and assistance dogs (including dogs in training) are exempt from the summer ban.

Where exactly is the dog beach in Wassenaar?

Wassenaar's beach sits between Katwijk and The Hague. The main entrance is Wassenaarse Slag, with the De Kuil and Zeelust car parks and the beach cafés. There's no fenced-off “dog beach”: dogs may use almost the entire beach.

The numbered beach posts (strandpalen) stand at the foot of the dunes, and the numbers go up towards The Hague. Post 91.50 is on the Katwijk side and post 92.75 on the Scheveningen side. Only the stretch between them, around the beach cafés, is closed to dogs on summer days from 09:00 to 19:00.

Can I take my dog into a beach café?

Yes, at several of them. On summer days the municipality has two rules: keep your dog on a leash and go straight to the restaurant from the back. Never walk your dog along the front of the beach cafés.

What the beach cafés say themselves (checked on their own websites, September 2026):

• Brasserie De Badmeester: dogs are welcome inside and on the terrace. There's even a dog bar.
• Luchtig aan Zee: dogs are welcome on a leash.
• Other beach cafés: nothing on their websites. Ask before you sit down.

Policies can change from season to season, so if in doubt, check with the café.

Parking and getting there

• Parking: Wassenaarse Slag has two paid car parks, De Kuil (about 700 spaces) and Zeelust (about 180 spaces). In summer 2025 parking cost €2.50 an hour or €20 a day. Off-season it's much quieter. Check the current rates on site.
• Public transport: no bus goes to Wassenaar beach. A car or bike is the practical choice.
• Quietest times: early weekday mornings, and almost any time in winter.

What about The Hague and Katwijk?

If you walk further along the coast, you cross into the neighbouring municipalities. Their rules and dates are different.

Beach plus dunes: making it a longer walk

Wassenaar beach backs onto two large dune areas. Their rules are stricter than the beach's.

• Berkheide (the Wassenaar forest area between Wassenaar and Katwijk, managed by Staatsbosbeheer): dogs may be off-leash from 15 August to 15 March, on the paths and under voice control. From 15 March to 15 August they must be on a leash.
• Meijendel (managed by the water company Dunea): dogs are allowed on a leash in most of the area. Some zones are closed to dogs completely, such as Kijfhoek & Bierlap and the Monkeybos. At the Waalsdorp entrance there's a small off-leash area with a dog swimming pond.

For more off-leash spots, see our guide Off-Leash Dog Areas in Wassenaar. For swimming spots, see Fenced Dog Parks and Swimming Spots Near Wassenaar.

Staying safe at the sea

• Seawater: don't let your dog drink much seawater. It can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and in large amounts it's dangerous. Always bring fresh water and a bowl.
• Heat and hot sand: on warm days the sand gets hot and there's little shade. Walk early or late, which fits the summer rules anyway.
• Waves and currents: in strong wind or after a storm, don't throw a ball far into the surf. Even strong swimmers can tire.
• Seals: if you see a seal on the beach, put your dog on the leash and stay at least 30 metres away. That's the rule in The Hague and a good rule of thumb everywhere.
• Dead birds and fish: keep your dog away from them, partly because of bird flu.
• Fishing hooks, lines and plastic: a lot washes up, especially after storms. Watch what your dog picks up.
• Afterwards: rinse salt and sand out of the coat and between the toes, and dry the ears well. After a dune walk, check for ticks.

Our tips for a relaxed beach walk

• Practise recall first. The beach is big and open. Not sure your dog will come back? Use a 5–10 m long line.
• Bring: poop bags (required), fresh water, a towel, treats and, if needed, a long line.
• Pick your moment. Our favourite beach walks are in autumn and winter, on weekday mornings. You'll have almost the whole beach to yourself.

Frequently asked questions