At nine kilometres long and 100 metres wide, the beach gives Zandvoort a strong coastal focus. There are also dunes, motorsport, art, history and water sports.
Beach and motorsport
Zandvoort railway station is about 200 metres from the beach—a useful point of reference when planning a beach visit. At Circuit Zandvoort, natural dunes shape the fast, challenging corners of the 4.3-kilometre track. The motorsport venue adds a distinct dimension to planning your trip, while the beach offers an entirely different focus.
Dunes and outdoor activities
A mountain bike trail is located in the dune area next to the circuit. The dunes around the circuit are also suitable for hiking. Considering these two activities separately can help you decide whether cycling or hiking should be the main focus of your stay.
Kraansvlak, between Zandvoort and Bloemendaal, has both protected areas and zones for recreation. The Wisentenpad begins at Duinpieperpad: an approximately three-kilometre hiking trail marked in yellow and open from September to March. This seasonal restriction is an important part of planning your route. A valid admission ticket is required to visit the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen; the area is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Check the current access conditions before setting out.
Art, local history and beach finds
The Zandvoorts Museum features current exhibitions of modern and historical art. Its programme also includes talks and guided tours about Zandvoort’s heritage. The Juttersmu-ZEE-um offers a different way to explore the town, with a collection of items found on the beach. The museum is housed in a building that formerly served as a police post.
There is also a historical connection that extends beyond a visit to the town: much of the route along which the fishermen’s wives walked to Haarlem can still be covered on foot or by bicycle today. Art, beach finds and a historic route thus offer different ways to explore local history.
Weekly market, events and water sports
The weekly market takes place year-round on Wednesdays from 09:00 to 16:00 at Grote Krocht. Offerings include fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan cheese and freshly baked bread. As the schedule may change, it is worth checking the date before planning your market visit.
Open Monumentendagen Zandvoort is organised annually to bring the stories of old Zandvoort to life. The programme and dates vary from year to year, so check the current event dates before planning your visit.
Watersportcentrum The Spot offers professional surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and kitesurfing lessons with certified instructors, as well as water sports equipment rentals. The centre operates seasonally, and the availability of lessons and rental equipment may change with the season. You can also reserve a tee time at The Dunes golf course; availability may vary there too.
Zandvoort offers a wide range of options for different travel interests: the beach and water sports, outdoor activities in the dunes, motorsport, or culture and history. First decide which is most important to you, then plan the visits that match. This makes it easy to fit seasonal activities, market dates and events into your stay.
Discover more destinations: Bentveld.
Go to the main travel overview: Zandvoort.
