Scheveningen is the Hague's seaside district, a long, wide sandy beach backed by a promenade of hotels, restaurants and beach clubs. The beach is free all year, and it is a real beach, big enough that even in summer you can find space. The pier stretches out into the North Sea and carries the SkyView Ferris wheel, which turns slowly for about fifteen minutes and gives wide views over the beach, the dunes and the city. There are also a zipline and a bungee platform for those who want adrenaline. Along the front the Kurhaus, a grand hotel from the 19th century, anchors the promenade, and the Sea Life aquarium and the harbour are close by. In November the beach is quiet and windswept, with bracing walks and cosy seafood cafés rather than sunbathing.
The best way to do Scheveningen is on foot. Walk the promenade between the pier and the Kurhaus, drop down to the sand for a stretch beside the waves, and use the pier for the view. The SkyView ride takes about fifteen minutes and the booking page shows opening from around 11:00 or 12:00 to 20:00, so an afternoon ride into dusk gives you both daylight and the city lights.
The ride is weather dependent, so check conditions on a very windy day. The pier also has restaurants and a small market of food stalls, and the harbour end of the district is the place for fish.
In winter, many beach clubs close or run short hours, so do not plan a sunset drink without checking. On the other hand, the beach is at its most atmospheric, with big skies, low sun and surfers in wetsuits. The famous New Year's Day plunge draws crowds to the shore every 1 January, and the pier area gets lively. Wrap up warmly, because the wind off the sea cuts through thin layers, and wear shoes you do not mind getting sandy.
Getting there is easy from the centre by tram or bus, which makes Scheveningen an easy half-day from The Hague. It combines naturally with the Panorama Mesdag, which shows the same coast as it looked in 1881, and with Madurodam on the way. If the weather turns, Sea Life Scheveningen and the museums in town are indoor fallbacks. Stay for dinner if you can, because the front has some of the area's best seafood.
What to expect
The experience
A free beach and promenade walk, with an optional ticketed ride on the SkyView Ferris wheel at the end of the pier.
Best time
Mid-afternoon into dusk in winter for the light and the SkyView ride; a clear summer evening for the beach clubs.
How long
Two hours for a walk and a ride; a half day with a meal.
Tips
Dress for wind. Many beach clubs close or shorten hours in winter. The wheel is weather dependent.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants sea air, a wide beach and an easy break from museums.
- Families
- Sand, a Ferris wheel and Sea Life nearby make it a full family afternoon.
- Couples
- An afternoon SkyView ride into dusk, then dinner on the front.
- Pair with
- Panorama Mesdag, Madurodam and the Kunstmuseum, all on the same tram corridor.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Scheveningen beach free?+
Yes, the beach and the promenade are free to use all year. The SkyView Ferris wheel on the pier is ticketed, and so are the zipline and bungee.
How long is the SkyView ride?+
The entry ticket gives a ride of about fifteen minutes. Opening hours shown on run from late morning to 20:00.
Can you swim in winter?+
Only the hardy do, and the sea is cold. Each 1 January a mass New Year's Day plunge takes place on the beach.
How do I get there from The Hague centre?+
Trams and buses run from the centre to Scheveningen. The journey takes roughly twenty to thirty minutes depending on the route.
Is it worth visiting in winter?+
Yes, if you like big skies and brisk walks, though many beach clubs have reduced hours. Pair it with an indoor stop in case of rain.
