Scheveningen is The Hague’s seaside: a long, wide sandy beach on the North Sea, a busy boulevard and an old fishing harbour, all within about 20 minutes of the city centre by tram. In summer it is the liveliest beach resort in the Netherlands.
Its centrepiece is the Kurhaus, a grand domed hotel and spa building of the late 19th century that recalls the days when Scheveningen was one of Europe’s fashionable bathing resorts. In front of it the Pier stretches out over the sea, with a Ferris wheel nearby and attractions that have changed over the years. Along the boulevard you will find Sea Life, the sculpture museum Beelden aan Zee and countless cafés.
South of the Kurhaus lies the harbour, with fish restaurants and stalls selling fresh herring and kibbeling (fried fish bites). To the north, the beach becomes quieter and the dunes begin. The beach pavilions are at their best from spring to autumn.
Top things to do: Scheveningen
Spend a day on the beach
Rent a sunbed at a beach pavilion, swim at a guarded section in summer, or simply walk the shoreline. The northern stretch is calmer.
Walk the Pier
The Pier gives the best view back over the beach and the Kurhaus; check what attractions are currently running.
Eat fish at the harbour
The harbour quays are lined with fish restaurants. In June, the first new-season herring is a local tradition.
See sculpture and sea life
Beelden aan Zee shows modern sculpture by the sea; Sea Life is good for children on a wet day.
Try surfing
Scheveningen has a surf scene, especially at the northern end; several schools offer lessons in season.
How to get to Scheveningen
- By tram: several lines run from the centre and Den Haag Centraal to the Kurhaus area and the harbour in about 15–25 minutes.
- By bike: a lovely ride of about 20–30 minutes through the Scheveningse Bosjes woods.
- By car: paid parking along the boulevard; it fills on sunny weekends.
Insider tips
- Swim only at guarded sections in season and follow the flags — currents can be strong.
- Bring a windproof layer even in summer; it is often cooler on the beach than in the city.
- Watch the sunset over the sea from a beach pavilion terrace.
- Look out for events such as Vlaggetjesdag (the herring festival) and fireworks in summer — check dates each year.
Best activities for Scheveningen
These well-reviewed experiences pair well with a visit to Scheveningen:
Aquarium ticket Scheveningen, The Hague: Sea Life Entry Ticket
Entry to the Sea Life aquarium on the Scheveningen boulevard. According to the listing, you must reserve a time slot on the attraction’s own website after booking — follow the instructions on your voucher.
- Aquarium on the seafront
- Sea creatures from the North Sea and beyond
- A good plan for a rainy beach day
Museum ticket The Hague: Museum Beelden aan Zee Entry Ticket
Entry to the sculpture museum on the Scheveningen boulevard, with indoor galleries and terraces looking out to the North Sea.
- Modern and contemporary sculpture
- A museum built into the dunes by the sea
- Combine with a beach walk
Hop-on hop-off The Hague: Hop-on Hop-off Heritage Tram Tour
A day ticket for a heritage tram that loops past the main sights, from the centre to the Peace Palace and the Kurhaus at Scheveningen. Check the listing for the season, timetable and the current list of stops.
- A vintage tram with audio commentary in many languages
- Stops near the main sights and Scheveningen
- Departures roughly every 30 minutes in season
