The Best Nude Beaches Around The Hague and Rotterdam

When we think about the Dutch coast, images of wide sandy beaches, tall dunes, lots of nature, and the ever-present North Sea breeze immediately come to mind. What many don’t realise is that some of the country’s most vibrant cities, The Hague and Rotterdam, are also home to a generous collection of nude beaches within a short drive from their city centres.

Between modern harbours and government palaces, there’s an entire world of sandy escapes, parks, and lakes where being naked feels completely natural. We spent several days exploring these spots and were overwhelmed by the variety. Let’s start in the north and make our way south.

The Hague’s most famous seaside district isn’t just about piers and boardwalks. North of the main area, where the dunes begin, the nude beach stretches seamlessly along the coast. There aren’t strict boundaries, which works in everyone’s favour. The further you walk, the quieter it gets, and there’s always the option for a long naked stroll by the waterline.

Parking can be a challenge on sunny days, so a bit of walking may be part of the experience. A beach bar sits at the entrance, but you’ll need to cover up to have a drink. Unlike at our next stop.

Arguably the most social of The Hague’s nude beaches, Westduinpark is well signposted and known for its friendly, mixed crowd. The beach runs about 500 meters wide (which appears to be a very typical length for coastal nude beaches in the Netherlands), and the waters are shallow and pleasant. But best of all, if you’re like us and never think of bringing drinks, Westduinpark has the only nude beach bar in the region.

Well, @thebeach is not an actual nude beach bar, it’s a bar with a nude terrace. But being able to sip a drink without putting on clothes is a luxury we happily embraced. Arriving by bicycle is easiest since parking can be limited. This is the kind of place where people come for the day, enjoy conversations, and soak up the open atmosphere.

Kijkduin stands out for its large tidal lagoon. Even on busy days, it never feels crowded, as there’s so much space to spread out. The lagoon creates a clothing-optional feel, where clothed and unclothed visitors mingle without fuss. Around the dunes, the crowd tends to be male-dominated, while the beach closer to the water is more balanced. It’s a unique experience, especially during low tide when the lagoon becomes a natural swimming pool.

Translated as the “Corner of Holland,” this nude beach wins points for logistics. Parking is free and close, and within minutes, you’ll be naked on a spacious 500-meter stretch of sand. Some of the holiday homes on the beach even fall inside the nude zone. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a healthy mix of singles and couples enjoying the easy sea access. Facilities are in the clothed section but close enough to be convenient. On sunny weekends, this place buzzes with relaxed energy.

Away from the coast, a short drive inland brings you to Delftse Hout, a lakeside option with grassy lawns and a more intimate vibe. There are no clear signs, so the nude and clothed areas mix naturally, and facilities are on the textile side. It’s best to come prepared, but the relaxed lake setting makes it worthwhile, especially for those who prefer fresh water to the sea.

One of only two seaside nude beaches near Rotterdam, Rockanje combines natural dunes with a wide sandy coast. The nude section is about 500 meters long, well sheltered by dunes, and offers shallow waters that warm quickly on sunny days. Birdwatchers (no pun to be found here) love this beach, and so do those who enjoy a quieter, more scenic escape. A few beach bars provide toilets and showers, though not on the nude stretch.

At first glance, the industrial setting might put some people off, but behind the dunes lies a surprisingly peaceful beach. There’s no official end to the nude section, so it feels expansive, and the dunes offer shelter from the wind. Parking is free, a rare treat along the Dutch coast. While the sight of wind turbines on the horizon isn’t everyone’s idea of idyllic, others appreciate the quiet seclusion, and you can always look the other way.

On the outskirts of the city, the riverside nude beach at Brielse Meer is compact and surrounded by bushes. Swimming is possible, but mostly for cooling off rather than long swims. The crowd is friendly and relaxed, often with regulars who come regardless of the weather. The vibe is easygoing, if a little male-heavy, and weekdays are the quieter option.

To call Oeverbos a “beach” is generous. It’s more of a grassy lawn with river views, separated by a bicycle path. The nude area is slightly elevated, offering some privacy, but with no river access, it lacks the appeal of the other locations. It’s fine for a quick sunbathe, but hardly worth prioritising with so many better options nearby.

This large park on Rotterdam’s edge attracts all sorts of visitors, and the nude zone is just one of its many corners. A grassy field with limited beach access, it offers a sense of seclusion but few facilities. Parking is limited, and reaching the nude area requires a bit of walking. Still, it’s an interesting choice for those who like the liveliness of a city park environment while staying clothes-free.

Lastly, Zevenhuizerplas is probably the best non-coastal nude beach we found in the area. The nude section is large and enclosed within a park and surrounded by woods. It’s a popular place, especially with younger visitors, and has a lively, social atmosphere. The small sandy beach and lake access make it great for swimming. Facilities are limited to a toilet at the entrance, but on the textile side is a bar and restaurant, and the option to rent paddleboards.

What struck us most about exploring The Hague and Rotterdam is the great variety of clothes-free options within such short distances of two major cities. From the long, open shores of Scheveningen and Rockanje to the lively buzz of Westduinpark and Zevenhuizerplas, there’s a place for every mood and preference. Some beaches are quiet and close to nature, others are social and vibrant, and a few, like Hoek van Holland, combine convenience with space and comfort.

Whether you’re staying in Rotterdam or The Hague, or just passing through South Holland, the region offers a surprising wealth of opportunities to enjoy the sun and sea as nature intended.