The beach, boulevard, and beach pavilions

Scheveningen is the seaside district of The Hague, and its long beach, promenade and row of beach pavilions make it the most popular resort on the Dutch coast. The beach stretches for kilometres along the North Sea, wide and sandy, and it is lined by a boulevard that has been a place to see and be seen since the nineteenth century. In summer the whole strip fills with sunbathers, swimmers, surfers and families, and in winter it turns into a windswept place for brisk walks.

The boulevard, or promenade, runs along the top of the sea wall and connects the main sights of the resort. At one end stands the Kurhaus, the grand hotel and former spa building that opened in the late nineteenth century and remains a symbol of the resort's golden age. The pier extends into the sea, and the lines of hotels, cafes, restaurants and shops give the boulevard a lively atmosphere. Walking from one end to the other takes a good while, and there are benches and cafes along the way.

The beach pavilions are the distinctive feature. These are seasonal buildings put up on the sand each spring, with terraces, restaurants and bars, and they range from casual snack places to stylish beach clubs with lounge seating and music. Some stay open in the winter, with fires and blankets, and they are a good place to watch a storm. The pavilions run beach activities such as volleyball, yoga and surf lessons, and each has its own character, so it is worth looking around before choosing one.

The beach is also known for events. On New Year's Day, thousands of people take part in the Nieuwjaarsduik, a traditional dip in the cold sea, wearing orange hats and costumes, and in summer there are festivals, fireworks and sports competitions. Surfers use the waves most of the year, in thick wetsuits when it is cold, and kitesurfers take advantage of the wind.

Nearby sights include the Memorial Needle, the harbour and the shopping street Keizerstraat, and trams link Scheveningen with the centre of The Hague in about twenty minutes. The beach suits everyone, but check the weather and lifeguard flags before swimming, bring sun protection, and expect crowds on hot weekends. A stroll at sunset, when the pavilions light up, is the best moment.