Insider tips for Bloemendaal
The beach and dunes have great appeal to many. Not surprisingly, it is therefore nice to be on the Dutch coast all year round. Because of its great location, Bloemendaal is a perfect getaway for a break as a couple or with the family.
The place where nature and city meet
Bloemendaal is close to the sea and surrounded by nature and nice towns. This fact makes Bloemendaal a sought-after location. The charming village has cosy boutiques such as Boutique Echt, Seel Concepts and some lovely children's clothing shops. Nice restaurants where you can enjoy on a terrace in summer are Fleurie, Locael, Restaurant N.A.P. and Nieuw Vreeburg. In winter, it is cosy and there are plenty of places to have a hot chocolate after a refreshing walk along Bloemendaal beach, such as San Blas or Republiek. If you go for a walk through the Kennemer dunes, Het Duincafé is a fine place to warm up. Haarlem, with its historic centre with countless restaurants and shops, is a stone's throw away. Amsterdam, Hoorn and Alkmaar are also within easy reach. Dutch tourist attraction the Zaanse Schans is easy to visit from Bloemendaal. This cultural heritage village is an absolute must-go.
Relax and stroll along the beach
The beaches of Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort aan Zee are hugely popular in the region. In colder weather, people come here to get some fresh air and then warm up in one of the trendy beach pavilions. Some beach pavilions in Zandvoort, such as Thalassia and De Haven van Zandvoort, are open all year round for breakfast, lunch en dinner.
In summer, beaches are pleasantly crowded. People come there not only to enjoy the sun during the day but also to chill out at the end of the day or to dance in the evening. The beach pavilions in Bloemendaal and Zandvoort generally serve very good food. In summer, people often have lunch, drinks and dinner on the beach. In the evening, live music or a DJ regularly plays at Woodstock, Beachclub Fuel and Beachclub Vroeger and people dance until the wee hours of the morning. Hip beach bars such as Ubuntu Beach, Hippie Fish and Kayuca are buzzing from morning to night in summer.
The beaches are also popular (kite)surf spots throughout the year; in the summer months, you can take surfing lessons at Rapa Nui in Boemendaal aan Zee, Surfana Noosa and The Spot in Zandvoort. In the winter season, you'll regularly see horses riding across the beach. There is always something going on on the beaches of Bloemendaal and Zandvoort.
National park Kennemerduinen
The Kennemerduinen, which borders Bloemendaal, is a beautiful nature reserve that can be enjoyed all year round. In spring and summer it is beautiful here. Walk or cycle through the dunes and see nature in all its glory.
Many activities for young and old are organised throughout the year from the Kennemerduinen visitor centre. For children aged 3 to 10, there are exciting scavenger hunts and nature games. Several walks through the dune area also start from the visitor centre. Take a twilight walk in the dunes or look for wisents (European bison) on the wisent walk. You walk right through the Kennemer dunes, towards Zandvoort, where you can warm yourself up nicely at the Haven van Zandvoort.
Another way to explore the Kennemer Dunes area is on a horse. Manege Kennemergaarde and Manege de Baarshoeve organise rides on the beach or through the dunes. You can also see horses running loose here. The Konik horse lives here in harmony with other grazers such as Scottish Highlanders, roe and fallow deer.
Culinary indulgence
There is no shortage of cosy restaurants and good food in Bloemendaal and the surrounding area. Want to pamper yourself to the max and experience a special evening? Then head to Restaurant de Bokkedoorns, run by chef Roy Eijkelkamp. The restaurant has no less than two Michelin stars and is a household name throughout the country.
Stay overnight in style beyond the dunes
Stay in Bloemendaal in one of the boutique accommodations of the Bloemendaal Hotel Collection. A selection of unique boutique suites, flats and hotel rooms can be found in the centre of Bloemendaal, right behind the dunes. The modern design, small-scale setting and personal attention make your stay an unforgettable experience.
