Scheveningen

Along with Wijk, Scheveningen is among Holland's most famous spots. It even hosts World Cup events, and deservedly so as the waves run clean down a 500m long jetty in south-westerly wind. Although big days are very rare, clean, steep, punchy waves near the beach attract a strong surf-scene. To avoid unnecessary conflict, the waters between the pier and the first groyne belong to the surfers. If it's rammed near the pier there's an alternate launch to the north in south-westerly wind, or head south of the quay to 'Duindorp' in north-easterly for some super-nice waves. Scheveningen is The Hague's city beach so there's no shortage of facilities – and not just cafés, the whole promenade is Disneyland-on-sea. Parking is just as commercial and it's regularly patrolled by the wheel clampers, so unless you're lucky enough to score one of the free spaces beneath the lighthouse you'd better feed the parking meters. After a session it's worth a short walk to the harbour's excellent fish stalls.