Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
We've compiled the best of the best in Bruges and the Coast - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Despite its relatively diminutive size, De Haan lays claim to having Belgium's largest beach: an expanse of white sand stretching around 12 km (7½ miles) from end to end. This size means that even in high summer it never gets overly crowded. At the western end is the Belgian coast's only officially designated nudist beach. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: nudists; sunset; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
Oostende's long, sandy Large Beach is popular with sun-seeking families and sporty surfers alike. On the landward side, the elevated Albert I Promenade is lined with shops and tearooms that compete for attention with views of the sand and sea. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.
To the east of the Groot Strand, Klein Strand (Small Beach) occupies the area beside the breakwaters at the entrance to Oostende Harbor. It's less popular than its neighbor as swimming here is prohibited. Instead, it is used for activities and events. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee). Best for: sunset; walking.
Knokke-Heist's beach is officially split into four different areas (Heist, Duinbergen, Albertstrand, and Het Zoute), but to untrained observers they form one continuous 9-km (5½-mile) stretch of sand, bordering the industrial port of Zeebrugge at one end, and the dunes of Het Zwin nature reserve and the Dutch resort of Cadzand at the other. The eastern half is more popular, with the bulk of the facilities concentrated around Albertstrand Beach, which is steps from central Knokke. If you're looking for solitude, head to the western end, although the views from there of Zeebrugge are somewhat less appealing. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
Koksijde's stretch of the Belgian coast is another expanse of white sand, popular with families. There are orientation poles here at regular intervals, each with a different brightly colored figure on top, designed to be easily recognizable wayfinders for lost children. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking; windsurfing.
