the vibes here were so nice and a welcome break from the bustle of europe, its funny they have a…read morebeta santa monica pier too

Love Scheveningen Beach!…read more But love it more and best place to be when you're in the Hague when the weather is perfect for outdoors! Which by the way, I finally experienced for 1 full week in the middle of June after having visited the Hague 3 times thus far this year. It's perfect for running either on the boardwalk or on the beach along the North Sea. However, if you do opt for a beach run, be prepared to trek lightly across a wide body of soft sand before getting to the wet-firm sand, otherwise you'll have loads of sand in your running shoes! I'd also suggest running in the early mornings so you can practically have the entire beach to yourself, including a view of the sun rising and if you are lucky, maybe even a view of a chariot rider with his/her horse galloping along, it makes the run that much more enjoyable IMO (coming from a person who has never lived in a town with an easily accessible beach)! Not only does this beach offer a scenic run, you can do lots of other outdoor activities (e.g., biking, rollerblading, kite surfing, fishing by the red & green lighthouses, beach volleyball, regular beach stuff, amusement rides on the pier) and plenty of dinning options literally right on the sand, with cabana-type patio seating. Weather permitting, I am totally visiting this beach again when I am in town!

Remote, quiet, and just unsettling enough to make you wonder what exactly you've wandered into,…read morethis park feels like Amsterdam's reminder that nature isn't always soft‑focus and postcard‑ready. The paths stretch long and empty, giving walkers, skaters, and cyclists room to spread out -- but also giving the whole place that eerie "if something rustles in the bushes, you will absolutely hear it" vibe. And then there's the designated adult activity zone, tucked into the woods like a side quest you didn't ask for. It's officially sanctioned, clearly marked, and somehow still feels like the kind of place where you'd stumble upon something you'd immediately pretend you didn't see. Most people steer clear, but its existence adds a strange, almost surreal layer to the landscape -- a reminder that this park has its own ecosystem of human behavior, and not all of it is the wholesome kind. Just when you're processing that, you notice the cows. Actual cows, grazing peacefully as if they've been hired to restore balance to whatever's happening in the trees. They're calm, oblivious, and weirdly comforting -- like emotional support livestock for anyone who accidentally took a wrong turn. The contrast is almost cinematic: one meadow over, nature is doing its best impression of a pastoral painting; one grove over, nature is... hosting activities. If you're staying nearby or exploring the western edge of Amsterdam, Park de Oeverlanden is a wonderfully odd mix of quiet trails, open fields, sanctioned weirdness, and cows who have seen things and chosen peace. It's spacious, strange, and absolutely memorable.

An amazing park in the very outskirts of Amsterdam. It's mostly shoreline and bike path circling a…read morehuge water area. There are wild highlander cows here, which could kill you, so be careful. Also a large area for Gay cruising called Nieuwe Meer. It is identified on the signs when you enter the park. This is an area cordoned off by the government where it is legal for men to seek "physical relationships" with other men. In the summer, nude sunbathing is plus about this area too.

A big park in Haarlem that has many uses. There are walking and biking paths, wide open spaces for…read moreball playing, exercising, sun bathing, picnicking, etc. There is even a place that has deer that you can go visit. Sometimes they will come right up to you. The park also hosts many festivals throughout the year including Bevrijdingspop and the Houtfestival.

I didn't knew of its existence. I was completely mesmerized by the deers in the Park, there were…read morealso other animals like: donkey, horses, peacocks, roosters, ducks, ships but I only had eyes for the Bambi Such a pretty place to have a walk and admire the pretty deers. I only got to see them from outside the fence but starting November you can visit them more closely. One day in Haarlem must include this place!