Day Trips to Pet-Friendly Beaches from Antwerp

Belgium's most charming coastal town, with Belle Époque villas and a wide dog-friendly beach. From Antwerp, take the train to Ostend (about 1h15), then the Kusttram coastal tram to De Haan (15 minutes). Dogs are permitted on most beach sections year-round outside summer bathing zones.

Blankenberge is the closest major Belgian coastal resort to Antwerp by direct train (about 1h20). The northern beach section has year-round dog-friendly access. Blankenberge is more developed than De Haan but the pier, wide beach, and dune walk are all excellent with dogs. A practical choice for an Antwerp day trip.

Not a beach, but an exceptional dog-friendly day trip from Antwerp — the Kalmthoutse Heide is a 4,000-hectare heathland and dune landscape just 30 minutes north of Antwerp. Dogs on leash are welcome on all marked trails. The dune meadows, heather, and pine forests make for one of the most beautiful natural landscapes within an hour of Antwerp. Reachable by bus from Antwerp.