Day Trips to Pet-Friendly Beaches from Ghent

The most dog-friendly and charming town on the Belgian coast, with Belle Époque architecture and a wide sandy beach. From Ghent, take the train to Ostend (40 minutes) then the Kusttram coastal tram to De Haan (15 minutes). Dogs are permitted on most beach sections year-round. A perfect day trip.

Ostend is the largest Belgian coastal city, directly reachable by train from Ghent in 40 minutes. The eastern section of the beach (beyond the harbour entrance) has a designated dog-friendly area year-round. The Ostend promenade, dunes, and the area around Fort Napoleon are all accessible with leashed dogs. A practical choice for a quick sea day from Ghent.

Bredene, adjacent to Ostend, has long had Belgium's only official naturist beach — but more relevantly for dog owners, it also has clearly marked dog-friendly beach sections that are accessible year-round. The beach is wide, backed by dunes, and less touristy than Ostend. Take the Kusttram from Ostend to reach Bredene.