Ghent sits about 55 km inland from the Belgian North Sea coast, where five resort towns offer year-round dog beaches reachable in around 1 hour by NMBS train. Ostend is the natural gateway, with Blankenberge, De Haan, Zeebrugge and Knokke-Heist on the same coastal Kusttram line.
The closest North Sea dog beach to Ghent, 55 km west, 1h by direct NMBS IC train. Designated dog-beach strip on the eastern Halve Maan section, off-leash year-round, no seasonal restrictions. The Ostend seafront also has dog-friendly cafés and a station 10 min walk from the dunes.
💡 Aim for low tide for the widest stretch of firm sand; check the Belgian Coast tides app, the Ostend tidal range is 4-5 m.
Blankenberge's dog beach, 55 km north-west of Ghent and 1h by direct NMBS IC train, with a clear dog-beach strip at the western end of the Zeedijk. Family seafront with the historic pier, more crowded than Ostend in July-August but with more facilities.
💡 Avoid the central Zeedijk in July-August between 11:00 and 17:00, head straight to the western dog strip; the family-beach midsection bans dogs from May to September.
The most refined of the Belgian coast resorts, 60 km west of Ghent, the Belle Epoque villa town has a wide off-leash dog-beach strip and a Concession promenade with leashed dogs welcome on terraces. Reach via Ostend then Kusttram east, around 1h15 total.
💡 De Haan is the calmest beach option even in summer, perfect for a senior dog or a first-time beach dog; the Concession quarter has more shaded café terraces than Blankenberge.
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
B&B The Verhaegen
★★★ · 9.5/10
€90/night
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
★★★★ · 9.3/10
€145/night
Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent
★★★ · 8.9/10
€85/night
Looking for a place to stay elsewhere? These destinations near Ghent also welcome your dog.
