Wide, well-maintained beaches with fine sand and beautiful dunes offer plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, playing, and endless walks. The nearest beach is just 4.5 km away and has free parking; it takes about 10–15 minutes to bike there, where you’ll find beach pavilions open year-round. This area is ideal for cycling along the beautiful bike paths or dikes. Charming towns invite you to visit, such as Schagen, Den Helder, Alkmaar, and Amsterdam. Schagen offers nice restaurants and plenty of shopping opportunities; Alkmaar has a beautiful historic center; and Amsterdam is home to numerous museums. By train from Schagen, you can travel directly to Amsterdam’s city center. The island of Texel is a must-see—take the ferry (every hour) from Den Helder for a day trip that’s sure to delight you. Along the coast, there are also lovely towns such as Egmond, Callantsoog, and Bergen.