While Amsterdam isn’t considered a beach destination, there are a surprising number of beaches just a short train or bus ride away. During the summer months, a train runs from Amsterdam to Zandvoort aan Zee, which takes about 25 minutes, and you can enjoy a lively beach with golden sands. Amsterdam-Noord is on the metro and has a small lakefront beach where you can swim, while Bloemendaal is about an hour from the city, with a long beach with lots of bars and restaurants that give it a party atmosphere.