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Bloemendaal aan Zee

Summer's mild days see chic Amsterdammers decamping for one of the many long, sandy beaches nearby: of these, Bloemendaal is far and away the coolest, with several beach clubs with an Ibiza sensibility (the sun beds, umbrellas, and cabana boys are augmented by DJs and dance floors, sushi and cocktails). If you're in a see-and-be-seen frame of mind, have your hotel book you in for the day at the club called Bloomingdale's; if a quieter day spent by the water is more your thing, opt for lunch or dinner at the more placid Beach Club Vroeger (make your exit before 10 p.m. when the party starts). Bloemendaal is reachable by bus or train from Amsterdam Centraal, or it's a short taxi ride away.