Mariakerke Beach
A spacious, clean, and less crowded beach in Ostend, Belgium, perfect for relaxing walks, family fun, and stunning sunsets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Mariakerke Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A spacious, clean, and less crowded beach in Ostend, Belgium, perfect for relaxing walks, family fun, and stunning sunsets.
"Nice, wide and clean beach. Not very crowdy."
🎯 Avoid Peak Crowds
Opt for weekdays or early mornings to enjoy Mariakerke Beach with fewer people.
☀️ Summer Event Hotspot
Check for events like the Q-Beach House and fireworks festivals for lively beach days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spacious Sandy Shores
Mariakerke Beach
Enjoy vast stretches of fine sand, perfect for relaxing walks and soaking up the sun. Plenty of space for everyone.
Pirate Boat Playground
Near the boardwalk
A hit with kids, this fun pirate-themed playground offers a great spot for little ones to play.
Stunning Sunsets
Mariakerke Beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets over the sea, creating a magical atmosphere for evening strolls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Mariakerke Beach
Summer Events & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Avoid Peak Crowds
Opt for weekdays or early mornings to enjoy Mariakerke Beach with fewer people.
☀️ Summer Event Hotspot
Check for events like the Q-Beach House and fireworks festivals for lively beach days. 
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The pirate boat playground is a big hit with children.
🚶♀️ Scenic Beach Walks
Enjoy long, relaxing walks on the wide, clean sandy shores.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Avoid Peak Crowds
Opt for weekdays or early mornings to enjoy Mariakerke Beach with fewer people.
☀️ Summer Event Hotspot
Check for events like the Q-Beach House and fireworks festivals for lively beach days.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
The pirate boat playground is a big hit with children.
🚶♀️ Scenic Beach Walks
Enjoy long, relaxing walks on the wide, clean sandy shores.
🚿 Rinse Off the Sand
Utilize the available showers and shoe washing stations to clean off sand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mariakerke Beach is praised for its spaciousness, cleanliness, and fine sand, offering a relaxing atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the pirate playground for kids and the beautiful sunset views. Some wish for more greenery and water features along the boardwalk.
"I came twice here for a fresh breathe and nice walk at this beautiful beach, one in winter time and one in summer time. It is the beach in where we can dream lots of things. A spacious place with lots of fine sand. I guess there are also lots of events."
Sibel Dugen
"Very clean and a lot of space for everyone. There were also showers and shoe washing areas to remove extra sand. I had a great time."
Jakob Hettinga
"Nice, wide and clean beach. Not very crowdy.
Search for dates of the Fireworks Festival that takes place here!
Could something be better? Yes - more plants (currently there is nothing but concrete 😑😩) and water at the boardwalk so that one could rinse sand of feet."
Michał Breś
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mariakerke Beach is located next to Ostend and is easily accessible. The tram system in Ostend often stops near Mariakerke, making it a convenient option. Many visitors arrive by tram or car, with parking available nearby.
Yes, Mariakerke Beach is well-served by public transport, particularly the coastal tram which connects various seaside towns in Belgium.
Driving to Mariakerke Beach is possible, and there are parking facilities available. However, during peak season, parking can become limited.
Mariakerke Beach can be a good day trip from Brussels, offering a refreshing escape to the coast. It's often recommended as an alternative to more crowded spots.
The best way to travel often depends on your starting point. For those already in Ostend, the tram is highly recommended. For others, driving or taking a train to Ostend and then transferring to the tram is a good option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mariakerke Beach is a public beach, so there is no entrance fee to access the sand and sea.
As a public beach, Mariakerke Beach is accessible at all times. However, amenities like lifeguards and facilities may operate on seasonal hours.
No, tickets are not required to visit Mariakerke Beach. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy.
While the beach itself is free, specific events hosted at venues like the Q-Beach House might have separate ticketing or entry requirements. +1
Visitors can find showers and shoe washing areas to remove sand. Some reviews mention a desire for more amenities like plants and water features near the boardwalk.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mariakerke Beach is generally considered less crowded than other popular Belgian coastal towns, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
You can enjoy relaxing walks, sunbathing, playing in the sand, and for families, there's a pirate boat playground.
Yes, families with children often find Mariakerke Beach to be excellent, especially with the pirate boat playground and ample space.
Swimming in the sea is possible, but always be mindful of safety warnings and conditions.
The beach features spacious areas with fine sand, making it pleasant for walking and relaxing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are good restaurants located close to Mariakerke Beach, offering various dining options.
You can find a range of food options, from casual eats to more established restaurants, catering to different tastes.
While specific vendors might vary, it's common to find places to buy snacks and drinks near popular beach areas.
Given the family-friendly nature of the beach, you can expect several restaurants to be accommodating to families with children.
For dining in Ostend, there are various recommendations, including places near the beach and in the city center.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, especially during sunrise and sunset, offer beautiful lighting for photography.
The wide sandy expanse, the sea, and the sunsets provide excellent opportunities. Keep an eye out for local events like fireworks for unique shots.
A versatile camera that can handle different lighting conditions is ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for capturing distant details.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone over the beach.
The beachfront itself, especially during sunset, and the area around the pirate playground are popular spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical amenities like showers and shoe washing stations are available, making post-beach cleanup easier. Consider visiting during weekdays or mornings to avoid larger crowds. The proximity to restaurants and a supermarket also adds to the convenience for family outings.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
Visiting during the off-season or on weekdays will further enhance the sense of solitude. The beach provides a perfect backdrop for quiet contemplation or simply enjoying the sound of the waves.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 The expansive sandy landscape and the sea provide a versatile backdrop for various types of photography, from landscapes to lifestyle shots. Don't miss the chance to capture events like the fireworks festival for dramatic and vibrant imagery.
Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the beach and a telephoto lens for more focused shots. Remember to check local regulations if you plan to use a drone. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Mariakerke Beach: Beyond the Sand
The presence of amenities like showers and shoe washing stations adds to the convenience for beachgoers looking to rinse off the sand after a day by the sea. While the natural beauty of the beach is a major draw, some reviews point out a desire for more natural elements, such as increased greenery and water features along the boardwalk, noting that currently, it's predominantly concrete.
Mariakerke Beach also serves as a venue for various events, notably the Q-Beach House and spectacular fireworks displays during the summer.
+2 These events add a vibrant dimension to the beach experience, attracting visitors for lively entertainment alongside the natural seaside charm. The beach's accessibility via public transport, particularly the coastal tram, further enhances its appeal for day-trippers and tourists exploring the Belgian coast. Family Fun and Activities at Mariakerke Beach
Beyond the playground, the gentle waves and sandy shores are perfect for younger visitors to paddle and build sandcastles.
Parents often appreciate the availability of facilities like showers and shoe washing stations, which are practical for managing sandy children after a day of play. While the beach itself is a natural playground, the surrounding area and events can also cater to families. Keeping an eye on the schedule for events like the fireworks festival can add an extra layer of excitement to a family trip to Mariakerke Beach.
Capturing the Beauty of Mariakerke Beach
+1 The interplay of light and shadow on the sand, coupled with the changing colors of the sky, provides endless opportunities for creative shots.Beyond the natural beauty, events like the fireworks festival offer unique and dynamic subjects for photographers.
Capturing the bursts of color against the night sky over the sea can result in truly memorable images. For those interested in capturing the essence of beach life, the Q-Beach House and the general atmosphere of the beach can also be compelling subjects. When photographing Mariakerke Beach, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the landscape and a telephoto lens to focus on details or distant elements.
Being mindful of the tide and weather conditions can also enhance your photographic experience, allowing you to capture the beach in its most dramatic or tranquil states. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit