The beach at Huisduinen is the main swimming and walking beach near Den Helder. It stretches south from the seawall for several kilometres, backed by broad dunes that shelter it from the prevailing westerly winds. The sand is pale and wide, and outside July and August the beach is uncrowded. The North Sea water is cold even in summer, rarely exceeding 18 degrees Celsius, but the beach is popular with windsurfers, kite flyers, and dog walkers year round.
The Lange Jaap lighthouse and Fort Kijkduin are both within easy walking distance, making a combined beach and sightseeing loop of about five kilometres entirely feasible on foot. The village of Huisduinen, just behind the dunes, has a handful of cafes and a small church.