Temperatures keep going up over here in the Netherlands, set to hit 30C (86F), which for this part of the world is quite dramatic. Naturally with all this hot weather, people are flocking to the beaches. With so many people heading to the coastline, you're unlikely to find a beach that isn't packed. Still there are ways to find something off the beaten path, and here is one of my favorites:

From Amsterdam Central Station take the train to Alkmaar, if memory serves it is around a 40 minute ride. In Alkmaar find the bus outside the station that will take you to a town called Bergen. In Bergen what I like to do is rent a bike for the day (about 8€) and ride through the dunes. The dunes are awesome and there are a few choice spots to stop and have a drink.

Once you're through the dunes you arrive at the beach, Bergen aan Zee. A nice beach that is by no means private, but potentially with a bit more space for you and your towel. Plus this fine beach has plenty of activities and places for you to grab food and drink. All the ingredients for a great beach day on hot Holland days.