Before my trip to the Netherlands, I didn’t realize much else existed outside of Amsterdam other than windmills and green pastures. But after spending a few days off the beaten path in the small town of Castricum, I quickly learned that the Netherlands has a lot to offer. From long bike rides to beach sunsets and delicious farm to table cuisine, below is my list of what to see and do in Castricum.

GETTING THERE

One of the main draws in deciding to stay in Castricum was its location (see it on the map). It is only 45 minutes by train from the airport and 25 minutes to Amsterdam, making it easy to take a day trip to the city. The NS Reisplanner App was helpful in researching train routes and schedules, especially when we found ourselves in Amsterdam at 1am and were ready to make our way home!

BIKE

Biking is not only the most efficient method for getting around town, it’s by far the most popular. There are bikes galore and the town was designed to accommodate them. With meticulously manicured paths and bike racks throughout, you could ride around town for hours. Because it’s a smaller town, there is less car traffic making it much safer than biking on the bustling streets of Amsterdam. I struggled at the beginning of the trip because my bike was a bit too tall, but after a couple bobbles, I was tooling around town like a pro!

BEACH

One of the highlights of Castricum is its beautiful beach, Castricum aan Zee. Just 15 minutes by bike from the center of town, the sprawling beachfront is a great place to spend the day. There are several dining options to choose from ranging from elegant and airy at Deining to casual and cozy at Club Zand. For those who can’t get enough of the sun and sand, there are numerous beach bungalows available for rent.

DINE

If you’re a fan of cute sidewalk cafes, who isn’t, Castricum has you covered. There are several on each block in the center of town all serving up delicious dishes and great people watching. La Ttrattoria, Pizzaria Miamo, or Café de Balustrade are just a few of the many enjoyable outdoor dining options in Castricum.

SHOP

For such a small town there is a wide variety of shops and boutiques to keep you busy. On one square block alone I spotted a pet store, photography shop, home décor store, paper shop, art galleries and several clothing boutiques. I suggest spending your time outdoors, but if retail therapy is your thing, Castricum won’t leave you disappointed.

TAKE A PHOTO TOUR

When visiting Castricum, be sure to keep your camera handy. There are so many details you’ll want to capture throughout the town – gingerbread houses, locals biking, flowers in bloom, decorative fences, quiet bridges, bikes, fountains, cafes, churches, grazing animals, sprawling farms and much more. Get creative and spend some time photographing whatever inspires you. You don’t have to be a pro to take beautiful photos and they’ll be a great way to remember your trip later on.

DANCE

You might think that such a small town would have little to offer by way of night life, but not so. There are actually several establishments in the center of town where you can grab a drink and dance into the early morning hours. Mex Beach Club was our pick for a fun-filled evening. The nightlife flourishes more in warm weather months, but there are quieter bars that are fun year round. Just avoid ordering a Dutch bomb. They look cute, served in a glass clog, but taste horrendous. You’ve been warned.

HAVE A PICNIC

I can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon in Castricum (or anywhere for that matter!) than with a picnic. Whether at the beach or in a park, it’s a lovely way to enjoy good food, great company and the outdoors. Stock up at the local bakery, cheese shop and produce market all located along Burgemeester Mooijstraat Street.  My Russian and I loaded our bike basket with a variety of cheeses, salami, fruits, fresh baguettes and of course some wine and headed to the beach for the afternoon. It was one of the highlights of the trip…I definitely recommend!

EAT ICE CREAM

I don’t know what it is about traveling, but I eat more ice cream while abroad then I do at any other rime. Travel and ice cream just seem to go hand in hand. Luckily, there are several ijssalons (Dutch for ice cream parlors) in Castricum. Grab a couple scoops, find a bench and watch the bikers ride by while enjoying your cone.

EXPLORE HISTORICAL SIGHTS

Though small, there are several historical sights to explore around Castricum starting with the Hotel het Oude Raadhuis. This gorgeous boutique hotel opened in 1911 in what was once Castricum’s City Hall. Even if you’re not a guest, you can still enjoy an elegant meal in its grand café.

Just around the corner in the Castricum Protestant Churchyard rests the commonwealth war graves of over 30 deceased airmen who died fighting in World War II.

GET OUT OF TOWN

With so much to see and do in Castricum, it’s unlikely you’ll want to leave. But if the urge strikes you, there are several other nearby towns that are worth exploring. Heiloo is only a 25 minute bike ride away and the paved bike paths the whole way make for an easy ride. The feel is similar to Castricum, though a bit bigger with even more dining and shopping options. We biked there at about 10pm on our last night in town and had a lovely evening listening to music and sipping spirits at Queens Café.

Our decision to stay in Castricum instead of in the city turned out to be a great one. The slower pace and quiet charm was so relaxing and allowed for a more fulfilling travel experience. It reminded me once again how fun it can be to venture off the beaten path and try something new…you never know what you’ll discover!

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Have you ever stayed in a small town? Where did you go and what was your favorite thing to do there? Share your comments below!

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