Koksijde is a town and municipality situated in the Flemish province of West Flanders, Belgium. It lies on the North Sea coast in the southwest of the region, serving as a significant sea resort destination. The municipality comprises several distinct areas, including the main town of Koksijde, the villages of Oostduinkerke, Saint-Idesbald, and Wulpen. Its coastal location defines its identity as a popular seaside destination within the broader administrative structure of West Flanders.

The area holds deep historical roots, particularly through the Ten Duinen Abbey, which was established in 1107. The abbey's religious and cultural importance persisted until the death of its last monk in 1833. Today, the archaeological site has been restored and is open to the public, with a modern museum housing liturgical silverware. The region also bears witness to World War II history through the British Military Cemetery, which commemorates sacrifices made during the Battle of Dunkirk between 1940 and 1945.

The municipality features diverse districts ranging from coastal tourist centers to rural inland villages. Koksijde-bad serves as a new tourist hub near the shoreline, while the old town center sits two kilometers inland. Oostduinkerke-bad is another seaside resort area, whereas Wulpen remains a rural polder village over four kilometers from the coast. Notable landmarks include the Church of Our Lady of the Dunes, known as the Cathedral of the Light with its forty-meter tower, and the highest dune in Belgium, Hoge Blekker.

Cultural attractions draw visitors to sites like the Paul Delvaux Museum in Saint-Idesbald, which houses the world's largest collection of works by the Belgian surrealist painter. The town is also renowned for the annual Duinencross cyclo-cross race and has hosted UCI World Championships. Unique local traditions include horseback shrimping on the Oostduinkerke coastline, a practice found nowhere else in the world. The area offers golf courses, casinos, and weekly markets, blending sports, art, and leisure activities.

As of 2018, the municipality had a total population of 21,957 residents across an area of 43.96 square kilometers. Access is facilitated by train stations in Koksijde and nearby De Panne, with coastal trams connecting various resorts. Visitors can also reach the area via direct trains from major cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels, often transferring to trams in Ostend. The local economy supports tourism through hospitality venues, museums, and sporting events, maintaining its status as a vibrant coastal community.