Zandvoort is a municipality located in the province of North Holland within the Netherlands. It sits along the country's western coast, characterized by a long sandy beach that serves as one of its most prominent geographical features. The area is bordered by the coastal dunes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park and the Amsterdam water supply dunes, which help define its natural landscape and protect the inland areas from the sea.

The settlement is documented to have existed since 1100, originally named Sandevoerde, a term combining words for sand and ford. Until 1722, the region was controlled by the Lords of Brederode. For centuries, the village relied on fishing until the nineteenth century, when it transformed into a seaside resort following patterns established in the United Kingdom. The first resort opened in 1828, marking the beginning of its development as a holiday destination for notable visitors.

The municipality extends inland to include the district of Bentveld and is defined by its extensive boulevard lined with beach pavilions. Key landmarks include Circuit Park Zandvoort, the nation's primary motor racing circuit which hosts Formula One events, and the Juttersmu-Zee-um museum, which displays items found by beachcombers. The town also features a nudist bathing section on the southern beach, accessible via a path starting two kilometers south of the main area.

Zandvoort attracts visitors primarily for its sandy beaches, sunbathing, and swimming opportunities, with numerous beach bars catering to tourists during the warm months. The town has a rich cultural history, having been visited by figures such as Anne Frank and painted by William Merritt Chase. Its racing heritage is significant, with the Dutch Grand Prix held there from 1950 to 1985 and returning in 2021, drawing motorsport enthusiasts to the circuit for races and testing days.

The municipality had a population of 17,168 as of 2021, with nearly half of all employment related to tourism. Access is facilitated by Zandvoort aan Zee railway station, which offers half-hourly services to Haarlem and Amsterdam, with additional trains during the summer high season. The town experiences heavy crowds in summer, while beach pavilions are typically closed from mid-October to mid-February, shifting the character of the location significantly during the colder months.