"Beach Culture" in north western Belgium, places to stay

The Belgian coast is nicknamed “Costa Concrete” and you’ve already found out why.
If being close to nature it’s important, I would look into staying in Knokke-Heist all the way up the coast, close to the border with the Netherlands. Nature reserve Het Zwin lies just north of Knokke, on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. Lots of birds there!

While it is often helpful to have a car for war sites, don't overlook the coastal tram line, unreserved local trains in Belgian daily life, parking garage costs, and heavy highway traffic.

I was only visiting during daylight hours, but in Ostend, I got the clear idea that there might be a strong beer and party atmosphere on summer nights. I passed a lot of street bars, not open at lunchtime. And for example, in addition to James Ensor's home, I wanted to see the interior of the "Casino", for the statue of Marvin Gaye. But the casino did not open until 5PM.

Isn't Bruges an obvious choice?

Beaches in Europe are never what Americans think they are.

May 28th is this year Ascension Day and means that most will take a long weekend off. Many will go to the coast and especially with good weather it will be busy there.

Knokke is upmarket with a few stylish hotels in “Het Zoute” district but I think sea resort De Haan will be a better choice to my idea. It’s well known for it’s Belle Époque architecture and it’s charming district “de Concescie” with villas (if I am not wrong) from the Interbellum period. As far as I know these villa’s are coming most close along the whole Belgian coast to what you can describe as cottages. It’s also well known for “Villa Savoyarde”, the place where Albert Einstein stayed for a half year before finally moving to Princeton. The villa is in private hands, so only to admire from the street. The district is located between the charming "De Haan aan Zee" tram station and the beach.

There are several B&B’s and hotels in one of these villas, but with Ascension you have to book as early as possible. The website of De Haan municipality gives also info about rental homes, private as well of those offered by Center Parcs..

https://www.visitdehaan.be/en/private-rental

In De Haan there is a grocery store.

For birdwatching you can go to the already noticed 't Zwin east of Knokke at the Dutch-Belgian border or even further east in the Netherlands to Waterdunen near Breskens. It has a lot of facilities for birdwatching and you can stay close to the parc too.

https://www.zwin.be/en/practical-info
https://www.molecaten.com/en/waterdunen

Don't miss the Atlantikwall Museum, west of Ostend, an easy tram ride from DeHaan, where we had a snack after. We did this as a day trip from Bruges without a car.

I liked Bruges when I was there, and I like Lille as a point to tour the WWI sites, but if you want a smaller town what's wrong with Ypres? None of the places you specify, except Dunkirk, are beaches.

If you look for a "Carrefour" market in the towns you can check the hours. Many of the smaller towns that have one of these chains have Sunday hours.

Thank you! This is very helpful!
Tracey