North Avenue Beach, located in Chicago's Lincoln Park, is a vibrant and picturesque destination known for its stunning views of the city skyline. The beach is situated at 1600 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive (formerly North Avenue and Lake Michigan), making it easily accessible by car or public transportation. Its unique ocean liner-inspired beach house offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants and rental services for activities like volleyball and kayaking. The beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, attracting large crowds during the annual Air and Water Show. With its revitalized beachfront and walking trails, North Avenue Beach provides a mix of leisure activities and stunning vistas. The beach area is highly regarded for its recreational opportunities, making it a hub for joggers, bicyclists, and those enjoying water sports. The upper decks of the beach house provide excellent viewpoints for watching the bustling lakefront activities or simply taking in the beautiful horizon. North Avenue Beach is truly a central point for outdoor activities and relaxation, offering something for everyone during all seasons. During the peak summer months, the beach is equipped with a wide range of amenities, including restrooms and showers, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors.
Read More...Located
in the neighborhood of Streeterville, Ohio Street Beach is a small north-facing
beach with light brown sand and nearby sea walls along Lake Michigan.
Ohio
Street Beach has been listed as one of the best 25 Chicago beaches by Time Out Chicago and it has also been
listed by Lonely Planet magazine as
one of the best nine beaches in Chicago.
Located in Chicago’s neighborhood of Uptown, Montrose Beach – also known as Montrose Avenue Beach – is a popular beach with light brown sand and a nearby curved cement pier. Montrose Beach is a part of a larger recreational park named Lincoln Park.
Montrose Beach has been listed as one of the “The 9 best beaches in Chicago for a taste of the lake life” by Lonely Planet magazine and it was also listed as one of the “The 25 best Chicago beaches” by Time Out Chicago magazine. It is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach. Montrose Beach is open from 6 am to 11 pm.
Foster Avenue Beach is a family-friendly haven located at 5200 N. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago's historic Lincoln Park neighborhood. This man-made beach along Lake Michigan offers a serene retreat with soft sands and picturesque waterfront views. While Foster Avenue Beach can be less crowded than some other beaches in the area, it still provides ample space for relaxation and activities like swimming and picnicking. The beach is part of a larger park expansion and features a beach house with amenities such as bike rentals and restrooms. Visitors can also enjoy nearby attractions, including trapeze performances from the Get a Grip Trapeze School. Foster Avenue Beach is ideal for those seeking a less crowded beach experience in Chicago. It offers a tranquil setting for relaxation, recreational activities, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. The beach's accessibility features, like an ADA-accessible beach walk and nearby parking, make it an enjoyable destination for all visitors. The area around Foster Avenue Beach is also rich in historical and cultural significance, being part of the larger Lincoln Park, which is one of Chicago's oldest public parks. This makes Foster Avenue Beach not just a recreational spot but also a part of the city's vibrant cultural landscape.
Read More...12th Street Beach is a scenic destination located near the Museum Campus in Chicago, Illinois. It was created as part of the development of Northerly Island in the early 20th century. The beach offers a mix of natural beauty and urban amenities, including restrooms, food options like Del Campos, and a non-motorized boat launch. Visitors can enjoy swimming, walking paths, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. It's an ideal spot for families and those looking for a tranquil escape within the city. The beach's history is tied to Chicago's architectural development and significant events like the World's Fair in the 1930s. Today, it remains a popular spot for relaxation and recreation. The nearby attractions such as the Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium add to its appeal as a comprehensive leisure destination.
Read More...Fullerton Beach is a picturesque urban retreat located along the vibrant shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. It offers a moderate length of golden sand, contrasting beautifully with the vast blue waters. This beach is a hub of activity, providing visitors with experiences like volleyball, sunbathing, jogging, and picnicking. However, it lacks amenities such as lifeguards, restrooms, and food options, making it more suited for simple leisure and sports activities. The beach is not considered family-friendly due to these limitations. Fullerton Beach is surrounded by attractions such as the Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory, offering a blend of history, nature, and culture nearby. The beach's proximity to these attractions and its scenic views make it a popular spot for those seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration.
Read More...Glencoe Park Beach is a picturesque destination located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Glencoe, Illinois. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities, making it an ideal spot for family outings and group gatherings. The beach is open seasonally, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day, ensuring a safe swimming environment. Visitors can enjoy amenities like water spray features, volleyball courts, and equipment rentals during the operational hours. Outside of the summer months, the beach remains accessible free of charge, from sunrise to sunset. The beach is part of a larger park area that includes the Adda and Paul Safran Beach House, which provides essential services like restrooms, showers, and snacks. The surrounding area offers scenic views and opportunities for picnics and relaxation. Glencoe Park Beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a serene escape from urban life. The beach's proximity to other attractions in the North Shore area makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the region's natural and cultural offerings.
Read More...63rd Street Beach is a vibrant and scenic destination located in Chicago's Jackson Park. It offers a wide stretch of soft, golden sand, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, volleyball, and picnicking. The beach is known for its historic beach house, which was built in the early 20th century and features a Classical Revival style pavilion. This pavilion includes restrooms, showers, and meeting rooms, and is available for rent for special events. The beach is family-friendly and offers lifeguards on duty during swimming hours, ensuring safety for all visitors. The beach is part of Jackson Park, which was designed by renowned architects Olmsted & Vaux, the same designers of New York's Central Park. The park offers additional attractions such as the Museum of Science and Industry, a Japanese-style garden, and various sporting facilities. Visitors can enjoy activities like biking, kayaking, and canoeing, with rentals available nearby. The beach is also a great spot for nature lovers, with a natural area that attracts migrating birds in the spring and fall.
Read More...Located near Chicago’s neighborhood of Edgewater, Kathy Osterman Beach – also known as Osterman Beach, Ardmore Beach, and Hollywood Beach – is a slightly wide beach with light brown sand and a nearby breakwater. Kathy Osterman Beach is part of a larger recreational park named Lincoln Park (which is not to be confused by a nearby city of the same same). The southern part of Kathy Osterman Beach is popular with the members of the LGBTQ community. Kathy Osterman Beach is open between 6 am to 11 pm.
Located in the southern portion of Chicago, Rainbow Beach – also previously known as Rocky Ledge Beach and Lake Michigan Beach – is a curve-shaped beach with light brown sand and a nearby rocky breakwater. This beach is a part of a larger recreational park named Rainbow Beach Park. Rainbow Beach is open between 11 am to 6 pm.
Located near the
neighborhood of Streeterville in Chicago, Oak Street Beach is a popular small
beach with light brown sand, a gradual sloping incline, and a backdrop of
high-rise buildings along Lake Michigan.
Oak Street Beach has been listed as one
of the “The 25 Best Chicago Beaches” by Time
Out Chicago, has been listed as one of the “25 Best Beaches in the USA” by Travel + Leisure magazine, and was named
the 22nd best beach in the United States by Randall Kaplan, the world’s
foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.
Located in a recreational park named Burnham Park in Chicago, 31st Street Beach Chicago – officially known as Margaret T. Burroughs Beach and also known as Burroughs Beach and Margaret Taylor Burroughs Beach – is a small and popular beach along Lake Michigan with light brown sand and nearby breakwaters. 31st Street Beach is open between 6 am to 11 pm. Known as one of the best beaches in Chicago, this beach is a must-see for tourists and locals alike.
Hartigan Beach, located in the northern part of Chicago, offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. This compact beach is nestled within a park that features a large playground, picnic areas, and a pier leading to an abandoned lighthouse. The beach itself is a sandy stretch along Lake Michigan, perfect for swimming during lifeguard hours and enjoying the views of the city and lake. The park was renamed in honor of David L. Hartigan, a former alderman who contributed significantly to the development of parks in Chicago. The beach area is ideal for families and those seeking a relaxed atmosphere, as it lacks a crowded party vibe. Visitors can enjoy volleyball, sunbathing, or having a picnic under the shade of trees. However, the park lacks amenities like restrooms and changing facilities. Hartigan Beach is one of the 18 street-end beaches acquired by the Chicago Park District in 1959, serving as a crucial recreational spot for residents in Rogers Park.
Read More...Gillson Park Beach, located in Wilmette, Illinois, offers a serene and expansive lakefront experience along Lake Michigan. The beach is part of a 60-acre park that includes a harbor and provides ample opportunities for swimming, sailing, picnicking, and various outdoor activities like bicycling, volleyball, and tennis. The area is known for its beautiful sandy stretches and scenic views, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation. Visitors can enjoy the beach's amenities, including lifeguards on duty during specified hours and accessible restrooms. However, dogs are not allowed on the main beach, ensuring a clean environment for all beachgoers. The park also features a dog beach area, allowing pet owners to enjoy the lakefront with their pets. Gillson Park is surrounded by attractions such as the Wilmette Historical Museum and the Green Bay Trail, offering a mix of cultural and natural experiences. The nearby town provides a quaint atmosphere with local shops and restaurants, enhancing the overall visit. For those planning to stay longer, there are several nearby hotels and restaurants that offer a range of accommodations and dining options, from casual eateries to upscale establishments.
Read More...South Shore Cultural Center Beach is nestled within a sprawling 70-acre park in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood. The beach itself offers a beautiful stretch of sand with distance swimming allowed during lifeguarded hours. The surrounding park boasts a nature sanctuary, a butterfly garden, a nine-hole golf course, and open spaces for picnics and walks. The cultural center, once a country club, is a landmark building now housing various facilities like a solarium, formal dining hall, the
Paul Robeson Theater, and the Parrot Cage Restaurant. It hosts numerous cultural programs and events throughout the year. The beach and surrounding facilities are accessible by car or public transit. The South Shore Cultural Center's rich history dates back to 1905 when it was built as an exclusive country club. It later became a cultural hub after being purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975. The area is a vibrant community center today, offering recreational activities and educational programs. Visitors to the beach can enjoy the serene environment and take part in seasonal activities such as summer camps and holiday events, making it a family-friendly destination.
Crystal Lake Main Beach, situated on the eastern shore of Crystal Lake, Illinois, offers a picturesque setting with soft sand and scenic views. It is part of Lake Park, which includes various amenities like a bathhouse, fishing pier, and picnic areas. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and volleyball. However, it lacks certain amenities such as public restrooms and lifeguards, so visitors must plan accordingly.
The beach's tranquil atmosphere makes it suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. It is close to Crystal Lake's downtown area, which features cultural venues and quaint shops. Nearby hiking trails provide additional outdoor activities for those interested in nature and scenic walks.
Historically, Crystal Lake Main Beach was established after a public outcry to maintain public access to the lakefront in the early 20th century.
Read More...Leone Beach, located in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, is the largest beach in the city, stretching along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. Named in 1966 after Sam Leone, a park employee and Navy World War I veteran, this beach park has a rich history dating back to 1919 when the site was acquired by the City of Chicago's Bureau of Parks and Recreation. It offers expansive soft sandy areas perfect for sunbathing, relaxation, and soaking up the lakeside ambiance.Leone Beach has a laid-back vibe, ideal for families, friends, and solo visitors looking to enjoy a serene urban getaway. The beach also features vibrant murals along the seawall and tranquil spots for meditation and yoga. With a combination of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, it stands out as a beloved community hub on Chicago’s lakefront.The park encourages active engagement through various programs like the Junior Lifeguard training, blending safety education with fun, while the surrounding facilities ensure a day at the beach is both comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
Read More...Marion Mahony Griffin Beach Park, located in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, offers a serene retreat from the city. The half-acre beach provides direct access to Lake Michigan, perfect for swimming and sunbathing during the warmer months. It was previously known as Jarvis Beach but was renamed in 2015 to honor Marion Mahony Griffin, a pioneering architect. The park's tranquil atmosphere and scenic views make it a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for a secluded beach experience.The beach itself does not have extensive facilities, such as changing rooms or bathrooms, but it does feature lifeguards during the summer months to ensure safety. Swimming is permitted only when lifeguards are on duty, generally from 11 AM to 7 PM. The area is conducive to relaxation and offers limited street parking.Historically, the beach was part of a network of small, street-end beaches that became essential recreational spots for the growing population of Rogers Park in the early 20th century.
Read More...Loyola Beach, nestled in Chicago's East Rogers Park community, offers a serene escape with its golden sand and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. The beach is part of the expansive Loyola Park, which provides a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, beach volleyball, and picnicking. It features a natural dune habitat and a scenic walking trail along the lakefront, making it ideal for nature lovers and casual strollers alike. The area is also home to a large fieldhouse with various facilities, tennis courts, and a playground, catering to both locals and visitors. Loyola Beach is particularly family-friendly, with lifeguards on duty during the day and organized events throughout the summer. It is also a great spot for birdwatchers, offering a glimpse into local wildlife. The beach's proximity to Loyola University and the scenic Rogers Park neighborhood adds to its appeal, providing access to cultural and educational experiences while still offering a tranquil retreat from the bustling city.
Read More...Rosewood Beach, located in Highland Park, Illinois, is a vibrant and award-winning destination along the shores of Lake Michigan. Once an underutilized rocky beach, it has been transformed into an eco-friendly and recreational hub through a $14.5 million renovation completed in 2015. The beach features a nature cove for ecological programs, a guarded swimming beach, and a recreation beach. It also includes an Interpretive Center and amenity buildings such as picnic tables, restrooms, and sand rinse stations, all connected by a boardwalk. The beach is open for swimming from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with certified lifeguards supervising during public hours. Rosewood Beach hosts various events like group meetings and family gatherings, making it an ideal spot for both community activities and serene relaxation. Visitors to Rosewood Beach can enjoy not only the pristine waters but also engage in a variety of educational programs that highlight the importance of Lake Michigan's ecosystem. The surrounding wooded bluffs and beautifully designed amenities create a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. The beach offers something for everyone, whether it's swimming, nature exploration, or simply enjoying a picnic with family and friends. It also serves as a model for sustainable development and community engagement, reflecting the efforts of local residents and partnerships that have transformed it into a beloved community asset.
Read More...Humboldt Park Beach, located in Chicago's vibrant Humboldt Park neighborhood, is the city's only inland beach. This man-made beach offers a unique swimming experience amidst a lush green space that spans over 200 acres. The park itself features a beautiful lagoon, historic boat house, playgrounds, tennis courts, and baseball fields, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The beach reopened in 2024 after a four-year closure, providing a refreshing escape during the summer months. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., ensuring a safe swimming environment for all. The surrounding area is rich in cultural heritage, particularly showcasing Puerto Rican traditions through colorful murals, restaurants, and the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from strolling through the park to exploring the nearby Paseo Boricua, a lively stretch of Division Street known for its vibrant culture and cuisine. Humboldt Park Beach is a must-visit for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and recreational fun in the heart of Chicago.
Read More...Maple Street Park Beach in Winnetka, Illinois, is a scenic spot along Lake Michigan, offering a tranquility and beauty characteristic of the North Shore beaches. While the beach itself may not be open for swimming during certain seasons, it remains a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the shores and scenic views. The beach is part of a larger park system that includes amenities like restrooms and off-street parking, making it accessible for visitors. Winnetka is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and historic neighborhoods, providing a charming backdrop to a day at the beach. The area around Maple Street Park Beach is also known for its beautiful parks and historic homes. Despite the beach closure for swimming in some periods, the park remains an inviting spot for picnics or simply taking in the views of Lake Michigan. The overall vibe is serene and family-oriented, perfect for a relaxing day out. Visitors to the area can enjoy the local cuisine, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining options, and explore the scenic routes along the lake. The beach's proximity to various Chicago suburbs offers easy access to a wide array of activities and attractions beyond Winnetka itself.
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