Best Surf Beaches In Illinois

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4.2

Montrose Beach

United States, Illinois, 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.

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4.25

North Avenue Beach

United States, Illinois, Chicago

North Avenue Beach, located in Chicago, United States, presents an iconic front to Lake Michigan with its broad stretch of sand and striking city skyline views. This well-loved beach is not only known for its light golden sand but also for the plethora of activities available. Here, visitors can enjoy volleyball, swimming, sunbathing, and a fresh breeze ideal for kite flying. North Avenue Beach has many amenities including lifeguards on duty during the appropriate season, access to bathrooms, and facilities catering to individuals with disabilities. However, it's worth noting that dogs are not allowed on the beach, there's no provision for camping or surfing, and sun-seeking naturists will have to look elsewhere as nude bathing is also not permitted. This bustling Chicago spot ensures a well-rounded visit with its comprehensive facilities.

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4.45

57th Street Beach

United States, Illinois, Chicago

57th Street Beach, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago, United States, offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. Spanning a modest length, the beach features fine, golden sand that invites both locals and tourists to relax and soak up the sun. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities including swimming, picnicking, and volleyball, making it a versatile destination for all ages. 57th Street Beach has many amenities including lifeguards on duty during the summer months, ensuring a safe swimming environment, accessible restrooms, and disability-friendly facilities. However, please note that dogs are not allowed, and there is no provision for camping or surfing, making it an ideal spot for families and friends looking for a tranquil day by the water.

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4.15

Rainbow Beach

United States, Illinois, Chicago

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.

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4.2

Tower Road Park Beach

United States, Illinois, Glencoe

Nestled in the charming town of Glencoe, Tower Road Park Beach is a picturesque destination in the United States that offers visitors a serene beach experience. This compact, yet inviting beach boasts a beautiful stretch of fine, golden sand, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and leisurely walks. Though its length is modest, the beach provides a comprehensive array of activities including swimming, beach volleyball, and kayaking. Tower Road Park Beach has many amenities including bathroom access and facilities for disabled guests, ensuring a comfortable and accessible visit for everyone. However, it's important to note that dogs are not allowed, and there are no options for camping or surfing, maintaining its tranquil atmosphere.

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4.1

Lake Forest Beach

United States, Illinois, Lake Forest

Nestled in the heart of the United States, Lake Forest Beach is a serene destination offering both relaxation and a plenitude of activities for visitors. While its sandy shores may not stretch as extensively as some larger beaches, its beauty is undiminished, presenting a picturesque setting for a day out. Lake Forest Beach lacks the bustling activity options of larger, more commercial beaches—no surfing or camping here—but still allows for peaceful picnics, leisurely strolls, and the simple joy of watching the sun dip below the horizon. When it comes to amenities, Lake Forest Beach has few, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does not have lifeguards on duty, dogs allowed, or bathroom access. This makes it important for visitors to come prepared for a more rugged and self-sufficient beach experience.

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North Point Beach

United States, Illinois, Winthrop Harbor

Nestled in Winthrop Harbor, United States, North Point Beach offers a serene getaway with its expansive coastline. The beach stretches invitingly with fine, golden sand welcoming visitors to enjoy a variety of activities such as sunbathing, swimming, picnicking, and beach volleyball. Despite its rich array of recreational offerings, North Point Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does have restrooms. The absence of amenities like lifeguard services, dog-friendly policies, and accessibility features for those with disabilities, as well as the prohibitions on nude beaches, camping, and surfing, underlines the beach's natural and untouched charm, emphasizing safety and environmental preservation.

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4.15

Kathy Osterman Beach

United States, Illinois, Chicago

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.

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4.1

Rosewood Beach

United States, Illinois, Highland Park

Rosewood Beach, nestled in the scenic locale of Highland Park in the United States, stands out as a pristine treasure along the coastline. The beach stretches with a fine blend of natural sand, offering a picturesque setting for visitors. A haven for beach enthusiasts, the activities at Rosewood Beach are varied, including swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and beach walking, ensuring a fulfilling experience for everyone. Rosewood Beach has many amenities including lifeguards on duty, ensuring safety for all swimmers, accessible bathroom facilities, and it is a dog-friendly beach, welcoming your furry friends to enjoy the day with you. The availability of these amenities makes Rosewood Beach a well-equipped and convenient destination for a day out by the water.

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4.15

Gillson Park

United States, Illinois, Wilmette

Gillson Park, located in Wilmette, United States, offers a picturesque beachfront that captures the essence of an ideal summer day. Unlike vast expanses, this beach cozily runs along a modest length, making each spot feel personal and intimate. The sand here carries a light, creamy color that softly warms under the sun. Despite its serene landscape, Gillson Park buzzes with activities such as swimming, beach volleyball, picnicking, and simply soaking up the sun’s rays. However, note that activities such as surfing and camping are not permitted, ensuring the beach retains its peaceful ambiance. Gillson Park has many amenities including but not limited to, lifeguards on duty during specific hours ensuring swimmers' safety, and clean, accessible restrooms for comfort. However, it's important to remember that dogs are not allowed on the beach, and there are no facilities for camping or accommodating disabilities, making it crucial for visitors to plan their trip accordingly.