Evanston Beach

Evanston's dining scene near the beaches includes Peckish Pig, a gastropub with craft beers and trivia nights, and Tapas Barcelona, serving Spanish small plates in a vibrant setting. Prairie Moon offers American comfort food and live music, while Trattoria Demi specializes in Italian classics like shrimp scampi. For rooftop cocktails, Five & Dime provides games and city views.

Many eateries prioritize inclusivity, with LGBTQ+-friendly atmospheres and wheelchair-accessible seating. Seasonal outdoor dining options abound, and several venues like Tapas Barcelona emphasize locally sourced ingredients. Ice cream trucks often frequent Lee Street Beach on weekends, complementing the area's laid-back culinary vibe.

Nearby accommodations include Hilton Orrington/Evanston, offering modern rooms steps from downtown, and Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston, featuring an outdoor pool. Hyatt House Chicago/Evanston provides extended-stay suites with kitchens, while Hilton Garden Inn boasts an indoor pool and proximity to Northwestern University.

These hotels cater to diverse needs, offering event spaces, fitness centers, and free Wi-Fi. The Holiday Inn stands out for its LGBTQ+ welcoming environment, while the Hyatt House's BBQ area appeals to families. Most properties are within a 15-minute walk to multiple beaches, combining convenience with lakefront tranquility.

Evanston beaches provide Mobi-Mat accessibility at Dempster, Lee Street, and South Boulevard Beaches, along with seasonal restrooms and showers. Picnic areas with tables and grills are available at most locations, while some beaches offer tennis facilities and playgrounds.

Boat ramps at Dempster Beach accommodate sailing enthusiasts, and lifeguards patrol during summer months. Equipment rentals for beach sports are not explicitly mentioned, but visitors recommend bringing gear for volleyball or frisbee. Limited concession stands operate seasonally, though nearby downtown Evanston offers more food options.

Swimming dominates summer activities, with designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Sailing from the Dempster Street facility allows exploration of Lake Michigan, while kayakers often launch from Clark Street Beach. Beachgoers frequently organize volleyball games at Lee Street Beach's wider sandy areas.

Biking along the Lakefront Trail connects multiple beaches, and joggers appreciate the maintained paths. Winter brings dramatic ice formations along the shoreline, attracting photographers. Fishing from piers is permitted outside swimming zones, though specific licensing requirements apply.

Roll-out Mobi-Mats installed at three beaches enable wheelchair access to the shoreline. Accessible restrooms and showers operate seasonally, with beach wheelchairs available upon request at most locations.

Designated parking spaces near beach entractions accommodate vans, and paved paths connect key areas. Adaptive sailing programs occasionally run from the Dempster facility, while some restaurants like Peckish Pig offer fully accessible dining environments.

Most beaches offer metered street parking, with fees enforced from April-October. Free parking exists at South Boulevard and Greenwood Street Beaches, though spaces fill quickly on weekends. The Dempster Street facility includes overflow parking for boat trailers.

Disabled parking spots are available near beach entrances, and some hotels like Hilton Garden Inn provide guest parking for a fee. Public transportation via CTA Purple Line trains serves nearby areas, reducing parking demand during festivals or major events.

Evanston's beaches once required token-based admission starting in 1931, with fences restricting access until public outcry reversed the policy. The submerged shipwreck of the George Morley (1897) lies offshore from Dempster Beach, visible to snorkelers in clear conditions.

Northwestern University created new shoreline through 1960s landfill projects, fundamentally altering the coastal geography. Beach erosion remains an ongoing challenge, with restoration efforts employing natural dune vegetation. The area's original Ojibwe name, 'Gichigamiing,' referenced the 'great lake' now called Michigan.

The historic Grosse Point Lighthouse near Lighthouse Beach offers guided tours showcasing maritime history. Northwestern University's campus adjacent to Clark Street Beach features architectural landmarks and public art installations.

Downtown Evanston's shopping district, a short walk from Greenwood Street Beach, hosts galleries and theaters. The Chandler Park tennis courts near Lee Street Beach attract recreational players, while summer concerts occasionally animate the lakefront.