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The Best Beaches in Chicago, IL.

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The Best Beaches in Chicago, IL.

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best beaches in Chicago, Illinois, where the vibrant urban landscape meets the tranquility of the Great Lakes. As a professional resource, we aim to provide you with valuable insights into the city’s most popular sandy retreats, each offering unique experiences and amenities.

From the popular North Avenue Beach to the serene 57th Street Beach, each destination has something special to offer. With detailed insights into the best beaches in Chicago, this guide will help you plan your next visit. Discover which beach suits your needs, from family-friendly spots with playgrounds to scenic areas perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying water sports.

Whether you are a local resident looking for a weekend getaway or a visitor eager to explore the city’s shoreline, our guide will help you navigate the various beach options, ensuring you find the perfect spot to relax, play, and soak up the sun.

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Beach Profiles

Below, we provide detailed profiles for each beach, ensuring a thorough understanding of what each location offers. Each profile consists of three paragraphs covering different aspects, such as location, amenities, and unique features, to assist in planning your visit.

North Avenue Beach

North Avenue Beach is one of Chicago's most popular beaches, located in Lincoln Park at 1600 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive. It's known for its unique beach house that resembles an ocean liner, offering stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. The beach attracts both locals and tourists, making it a vibrant spot for summer activities.

The beach provides a variety of amenities such as lounge chairs, umbrella rentals, food concession stands, and bike rentals. Activities include swimming, volleyball, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with the beach house offering restrooms, changing rooms, and ATM machines. It's a hub for various recreational pursuits, ensuring visitors have plenty to do.

North Avenue Beach is easily accessible via public transportation, with nearby CTA bus routes and L stops. Parking is available in the park's parking lot with a pay gate. To make the most of your visit, arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends, and check water quality before heading out, as conditions can vary.

Oak Street Beach

Oak Street Beach is nestled in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, located at 1000 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Known for its proximity to downtown and The Magnificent Mile, it offers convenience and scenic views, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists seeking a beach day.

The beach features chair and bike rentals, volleyball courts, and a restaurant offering upscale beach fare. Restrooms and changing facilities are available in the beach house, and there's an ADA-accessible beach walk, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors. It's a great spot for combining beach relaxation with urban exploration.

Easily accessible via public transportation, with nearby CTA bus routes and L stops, parking is limited, so consider using public transport. Combine your beach visit with exploring nearby landmarks like the Drake Hotel and the Chicago History Museum, enhancing your experience with Chicago's cultural offerings.

31st Street Beach (Margaret T. Burroughs Beach)

31st Street Beach, officially known as Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, is located at 3100 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive on Chicago's south side, offering stunning views of the Chicago skyline from the south. It's a beloved spot for residents and visitors, known for its historical and cultural significance.

Adjacent to 31st Street Harbor, the beach has a playground, community room, and various amenities like restrooms and concession stands. Activities include swimming, volleyball, and water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding, with the harbor providing additional recreational opportunities.

Named after Margaret T. Burroughs, an influential African American artist and educator, the beach has cultural importance. It's a great spot to appreciate both natural beauty and cultural heritage, with its location offering a unique perspective on Chicago's lakefront.

Montrose Beach

Montrose Beach, located in the Uptown neighborhood at 4400 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is Chicago's largest public beach, known for its dog beach and natural area attracting migratory birds. It's a favorite among families and nature enthusiasts, offering a spacious and diverse environment.

The beach offers restrooms, food concession stands, volleyball courts, and a beach house, with activities including swimming, sunbathing, and birdwatching. The designated dog beach allows pets to run free without leashes, making it a popular choice for pet owners.

Accessible via public transportation and with ample parking, Montrose Beach is ideal for a day out. Check for any restrictions or special events, such as the annual Beach Soccer Festival, to enhance your visit and enjoy the beach's ecological and recreational offerings.

South Shore Beach

South Shore Beach, part of the South Shore Cultural Center in the South Shore neighborhood at 7059 S. South Shore Dr., combines natural beauty with cultural attractions, making it a must-visit destination. It's known for its historic setting and proximity to cultural facilities, offering a unique beach experience.

The beach features a historic beach house with restrooms and showers, a nature sanctuary with dune habitat, and various recreational activities like swimming and picnicking. Stunning views of the lake and city skyline enhance the visitor experience, with ample space for relaxation.

Adjacent to the South Shore Cultural Center, which includes a solarium, formal dining hall, Paul Robeson Theater, and restaurant, it offers a blend of nature and culture. This makes South Shore Beach perfect for those looking to explore Chicago's rich cultural heritage alongside beach activities.

Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach, situated in the South Chicago neighborhood at 3111 E. 77th St., is named after the U.S. Army's 42nd Rainbow Division, offering sweeping skyline views and various recreational activities. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors, known for its historical and ecological significance.

The beach offers restrooms, concession stands, community garden, handball courts, basketball courts, and playgrounds, with activities including swimming and fishing. The park surrounding the beach hosts community events, making it ideal for families and sports enthusiasts.

Established in 1908 and expanded in 1918, Rainbow Beach has a rich history, including its role during the 1919 Race Riots. Today, it's a welcoming space for all, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle, with its dune habitat adding to its natural charm.

57th Street Beach

57th Street Beach, located within Jackson Park at 5700 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is known for its serene atmosphere and less crowded setting, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter beach experience. It's part of one of Chicago's oldest parks, offering historical context.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking, with the beach offering restrooms, food concession stands, and a wheelchair-accessible walk. This ensures inclusivity, allowing everyone to enjoy the beach's beauty and tranquility.

Part of Jackson Park, site of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the beach provides a tranquil setting to appreciate the lake and park's natural beauty. Its proximity to the Museum of Science and Industry adds to its appeal for educational and recreational visits.

Calumet Beach

Calumet Beach, located in Calumet Park at 9801 S. Avenue G near the Indiana state line, offers a peaceful escape with less crowds, making it ideal for those seeking solitude. It's part of a larger park known for its expansive green spaces and lakefront views.

The beach features restrooms, food concession stands, a pay-to-park lot, bike rentals, non-motorized boat launch, and fishing spots, with opportunities for distance swimming parallel to the shore. Its wheelchair-accessible walk ensures accessibility for all visitors.

Part of Calumet Park, named after the Calumet River, it offers additional recreational activities like biking and hiking. This makes it a great spot to connect with nature while still being close to urban amenities, enhancing the visitor experience.

12th Street Beach

12th Street Beach, on Northerly Island Peninsula at 1200 S. Linn White Dr., is known for its unique orientation and is popular for distance swimming and fishing, offering a secluded feel despite its urban location. It's a hidden gem for those seeking peace and quiet.

The beach offers restrooms, a beach house, concession stands, bike rentals, and a non-motorized boat launch, with a natural area providing habitat for migrating birds. Activities include swimming, fishing, and exploring the lake, adding to its appeal.

Despite its proximity to downtown, 12th Street Beach provides a sense of seclusion and is less frequented, making it ideal for a quieter beach day. Its location near attractions like the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium enhances its appeal for tourists and locals alike.

63rd Street Beach

63rd Street Beach, in Jackson Park at 6300 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is one of Chicago's oldest beaches, known for its historic beach house built in 1919 and restored in 2000. It offers a blend of history and modern amenities, attracting history buffs and beachgoers.

The beach offers food concession stands, restrooms, interactive water fountains, and a natural area supporting diverse wildlife, with activities including swimming and picnicking. Its scenic views and ecological importance make it a unique destination.

Proximity to park attractions like the golf course and tennis courts adds to its appeal, with easy accessibility via public transportation and a pay-and-display parking lot. This ensures a convenient visit, enhancing the overall beach experience.

Kathy Osterman Beach

Kathy Osterman Beach, located in the Edgewater neighborhood at 5800 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is named after the late Chicago alderman Kathy Osterman and also known as Loyola Beach or Hollywood Beach. It offers a serene escape from the city's bustle, ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.

The beach features a new LEED certified beach house with restrooms and changing facilities, a natural area for migratory birds, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. Its tranquil atmosphere and northern location make it a favorite among north side locals, with activities including swimming and sunbathing.

Accessible via public transportation with limited parking available nearby, Kathy Osterman Beach provides a less crowded alternative to downtown beaches. Its ecological and historical significance, combined with its peaceful setting, ensures a memorable visit.

Choose Among These Best Beaches in Chicago and Enjoy Yourself!

This guide provides a detailed exploration of Chicago’s best beaches, ensuring you have all the information needed to plan a memorable day by the lake. From historical significance to modern amenities, each beach offers something unique, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs. We encourage you to explore these beaches and discover the rich tapestry of Chicago’s lakefront.

Comparative Table of Chicago Beaches

To aid in planning, below is a table comparing key features of the beaches discussed:

The Best Beaches in Chicago, IL.

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The Best Beaches in Chicago, IL.

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