As someone who’s spent a few summers exploring the best of Chicago’s lakefront, one of the most common questions I hear from fellow beachgoers is: Which beach is the cleanest? After all, whether you’re heading out for a morning swim, a sandy picnic, or just some Instagram-worthy skyline shots, nobody wants to deal with trash, murky water, or questionable conditions. So, after visiting nearly every beach along Lake Michigan, I’ve got an answer and a few insights to go with it.
The Winner: Ohio Street Beach
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Chicago with clean sand, clear water, and well-maintained surroundings, Ohio Street Beach takes the top spot.
Tucked just north of Navy Pier and bordered by the city’s iconic skyline, Ohio Street Beach benefits from regular city maintenance and its relatively smaller size. It’s a favorite for locals who want a quick dip before work or a scenic swim in calmer waters. The beach often scores high in water quality reports from the Chicago Park District, thanks to its location in a sheltered cove that helps reduce wave-driven debris.
What makes Chicago beaches clean, though, is the attention to detail: fewer crowds during the week, minimal litter, and regular cleaning by park staff. As a swimmer, I also appreciate the clearer water compared to many of the larger, windier beaches.
Honorable Mentions
While Ohio Street Beach tops the list, a few other beaches deserve a shoutout for cleanliness:
- Montrose Beach (North End) – Montrose Beach is massive and bustling, but if you walk up toward the northern edge (closer to the bird sanctuary), you’ll find quieter, cleaner spots that feel more like a nature escape.
- 12th Street Beach – Near the Museum Campus, this compact beach is well-maintained and usually a little less crowded. It’s a favorite for families and casual swimmers.
- Oak Street Beach – With its close proximity to the Gold Coast, Oak Street Beach gets a lot of foot traffic, but the city does a solid job keeping it clean. Just try to visit early before it fills up.
Tips for Finding a Clean Beach in Chicago
- Check the Park District’s Water Quality Reports – These are updated frequently and can tell you about E. coli levels and swim advisories.
- Go Early in the Day – City crews typically clean the beaches in the early morning, so arriving before the crowds can make a big difference.
- Avoid Post-Storm Visits – After heavy rain, runoff can impact water quality and push debris into the lake.
- Stick to Smaller Beaches – Generally speaking, the smaller the beach, the easier it is for crews to maintain and the less likely it is to get overwhelmed by crowds.
Finding The Cleanest Beaches in Chicago.
Chicago’s beaches are a summertime treasure, and many of them are surprisingly clean, especially when compared to big-city waterfronts elsewhere. That said, if you’re hunting for the cleanest of them all, I’d recommend heading to Ohio Street Beach. With its calm waters, tidy sand, and unbeatable views of the skyline, it’s a top-tier spot for anyone who values a pristine lakeside experience.