A city in the Midwest of the United States isn’t the first place you’d think of as a beach paradise… and okay, Chicago isn’t really a beach paradise, but the city does have several great beaches along the Shores of Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is really nice, and a walk to the beach was beautiful!
There are over 30 beaches in Chicago and some of them can get very crowded in the Summer months so don’t expect to find a nice secluded spot of sand. North Avenue and Oak Street Beaches are very popular with the locals wanting to escape the heat and humidity of the big city.
Most of the beaches are free and are open from 9am to 9.30pm in the warmer months between May and September.
Best Beach in Chicago
When it comes to visiting the beach in Chicago, there is no shortage of options. From the iconic beaches along Lake Michigan to hidden gems tucked away in state parks, there’s something for everyone. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, then look no further than Montrose Beach.
Montrose Beach has it all — breathtaking views of Lake Michigan just steps from downtown Chicago, plenty of sand to sprawl out and relax on, a lively atmosphere with live entertainment and food vendors throughout summer months, and an amazing backdrop for unforgettable sunsets. Not to mention its location next to a nature preserve with plenty of trails and wildlife viewing opportunities nearby. Plus you can always find some great people-watching at this popular city beach!
Montrose Beach is one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations and a favorite among locals. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, it offers visitors access to miles of sandy beachfront, spectacular views of the city skyline, and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages.
This iconic beach park is home to many unique attractions, including its famous bird sanctuary which houses more than 300 species from around the world. Visitors can also explore the historic Montrose Point Lighthouse or take part in fishing and water sports such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing and boating. Additionally, during summer months there are many cultural events taking place at Montrose Beach such as concerts, festivals and art exhibits.
Free beaches near Chicago
You won’t see surfing or snorkeling at these beaches, but you will find food, music, kids playing in the sand, and young locals working on their tans. Here’s a rundown of some of the city’s best spots to hang by the Lake. Though these are by no means your only options – in fact, Chicago offers 15 swimming beaches along the 26 miles of shoreline within the city limits – they are the easiest for most visitors to get to.
The Chicago Lakefront Trail (LFT) is an 18.5-mile-long (29.8 km) partial shared-use path for walking, jogging, and cycling, located along the western shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois.
Ohio Street Beach
For those staying on the Magnificent Mile, Ohio Street Beach will be the closest. It’s located at (no-brainer here) Ohio and the Lakefront, just north of Navy Pier. It’s a smaller beach but it tends to be less crowded because there are no dining or restroom facilities here.
When it comes to the best beaches in Chicago, Ohio Street Beach is a must-visit. Located on the northern edge of downtown and offering sweeping views of Lake Michigan, this beach offers plenty of opportunities to soak up some sun and enjoy the lake breeze. With its shallow waters perfect for swimming and its sprawling sand dunes ideal for relaxing, Ohio Street Beach is a great place to spend an afternoon with friends or family.
The beach offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy. Swimming in the shallow waters is always a popular choice while the beach’s bike path provides another great way to explore the area. From volleyball courts and kayak rentals to concession stands providing food and drinks, there are plenty of options when it comes to entertainment at Ohio Street Beach.
Oak Street Beach
If beaches can be listed as upmarket then this one would make the list.
Oak Street Beach is halfway between Ohio Street Beach and North Avenue Beach, and not just geographically. It’s more popular and built up than Ohio Street, but not as wild and packed as North Avenue Beach. It’s located between Oak and Division in the posh ‘hood of the Gold Coast and offers one restaurant. Don’t miss Oak Street Beach during your next visit to Chicago. It’s one of many great beaches in the city, but its skyline views are tops.
Located just off of the Magnificent Mile, the beach offers magnificent views of the iconic skyline from its sandy shores. As one of the Windy City’s most beloved beaches, Oak Street Beach has been a go-to spot for sunbathing, swimming, and soaking up some Vitamin D since it opened to visitors almost 100 years ago.
The beach also serves as a hub for beach volleyball games, providing plenty of space and courtside amenities such as concessions stands and changing rooms. Visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore Lake Michigan’s crystal-clear waters right at the edge of downtown Chicago. With its convenient location near some of the city’s top attractions like Navy Pier, Oak Street Beach provides an escape from urban life without having to leave town.
North Avenue Beach
Known to be Chicago’s most popular beach, here you can play volleyball, swim or dine at the cafes and restaurants here.
Located at the corner of North and the Lake, just south of where Lincoln Park begins, North Avenue beach is the party beach. There are restroom facilities, dining options, multiple volleyball nets, and on hot days, endless rows of tanned, toned Chicagoans roasting in the sun. The North Avenue Beach House features multiple concessions, outdoor showers, and equipment rental offices.
This beach provides countless activities for those seeking fun in the sun. Visitors can find plenty of amenities including volleyball courts, kayak rentals, and bike paths that extend along its length. North Avenue Beach is also home to several restaurants and bars that offer breathtaking views while serving up delicious fare. For those looking to cool off after playing outside, there’s a designated swimming area with lifeguards on duty during open hours.
Montrose Beach
There is a fishing pier here and plenty of sand to frolic on.
The Montrose Beach area is about 20 minutes north of downtown via the el of buses. It offers a small harbor and is more built up than some of the other beaches, with multiple restroom facilities and restaurants. For many, it is a favorite beach because it is dog-friendly.
Michigan is not exactly known as a world-renown surf spot, but we found some pretty epic surf spots while traveling around the Upper Peninsula. Surfing on the Great Lakes is always an awesome experience & fun to travel far & wide to find novelty waves to share with the rest of the world. Even in sub-zero temperatures in Upper Peninsula Michigan, you can find one man who surfs Lake Superior.
Foster Avenue Beach
Located near the northern tip of Lincoln Park, this is a good, clean beach. There is a theatre on the lake here that screens evening shows during the Summer months.
Whether you’re looking for a place to cool off on a hot summer day or just want to enjoy the sun from afar, Foster Avenue Beach has something for everyone.
Spanning over two miles along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, Foster Avenue Beach offers plenty of activities for locals and tourists alike. From swimming and fishing to relaxing by the lake in the sand, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of this scenic beachfront location. With its beautiful views overlooking downtown Chicago, Foster Avenue Beach also serves as a great spot for photos and outdoor activities with friends or family. Additionally, convenient amenities such as bathrooms and concession stands are available on-site making it easy to spend an entire day at the beach.
Loyola Park
This popular park is also lined by a long stretch of beach and is popular with families, walkers, and joggers.
Loyola Park is one of Chicago’s most beloved parks, located in the Rogers Park neighborhood on the city’s far north side. This vibrant park offers its visitors a wide array of recreational activities, such as basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields, playgrounds, and more. It also features an expansive beachfront along Lake Michigan and plenty of opportunities for picnicking and leisurely strolls.
The park was established in 1908 and has been a popular spot ever since. Visitors can take advantage of several amenities such as public bathrooms with changing facilities, outdoor seating areas with grills for barbecuing, concessions stands offering snacks and refreshments, bike racks for cyclists to store their bicycles during visits, and even paddle boat rentals so that families can enjoy an afternoon out on the lake.
North Shore Beach Park
This is a neighborhood beach that is quieter than most of the other more popular beaches.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, this stunning park offers an array of activities for all ages that make it a perfect destination for a summer day out with family and friends.
For those looking to take in some sun, the beach at North Shore Beach Park is perfect. With its sandy shoreline and crystal-clear blue waters, visitors can relax under umbrellas or take a dip in the lake while enjoying incredible views of downtown Chicago’s skyline. The park also offers multiple picnic areas, grills, and playgrounds that are perfect for families with young children looking to spend some quality time together outdoors.
Rogers Avenue Beach
Nestled in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, Rogers Avenue Beach is one of the city’s most popular summertime destinations. Here, families and friends gather together to enjoy a day in the sun while taking advantage of all that Lake Michigan has to offer.
The beach is home to a variety of activities and amenities that keep locals coming back year after year. Visitors will find two volleyball courts, two playgrounds, and plenty of space for picnicking. There are also concessions available so you can grab something to eat or drink throughout the day. If you’re looking for a place to cool off on hot days, there are several spots for swimming along the shoreline.
Whether you come just for an afternoon or plan an entire weekend at this sandy paradise, Rogers Avenue Beach provides entertainment for everyone!
Final Word
From tranquil and secluded lakefront spots to sprawling hotspots with plenty of activities for all, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or get active, Chicago’s beaches have it all. With its gorgeous turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and fun beachside activities, it’s easy to see why Chicago has become such a popular destination for beachgoers.