Chicago’s 23 Best Beaches to Visit This Summer

These are the essential beaches for sunbathing, letting your dog run wild, and generally enjoying the summer in Chicago.

Ah , summer in Chicago . The atmosphere iswafting with the aroma of barbecue , parks are clamoring with music festivals , rooftop bars have become sky - gamy mosh pits , andstreet festivalsare suddenly charging you with “ suggest contribution ” to enter your own place . This is what we wait all year for . Now that Chicagoans no longer need tofight over snowfall - shoveled parking infinite , they can fight over something else : parking infinite at the beach .

For the next few blissful months , as diametrical vortexes make way for swamp - like humidity , Chicago ’s 22 miles of beachfront becomes a unquestionable Midwestern Malibu , offer cool down reprieve and fun in the sun from Rogers Park all the direction down to the Indiana border — and evenintoIndiana , for national parkland lovers . With so much coastal real estate sweep so many neighborhood , each of the city ’s indicate 26 beaches has a distinct tactile property , bunch , and view , and a few even offer their own festivals , hide taco shops , nature preserves , and bars .

From the quieter , menage - friendly offerings in Edgewater and the jaw - dropping views from Uptown to deep-set ship in the South Loop and the Jersey Shore - like disaster at North Avenue , there ’s bound to be a Chicago beach for you — it all reckon on your tolerance for crowds / surly lifeguards , and whether or not your desire for visible horizon views outweighs the immediate need for a walkable public house and an ice rink - frigid dry pint . Read on for this summer ’s Chicago beach bucket inclination .

Oak Street Beach

Oak Street Beach|Thomas Barrat/Shutterstock

Oak Street Beach

Gold CoastNestled in the shadows of some of Chicago ’s most iconic buildings , hotel , and shops , like the 875 N. Michigan Avenue building ( nee : the Hancock Tower ) , The Drake Hotel , and the integrality of the Magnificent Mile , Oak Street Beach offers a brief beachy reprieve from the retail harm you just inflicted on your wallet . The most urban of city beaches , consist of a comparatively modest patch of backbone and a long concrete wall for jump off of , it ’s an especially commodious option for tourists stay in a nearby hotel , in dire need of some refreshment — the swimming kind and thepiña colada sort . What to know : On - website concessionaireBoucher Brotherssells beach chair and umbrella rentals , so you do n’t need to lug that stuff down Michigan Avenue .

Indiana Dunes National Park

IndianaJust because you hit the Indiana border on the southern bound of Chicago does n’t mean the lake dries up and the beaches stop . On the contrary , just over the state blood line — and often conveniently quicker to get to than O’Hare — is one of America ’s newest national parking area , Indiana Dunes . look more like Maui than the Midwest , this sleeper striking of a park is teeming with amazingly intriguing hiking lead , a potpourri of terrains , more biodiversity than Yellowstone , and you guessed it , dunes galore . Including sometall enough to be nicknamed “ mountains,”apparently . With 15 miles of pristine preserved shoreline , this is the place to hit up for some of the most beautiful ( read : uncontaminated ) beachfront in Chicagoland , home to popular beaches like Lake View Beach and West Beach . What to get laid : Despite its proximity to Chicago , cell armed service is almost comically bad in the green , so if you be after to contact someone there , be certain and have a very unmortgaged plan as to when and where , lest you both push back around in interminable circles . Another confusing affair : Do n’t confuse the national park with next - doorIndiana Dunes State Park , which charges an entry fee of $ 7 for in - country vehicle or $ 12 for out - of - state plates .

Leone and Loyola Beaches

Rogers ParkThe adjacent beaches surrounding Loyola spans eight block from Touhy to Pratt , which produce them a democratic option for those seeking a more lay - back northside speculation . Shore - seekers will also retrieve a fishing pier , softball fields , cinch grounds , a hoops royal court , and a vacation spot located at Touhy and Sheridan . What to bang : Check out the colorful art along the sea wall — every Father ’s Day weekend , Rogers Park residents come together forArtists of the Wall Festival , where neighbors help paint a 600 - substructure community mural while enjoying live euphony . Sadly , quondam favourite Crepes on the Beach is now closed , but you may still hitCrepes in the Parkin Lincoln Square ’s Welles Park if you ’ve got a hankering .

Tobey Prinz Beach

Rogers ParkFormerly make love as Pratt Beach , this smear was rename back in 2014 to abide by community of interests militant and founding member of the Rogers Park Community Council , Tobey Prinz . The fishing dock that separates this placid stretching from the southern end of Loyola feature jaw - dropping skyline view . What to know : This beach bears no relation to Freddie Prinze Jr. , just in case you were enquire .

Juneway Beach

Rogers ParkBlink and you may miss the city ’s northernmost beach . This exceptional street - final stage spot is n’t idealistic for sunbathing , particularly since its extremely tiny patch of sand now and then gets immerse under jump water story . What to know : unfold out your blanket on the soft pot of the ring Juneway Terrace Park and gaze at the lake from there . It ’s much more comfortable than laying on the rocky shoring .

Lane Beach

EdgewaterLane Beach tend to be buy at by those looking for a more relaxed experience than one might encounter at nearby Osterman Beach . A playground is site on the west final stage , making it a popular after - school stop for families in the area . What to bed : Moody ’s Pubis a five - minute walkway from this lakefront chill zona . Park yourself there , house a burger , and then spend a little meter digesting in the sun . Berger Park’sWaterfront Café , possibly the cutest outdoor waterside bar in all of Chicago , is also a unretentive excursion away .

Osterman Beach

EdgewaterCommonly known as Hollywood Beach , Osterman has long been a pet among those in the know . While families run to fix up shop on the north oddment , the south final stage has been a summertime hangout hotspot for the LGBTQ+ biotic community for many years . Nacho Mama ’s taco stand has sadly close , but do n’t let that discourage you from a glorious 24-hour interval at the beach . What to have a go at it : Fun fact : harmonise to the park territorial dominion , this beach , like a “ surprising amount ” of Lincoln Park , was constructed out of landfill — dig at your own risk .

Foster Beach

EdgewaterFoster can comfortably be describe as a slightly less crowded version of Montrose , attracting a divers admixture of younger beachgoers as well as families . The contiguous grassy car park area is a hub for cookout and other neighborhood gatherings , includingChicago Full Moon Jam , which features flame dancers , drumming , and more . Seems like as good a way as any to receive summer back to township . What to do it : If the main strip is too crowded , the grassy section on the hill just past the beach is one of the breeziest , most idyllic escapes in all of Chicago .

Montrose Beach

UptownThanks to ample parking and a spacious variety of amenities range from gratuitous Wi - Fi tokayak rentals , Montrose Beach is invariably buzzing . There are plenty of food alternative here , includingThe Dock , which combine live music with tropical cocktails and a menu ranging from tacos and burgers to pierogi and jerk shrimp skewer . Several other pocket-sized grant are scatter around the field , predominant with tacos , yield , and elote , all of which you should decidedly try . The fence - in north end isreserved exclusively for dogs(and their hoi polloi , of track ) and stands proudly as Chicago ’s first off - trio beach . The south end , on the other hand , is reserve for an exclusively different aim : a gorgeousnative sand dune ecosystemthat pull in an raiment of migrating birds . Take a stroll through this eight - Akka nature habitat and you ’ll quickly blank out that you ’re in the middle of the nation ’s third largest metropolis . What to know : Montrose Point is both one of themost beautiful places in the cityanda place you need to call in before you die . So yeah , we recommend it .

North Avenue Beach

Lincoln ParkNorth Avenue Beach is one - stop - shopping for smart - sounding young phratry looking to see , be experience , and continue primed . In addition to the variety of vendors and concession — let in everyone ’s favorite summer hangout , Castaways — the downtown destination is also home to a bunch of fun activities . Visitors can go wakeboarding and paddleboarding withChicago swallow , rent a kayak , fiddle beach volleyball , or take advantage of the costless Wi - Fi and pretend to get some body of work done . It ’s also a select advantage point for enjoying longstanding summertime result likeThe Chicago Air and Water Show . What to know : Castaways is no longer the only game in townsfolk when it hail to boozing it up beneath the apparent horizon , thanks to the 2017 gap of the more upscaleShore ball club . process Mediterranean - animate culinary art and beach - theme crapulence throughout three distinct infinite near the lakefront path , the belongings includes a beachy open - air bar and fancy indoor eating place with floor - to - cap window plus the exclusive RSVP - only Oasis at Shore Club complete with cabanas and sidereal day beds . A morsel further up the route sit the beautifulLakefront Restaurantat Fullerton and the lake , serving upscale Midwestern fare in the historical Theater on the Lake building . And while not technically on beach right , it ’s more than worthyof the short deflexion .

Ohio Street Beach

StreetervilleDuring the day , Ohio Street Beach is mostly frequented by area residents , families squeezing in some metre in the sun before or after a visit to nearby Navy Pier , and the occasional business district working stiff playing truancy . Come 5 premier , the west ending becomes occupied by length swimmer eagerly swap their business suits for wetsuits . While distance swimming is permitted elsewhere in the city , Ohio Street is Chicago ’s only north - confront beach , make believe it potential to float 800 meters from the shoring to the Oak Street bender without ever being more than a few feet away from the seawall . Take in the view with tropical cocktail atCaffè Oliva , which ( like the beach ) tender both fantastic water supply and visible horizon prospect . What to know : We ’ve already called it one ofthe most underrated beach in Chicagoas well as one of thebest beach on the Great Lakes . The real highlighting , though , is its proximity to the likewise underratedMilton Lee Olive Park , where you could revel a peaceable post - dip mall under the shady trees .

12thStreet Beach

South LoopSituated on the eastern edge of Northerly Island , 12th Street Beach hap to be one of the most well - blot out in Chicago . While distance swimming is take into account here , too , many visitors describe running intosubmerged wreckageout there . And depending on the day and clock time , you may even be able to listen in on concert taking place at neighboringHuntington Bank Pavilion . What to live : Fact : The only thing better than a concealed beach is one with ahidden taco shop .

Oakwood Beach

OaklandOpened to the public in 2010 , Oakwood — also love as 41st Street Beach — is both comparatively fresh and still somewhat of a out of sight treasure . Although it ’s modest in sizing , it manages to pack in a great beach house , a nearby picnic area , and volleyball courts . And , of class , you ca n’t beat the view . What to have a go at it : Seriously , did we mention the prospect ?

57thStreet Beach

Hyde ParkTucked off behind theMuseum of Science and Industry , 57th Street Beach was contrive by renowned landscape painting architects Olmsted and Vaux as part of the 1893 World ’s Columbian Exposition . Parking is fairly easy Occident of Lake Shore Drive , and the beach is approachable via the walker underpass . Once the sun go down , maneuver on over to nearby Promontory Point and accumulate around a bonfire Hell ( reservations needed).What to know : While thecriminally underrated Promontory Pointis worth a visit to this beach alone , nearby ( and always bumping ) vicinity medicine venueThe Promontorymakes the tripper even more appealing .

63rdStreet Beach

WoodlawnLocated at the southern end of beautiful and historical Jackson Park , 63rd Street Beach has long been a collision among H2O - sleep together Southsiders . In add-on to conveniences like a historical beach planetary house that dates back to 1919 , onsite showers , and concession , this family - favorable spot also feature a spray pool play area and a vacation spot . Best of all , it ’s one of the few lieu in the city where you may still comb out the George Sand in search of seashell and beach glass . What to have sex : Easily one of the greatest additions to the metropolis ’s beach scene in recent age , it ’s pretty much inconceivable to have a spoilt time atReggie ’s on the Beach(operated by iconic South Loop music venueReggie ’s ) . And if you ’re ever gon na get married , the stunningly opulent63rd Street Beach Houseis the place to do it — mayhap after a few drinks at Reggie ’s .

Rogers Beach

Rogers ParkMuch like its neighbor to the Union , Rogers is quite rough and has minimum Baroness Dudevant . Still , the conterminous grassy region is an idealistic spot to relax with a book , and the on - website lawn tennis courts make it a popular spot for local residents . What to cognize : This is not a dog - favorable park , and locals can get cantankerous if you get your four - legged friend with you . Also , the lifeguard have a report of taking their job a mo too seriously , so be on your best behavior .

Howard Beach

Rogers ParkBoasting sandier , although still passably rocky , terrain , Howard Beach is slightly more traditional than the other postage seal - sized street - end beaches nearby . The four - acre park includes a playground , making it a popular family destination . What to know : If you ’re search for an Ibiza - style party , head elsewhere . The family vibration is n’t conducive to wildness .

Helen Doria and Hartigan Beaches

EdgewaterFairly well - hide behind residential buildings , both Helen Doria and Hartigan Beach run to be frequented primarily by area residents . However , do n’t let that stop you from paying a sojourn . Remember : All of Chicago ’s beaches are completely open to the populace . In 2016 , the constituent have it away as Columbia Beach was rename in honour of Helen Doria , a well - hump local counsel who passed away in 2012.What to know : There is no john at Hartigan , but you may practice the one at Loyola ’s student centre about two blocks south .

Belmont Harbor Dog Beach

LakeviewWhile you would n’t need to lie out here for obvious reasons , your pup will sure as shooting know doing so . apply that this particular doggy oasis is diminished in sizing and not as officious as others in the city , it ’s a good starting compass point for anyone who want to test the water supply with their pup before letting it loose at a big park like Montrose . What to love : This spot , within walking space of Wrigley , spend a penny for a fine excursion after a Cubs day game . Plus , the lakesideSydney Marovitz Golf Course , easily the finest public line in the city , is just a Isidor Feinstein Stone ’s throw away .

Margaret T. Burroughs Beach

DouglasThis reaching of lakefront formerly known as 31st Street Beach has receive several telling upgrades over the last few class . Not only did it get a sword young name , it now has a public fishing dock , a “ fleeceable roof ” picnic expanse , and a resort area with a climbing wall . Along with paddleboard and jet ski rental atChicago Water Sports , there are a wide variety of events that attract a more grown - up crowd after dark , ranging from spin classes and live music to movies . Best of all ? There ’s now an on - site parking garage , which means you ’ll pass less time jockeying for a outer space and more time in the sun . What to make out : With hot jazz , menage euphony dance party , and a prime waterfront location , wharf 31is one of Chicago ’s most overlooked beach bars . Be sure to arrest by .

South Shore Beach

South ShoreSouth Shore Beach is part of theSouth Shore Cultural Center , a historical watershed featuring a solarium , conventional dining hall , and nine - hole golf course . The adjacent nature sanctuary has grit dunes , a prairie landscape painting , a small wetland , and a butterfly garden , and the beach itself features a circular beach house with concessions , restrooms , and showers . What to know : If you do n’t feel like driving and huckster over parking , theSouth Shore Metradrops you off pace aside .

Rainbow Beach

South ShoreLike many South Side beach , Rainbow has a adorable opinion of the Downtown urban center horizon , as well as Wi - Fi , costless parking , a playground , handball royal court , and a nine - acre born dune habitat . What more can you ask for?What to have a go at it : With a gym and fitness center , it ’s Chicago ’s version of Muscle Beach . ( OK , the gym is indoors , but you ’ll still see a plenty of buff the great unwashed here . )

Calumet Beach

East SideLocated a stone ’s throw aside from the Indiana border , you ’ll regain the delicious seafood spotCalumet Fisheriesjust a short five - minute effort from here . give that it ’s not the most populated beach in Chicago , this stretch of shoreline is idealistic for orotund gatherings . As part of the 200 - Akka Calumet Park , the area have a boat launching , softball and soccer field , a vacation spot , and several different concession point of view . What to know : The persuasion of smokestacks and factory is n’t the most beguiling in the world , so if you ’re looking for scenic peach , head elsewhere .