Imagine gazing out at an expanse of shimmering blue, the gentle lapping of waves serenading your senses. You might momentarily forget you’re in the heart of the Windy City and believe you’ve been transported to the sun-kissed shores of Southern California. When summer arrives, Chicagoans flock to the beautiful beaches lining Lake Michigan, drawn by the allure of sun, sand, and refreshing water. These urban oases have experienced a resurgence in recent years, thanks in part to the lake’s rising water levels, expanding the sandy stretches and creating even more inviting spaces for recreation and relaxation. Many beaches also offer beach bars.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the city’s beaches officially open for swimming, providing a welcome escape from the urban heat. However, it’s important to note that swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty, ensuring the safety of all beachgoers. This guide explores some of the best beaches in Chicago, each offering a unique atmosphere and array of activities to suit every taste.
Loyola–Leone Beaches
Spanning eight blocks along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Loyola and Leone Beaches form the largest contiguous beach area in Chicago. Nestled in the vibrant East Rogers Park neighborhood, near Loyola University, these beaches in Chicago are particularly popular with families. Thoughtful amenities such as stroller-friendly beach mats make navigating the sand a breeze, while a lively playground provides endless entertainment for children.
Beyond family-friendly features, Loyola–Leone Beaches also cater to sports enthusiasts. Baseball fields beckon aspiring athletes, while basketball courts offer opportunities for friendly competition. Ample bike racks ensure that cyclists can easily access the beaches and enjoy the scenic lakefront path. For those seeking aquatic adventures, Leone Beach boasts a dedicated kayak launching spot, inviting paddlers to explore the tranquil waters of Lake Michigan.
Adding an artistic touch to the landscape, Loyola Beach is home to "Windform," a captivating 100-foot sculpture by artist Lynn Takata. This intriguing piece serves as a focal point, inviting contemplation and adding a unique element to the beach experience.
Conveniently located between Touhy Avenue and West Pratt Boulevard, Loyola–Leone Beaches are easily accessible from downtown Chicago. A 25-minute drive north will bring you to this lakeside haven, or you can opt for a leisurely 50-minute ride on CTS Bus #147 (Outer Drive Express Northbound), allowing you to soak in the city sights along the way.
Belmont Harbor Dog Beach
Belmont Harbor is a beloved Chicago destination, known for its scenic bike, walking, and running paths, as well as its ample parking facilities. This vibrant harbor also houses the prestigious Chicago Yacht Club, a hub for sailing enthusiasts. However, perhaps the most unique feature of Belmont Harbor is its unofficial "dog beach."
This designated area, enclosed by a fence, provides a safe and welcoming space for canine companions to frolic and play in the water. It’s a haven for dog owners looking to enjoy the beach with their furry friends, offering a sense of community and camaraderie.
Adding to the area’s appeal, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach is situated near two notable Chicago landmarks: Boystown, a vibrant neighborhood known for its thriving LGBTQ+ community, and the Villa Toscana Guest House, a charming bed and breakfast that offers a touch of Italian elegance.
Located approximately 20 minutes from Wrigley Field, the Belmont Harbor Dog Beach is easily accessible by public transportation. CTA bus #146/151 northbound from the city center will take you there in about 40 minutes. Alternatively, a 15-minute drive will bring you to this dog-friendly paradise.
Oak Street Beach
Located just steps from the Magnificent Mile, Oak Street Beach is in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. This vibrant beach is a hub of activity, attracting rollerbladers, volleyball players, sunbathers, and people-watchers alike. Its central location makes it one of the city’s most accessible beaches, within walking distance of some of the area’s finest hotels, including The Drake, InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, the Park Hyatt Chicago, and The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago.
Oak Street Beach offers a quintessential urban beach experience, where the energy of the city seamlessly blends with the tranquility of the lake. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, engage in a friendly game of volleyball, or simply observe the diverse tapestry of city life, Oak Street Beach provides the perfect backdrop.
Swimming is permitted only when lifeguards are on duty, ensuring the safety of all beachgoers. This precaution allows visitors to fully enjoy the refreshing waters of Lake Michigan with peace of mind.
An eight-minute drive from the heart of Downtown Chicago, you can also take CTA bus #151 Sheridan northbound to reach the beach.
Ohio Street Beach
Nestled next to the iconic Navy Pier, Ohio Street Beach offers a unique perspective on the Chicago skyline. As one of the closest beaches to downtown, it provides a convenient escape from the urban bustle, inviting locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the cool, calm waters of Lake Michigan.
The beach’s distinctive geography allows swimmers to treat it as a giant 800-meter swim lane. Facing north, the beach allows swimmers to navigate all the way up to the Oak Street Curve while staying within the safety of the seawall. This feature makes Ohio Street Beach a popular destination for open-water swimming enthusiasts, offering a challenging yet secure environment for aquatic workouts.
To reach Ohio Street Beach, take CTA bus #29, #146, #147, or #151 north, then walk toward Navy Pier. Alternatively, take the Red Line train, then connect to the #66 bus toward Navy Pier.
North Avenue Beach
Often referred to as Chicago’s answer to Venice Beach, North Avenue Beach is a vibrant and energetic destination that embodies the city’s playful spirit. Situated along Lake Michigan between Lincoln Park and Old Town, this popular beach boasts a range of amenities and activities to suit every taste.
Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of the mini-gym, while biking and running paths provide scenic routes for cardio workouts. Alfresco yoga classes offer a chance to connect with nature and find inner peace, while water sports like kayaking, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding provide exhilarating aquatic adventures.
North Avenue Beach also plays host to professional volleyball tournaments and the renowned Chicago Air & Water Show, drawing crowds from near and far. However, be aware that this is the busiest beach in Chicago, so public transportation is advised, as parking is limited.
CTA Bus #151 Sheridan northbound offers a convenient 35-minute ride to North Avenue Beach, or a 15-minute drive from Downtown Chicago.
Evanston Beaches
Just north of Chicago, the charming suburb of Evanston offers a collection of five beautiful beaches, each providing stunning southern views of the Chicago skyline. These family-friendly beaches are known for their shallow waters and delightful concessions, offering gourmet treats and refreshing ice cream.
A season token or daily pass is required for admission during operating hours, helping to maintain the cleanliness and quality of these pristine beaches.
Evanston’s beaches are located between Campus Drive near Northwestern University and Dempster Avenue, approximately a 30-minute drive or 40-minute UP-N (Union Pacific / North Line) train ride from the city center.
Montrose Beach
Located near Uptown, Montrose Beach is a multifaceted destination with something to offer everyone. Nature lovers will appreciate the bird and butterfly sanctuary, which attracts migratory birds just north of the beach. Food concessions are available, as are volleyball courts and kayak rentals. Kiteboarding and kitesurfing enthusiasts can learn or practice their skills here.
Dog owners will rejoice at Montrose Dog Beach, a fenced-off space that is the largest in the city and technically the city’s first off-leash beach. A convenient wash-off station allows owners to clean their furry friends before heading home.
There’s a paid parking lot, or you can take public transportation, including CTA bus routes #78, #81, or #151. The Red Line train also stops at the Lawrence or Wilson stations nearby.
Foster Beach
Nestled in the Edgewater neighborhood north of Downtown Chicago, Foster Beach is an ideal destination for families and furry friends seeking a quieter beach experience. Grassy picnic areas abound, making it a great spot for a BBQ or alfresco meal by the water.
Keep an eye out for the Chicago Full Moon Jam, an event that brings fire dancers, musicians, and drummers to celebrate nature on the beach.
Foster Beach is located about a 15-minute drive or 50-minute bus ride north of the city center. CTA bus routes include #146, #147, and #151, while the Red Line train stops at Berwyn station.
Kathy Osterman Beach
Often referred to as Hollywood Beach, Kathy Osterman Beach is known for its summertime events and attractions, bicycle parking, fishing pier, volleyball courts, shallow waters ideal for swimming, and for being the city’s unofficial LGBTQ+ beach destination.
Located just above Montrose Beach, you’ll need to take the Red Line train 45 minutes north or drive 15 minutes to reach Kathy Osterman Beach.
12th Street Beach
Located in Northerly Island Park, part of Chicago’s Museum Campus, 12th Street Beach offers a tranquil escape amidst cultural attractions. If you’re planning to visit the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, or the Field Museum, consider ending your day with a relaxing stroll on the beach or a refreshing swim or paddle in its calm waters.
From the city center, it’s a 10-minute drive or 20-minute ride on CTA bus #6 or #146. You could also take the South Shore line to the Museum Campus/11th St. station, then walk 20 minutes to reach 12th Street Beach.
57th Street Beach
Located in Jackson Park south of Promontory Point, and next door to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), 57th Street Beach is a great spot to try non-motorized water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding. Designed by Olmstead and Vaux during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, the beach is reachable via underpass.
Head south on CTA bus #6 for 30 minutes or drive 15 minutes south to reach this special stretch of sand from the city center.
South Shore Beach
Situated just above Rainbow Beach, South Shore Beach provides a much-needed break from the city. It’s part of the South Shore Cultural Center and close to other fun things worth checking out, like the nearby solarium, sand dunes, butterfly garden, and nine-hole golf course. There’s also a beach house where you’ll find restrooms, showers, and a place to buy snacks and refreshments for your day out on the sand.
From Downtown Chicago, drive 20 minutes south. If you’re taking public transportation, it’s about an hour south on the Red Line or the CTA #6 bus.
Rainbow Beach
For a real escape from the hustle and bustle, head to the 142-acre oasis that is Rainbow Beach, complete with impressive views of the skyline from the South Side. It’s also home to handball courts, a fitness center, a playground for the kiddos, and a nine-acre sand dune habitat. Best of all, there’s free Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to work straight from the sand if you want to.
You’ll need to take the South Shore line about 40 minutes or the CTA #6 bus about 50 minutes south from the city center to reach Rainbow Beach Park. Otherwise, it’s a 25-minute drive.
Whether you’re seeking a vibrant urban beach experience, a family-friendly destination, or a tranquil escape from the city, beaches in Chicago offer a diverse array of options to suit every preference. From the bustling shores of North Avenue Beach to the serene sands of Rainbow Beach, each location provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy recreational activities, and soak up the summer sun.
