Beaches in Chicago

Nestled in Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach is one of the most renowned beaches in Chicago. There’s a beach house that offers 22,000 square feet of space, docked along this famous beach. This beach house boasts one of the best city views. It comprises portholes and upper decks either for observing the horizon or runners, skaters, or bikers cruising down the lakefront trail.

Address : 1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60613
Hours : 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Activities : Biking, paddleboarding, swimming, wakeboarding, shopping
Facilities : Restrooms, WiFi, Metered parking lot
Pets Allowed : No

Foster Beach attracts a lot of visitors because of its stunning location. People who visit the park mostly indulge in celebrating milestones, setting up picnics, get-togethers with family or friends, and other events. There’s a trail along the beach that leads towards the hill, which is a great spot to relax and observe the beauty of Chicago.

Address : 5200 N. Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60611
Hours : 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Activities : Distance swimming
Facilities : Beach house, bike rentals, restrooms, food concessions

Oak Street Beach in Chicago is one of the favourite spots to sunbathe. The white sandy beach and crystal clear waters make this beach look like the Caribbeans. The beach regularly hosts volleyball tournaments throughout the summer. Visitors at the beach can also enjoy an array of beach amenities where they can rent bikes or chairs, or they indulge in watersports like kayaking and distance swimming. 

Address : 1000 North Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60611
Hours : 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Activities : Swimming, kayaking, biking
Facilities : Volleyball courts, chair rentals, bike rentals, Oak Street Beach Cafe
Pets Allowed : No
Parking : Limited street parking

Located just a 10-minute walk from Magnificent Mile, Ohio Street Beach is a beach that’s ideal for visitors of all ages. The location of the beach is absolutely perfect. It’s nestled in front of skyscrapers that blend the artificial elements and natural beauty, giving it a beautiful landscape.

Address : 600 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
Hours : 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Activities : Sunbathing, swimming
Facilities : Restrooms, bike rentals, Caffe Olivia

Nestled just steps away from the Indiana border, Calumet Beach is one beach in Chicago that’s least populated. The name of the beach is named as a way of tribute to the region of Calumet. This region is surrounded by several communities from the south side and the Calumet River.

Address : 9801 S. Avenue G, Chicago, IL 60617
Hours : 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Activities : Distance swimming
Facilities : Concession stands, playground, ball fields

Boasting stunning views of distant skylines of Chicago, Rainbow Beach Park is situated on the southern side of Chicago. One of the best amenities the park offers is the complimentary Wi-Fi that visitors can use. The beach isn’t pet-friendly, but Rainbow Beach has abundant wildlife that both kids and adults can enjoy observing. 

Address : 3111 East 77th St., Chicago, IL 60649
Hours : 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Facilities : Multipurpose clubrooms, gymnasium, community garden, handball court, grills
Pet-friendly : No

South Shore Beach in Chicago is an integral part of the historic landmark - South Shore Cultural Center, which is home to a golf course, a formal dining hall, and a solarium. Other features from the Cultural Center include a culinary institute, Dr. Margaret Burroughs gallery, and a theater.

Address : 7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649
Hours : 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Activities : Swimming, visiting the gallery, golfing, exploring the natural sanctuary
Parking : Pay and display parking

12th Street Beach on the eastern edge of Northerly Island is an amazing place to walk and explore. Considered as one of the most well-hidden beaches in Chicago, 12th Street Beach is a brilliant spot for distance swimming. This picturesque beach is a small dune habitat that’s also home to forbs and dune grasses, along with being an important habitat for shorebird species, nesting, and migrating. 

Address : 1200 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
Hours : 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Activities : Distance swimming, observing wildlife
Facilities : Restrooms
Parking : Pay gate parking, limited street parking

Nestled in the northern part of Chicago, near the Edgewater community, Kathy Osterman Beach was once renowned as the Hollywood Beach. It might not be the biggest beach in the city, but it’s one of the nicest beaches to relax and spend time in the evenings. The beach mostly attracts only the local folks of Chicago, and also is a perfect place to take part in fun activities, like cycling. 

Address : 5937 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
Activities : Swimming, cycling
Facilities : Volleyball court, fishing pier, benches

Unlike other dog beaches in Chicago, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach isn’t as crowded. And this beach is perfect to see how the dogs react to the beach for the first time. Nestled just a few minutes' walks away from Wrigley, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach has plenty of spaces for playing around, splashing in the waters, soaking up in the sun, and more. 

Address : W Belmont Ave &, N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60657
Hours : Open 24 hours
Activities : Swimming, sunbathing
Facilities : Playground

Situated in the Rogers Park Beach, Leone Beach boasts acres and acres of sandy areas to enjoy. The beach organizes training programs, such as the Junior Lifeguard program - a training program that happens in the lake. Renowned as the largest beach in Chicago, Leone Beach was named after Sam Leone, a park employee and a Navy World War I veteran, in 1966. 

Address : 1222 W. Touhy Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
Hours : 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Activities : Swimming, kayaking, yoga, meditation, fishing
Facilities : Playground, softball field, basketball court, picnic areas
Pets Allowed : No

Once renowned as the 31st Street Beach, Margaret T. Burroughs Beach was renamed in 2015 with several impeccable upgrades. This south side beach offers a public fishing doc, wall climbing, a green picnic area, and a playground. Visitors can enjoy paddleboarding and jet skiing, among other activities. 

Address : 3100 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616
Hours : 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Activities : Paddleboarding, jet skiing, fishing, community events, picnicking, wall climbing
Facilities : Pier 31, playground, WiFi
Parking : Pay and display parking lot

Once renowned as Columbia Beach Park, Helen Doria Beach is a beautiful place to relax and sunbathe. This summer destination is nestled in the heart of Chicago and is sitting on a 0.95-acre land. The beach is very well-hidden behind a lane full of residential buildings and is mostly attracted by the nearby residents, even though it’s a public beach. 

Address : 1040 W Columbia Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
Hours : 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Activities : Swimming, sunbathing
Pet-friendly : No
Parking : Limited street parking

Located along Lake Michigan, Rogers Park Beach features minimal sand and rocky areas on the beach, along with plenty of green spaces, where visitors can relax and enjoy reading. Beachgoers can also indulge in other activities such as swimming on the beach or playing tennis at the tennis court. 

Address : 7705 N Eastlake Terrace, Chicago, IL 60626
Hours : 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Activities : Swimming, playing tennis
Facilities : Green spaces, tennis court

With a sprawling 21 acres of land, Loyola Beach is an expansive beach that provides ample space for witnessing exceptional vistas of the city skyline. The beach is nestled in the outpost of the East Rogers Park community. The beach features various amenities for visitors to enjoy, such as the woodshop, clubrooms, fitness centers, and a boxing centre. 

Address : 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave. (Greenleaf Ave. @ Lake Michigan) Chicago, IL 60626
Hours : 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Facilities : Baseball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, walking trails, clubrooms, fitness center, boxing center, woodshop, playground
Pets Allowed : No