The Best Beaches Near Chicago
Beaches Near Chicago
Feeling the sun on your face, the sand between your toes, and water lapping at your feet is an experience that is impossible to beat. Chicago's beautiful beaches offer visitors a chance to enjoy the sun on a gorgeous summer day.Foster Beach
Foster Beach is a family-friendly beach in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. It's a quieter beach than some of the more popular options, but it's perfect for people with kids or dogs who want to enjoy a picnic, barbecue, or simply hang out by the water. While it's generally a quieter beach, it does get quite busy during the Chicago Full Moon Jam, when fire dancers, musicians, and drummers all come out to perform and celebrate.
5200 N. Lake Shore Dr., Edgewater, Chicago, IL, 60611
Loyola–Leone Beaches
These beaches stretch out for eight blocks, making them the longest stretch of beach in Chicago. Located near Loyola University in the East Rogers Park neighborhood, this area has a playground and areas that are perfect for strollers. There are also a number of sports fields nearby including baseball fields, basketball courts, and a kayak launching spot.
1222 W Touhy Ave, East Rogers Park, Chicago, IL, 60626
Chicago has plenty more to offer, so see also our other articles: The Best Art Museums in Chicago and The Best Children's Museums in Chicago.
Kathy Osterman Beach
Kathy Osterman Beach is a lively beach with tons of activities, from volleyball to fishing. There are frequent summertime events and a shallow area that's great for swimming. This is also recognized as the city's unofficial LGBTQ+ beach destination.
5800 North Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Edgewater, Chicago, IL, 60640
57th Street Beach
This family-friendly beach is close to the Museum of Science and Industry. It has a low key vibe and is rarely crowded, making it a good option for kids. Surfers also frequent this beach. Restrooms and a snack bar are available.
5700 South Lake Shore Drive, Jackson Park, Chicago, IL, 60611
Ohio Street Beach
600 North Lake Shore Drive, Streeterville, Chicago, IL, 60611
North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach is a popular summer destination when it fills with locals playing volleyball and families playing in the sand. Swimming is popular when the water gets warm and there is plenty of water sports equipment available for rent including kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and jet skis. Bands frequently play at the beach house and there's also ice cream and margaritas available.
1601 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL, 60611
63rd Street Beach
63rd Street Beach is a family-friendly area with fountains and water areas that are perfect for kids. It's right by Jackson Park and a yacht harbor.
6300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Jackson Park, Chicago, IL, 60637
12th Street Beach
Follow the path from Adler Planetarium to reach this quiet beach. At night there are often bands playing nearby so it's a chill place to spend the evening.
1200 S. Linn White Dr., Northerly Island Park, Chicago, IL, 60605
Interested in more travel advice for Chicago? Check out The Best Summer Activities in Chicago and An Art Lover's Guide to Chicago.
South Shore Cultural Center Park
This park was originally built as a country club but today it is a historic landmark that offers a number of classes and programs throughout the year. The park covers 65 acres and includes a golf course, grass fields, a beach, and the South Shore Nature Sanctuary.
7059 S South Shore Dr, South Shore, Chicago, IL, 60649
Belmont Harbor Dog Beach
Belmont Harbor Beach is a popular spot for running, walking, or biking. It's near Chicago's Yacht Club and, with a great fenced in area near the water, this is a popular spot for dog owners. When the weathers nice, head here for a day of relaxing, exercising, of simply enjoying the great outdoors with your dog companion.
Belmont & Lake Shore Drive, Lincoln Park, Chicago, IL, 60614
Edgewater
Set right by the lake, this neighborhood has a number of nice beaches and green spaces. It's a family-friendly area with great antique shopping and a thriving theater scene. There are also a diversity of restaurants and markets that are fun to explore.
Chicago, IL
Jackson Park
This is a 600 acre park that sits on the edge of Lake Michigan on the South Side of Chicago. It has a variety of facilities including basketball, tennis courts, and playgrounds. The Osaka Garden is also on the grounds, which is a Japanese style garden that's on an island in the park's east lagoon. There are also several beaches and a running track that visitors can take advantage of.
6401 S Stony Island Ave, South Shore, Chicago, IL, 60637
Humboldt Park
Dating back to the mid 1800s, this park was at one time considered to be one of the greatest public parks in the country. Today it has rose gardens, tennis courts, an inland beach, and bike paths.
Humboldt Park, Chicago, IL
Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is a nice beach near some of the city's oldest community gardens. Because the beach is surrounded by a natural area, it's a beautiful spot with birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
2873 E. 75th Street, South Shore, Chicago, IL, 60649
If you're looking for more information about Chicago, read The Best Places to Enjoy the Water in Chicago and The Best Summer Activities in Chicago.
Montrose Beach
This is a favorite beach in Chicago. It's a popular place to rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and jet skis. It's also a hangout for surfers, kite surfers, bird watchers, and people fishing. There is the Dock Bar and Grill where you can grab a bite or a drink. Dogs are welcome in the northern parts of the beach which are wide and sandy.
4400 N. Lake Shore Dr., Uptown, Chicago, IL, 60613
Oak Street Beach
Gold Coast, Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Where to Stay in Chicago
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