The state of Illinois features only a few picturesque beaches and waterfront escapes. However, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, the vibrant city of Chicago, with its pretty waterfront, stunning skyline, and famous neighborhoods, is renowned for an array of stunning beaches that can make one forget the landlocked feel of Illinois.
From the sandy shores of North Avenue Beach to the tranquil oasis of Loyola Beach, there are plenty of destinations offering visitors a refreshing beach experience right in the heart of the Midwest. To prove that, here are some of the best beaches in Chicago that redefine the perception of this lakeside state.
10 North Avenue Beach
North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Chicago. Located in Lincoln Park, it offers a stunning view of the city skyline, making it a favorite spot for beachgoers. The beach features a wide expanse of golden sand, providing ample space for sunbathing, picnicking, and playing beach sports, particularly beach volleyball.
Visitors can also grab a bite at the beachside Castaways restaurant and bar, famous for its unique boat-shaped architecture and lively atmosphere accompanied by the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
- Amenities: Restrooms, Outdoor Showers, Lifeguards, Volleyball Courts, and Bike Rentals. Lifeguards are on
9 Oak Street Beach
Located in the Gold Coast historic district, just north of the Oak Street curve along Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street Beach is among the most famous beaches in Chicago, renowned for its vibrant seaside culture and incredible views of Lake Michigan.
The beach is a hotspot for volleyball enthusiasts, with numerous courts available for public use. Visitors can often witness friendly matches or even professional tournaments on these beautiful sandy shores.
- Amenities: Restrooms, Outdoor Showers, Beach Rentals, and Changing Facilities
8 Montrose Beach
Nestled on the North in the Uptown neighborhood, Montrose Beach is one of the largest beaches in Chicago, popular for its beautiful sandy shoreline and scenic views of Lake Michigan.
Besides all the other beach activities, this spot is renowned for its dedicated dog-friendly area, known as Montrose Dog Beach, offering dogs to roam around and play off-leash on the beautiful sandy shores. This makes Montrose Beach one of the best dog beaches in Chicago for pet owners looking to enjoy the beach with their furry companions.
- Amenities: Volleyball courts, Soccer Fields, Bird Sanctuary, Restrooms, Outdoor Showers, and Changing Facilities
7 Ohio Street Beach
Ohio Street Beach also finds itself among the best beaches Chicago has to offer; it's a popular urban beach located in downtown Chicago, just east of the free-to-visit Navy Pier along Lake Shore Drive, granting a convenient and picturesque escape from the bustling city.
One of its standout features is Its proximity to downtown Chicago, which makes it easily accessible for both residents and visitors looking for a beach experience in the heart of the city.
All in all, this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Chicago, nestled in the heart of the city and just a stone's throw from the skyscrapers and busy streets. It features a sandy shoreline where visitors can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the lakefront ambiance. The calm waters near the beach are suitable for swimming and cooling off on hot summer days.
- Amenities: Lifeguards, Restrooms, Beach Rentals, Outdoor Showers, and Changing Facilities
The Ohio Street Beach can get busy, especially on weekends and during peak summer months. It's recommended to arrive early to secure a good spot to make the most out of the visit.
6 57th Street Beach, Chicago, Illinois
57th Street Beach is another one of the best lake beaches in Chicago and is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side of the city. One of the notable features of this beach is its scenic location, making it a great spot to enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan, with the Chicago skyline serving as a backdrop.
The beach is situated adjacent to Promontory Point, a unique limestone peninsula providing a picturesque setting for a relaxing beach day. It also features walking paths, grassy areas, and a beautiful stone pavilion, making it a popular spot for picnics and leisurely strolls.
- Amenities: Restrooms, Outdoor Showers, Changing Facilities Volleyball Courts, and Concession Stand
5 Kathy Osterman Beach
Kathy Osterman Beach, also known as Hollywood Beach, is a popular beach on the North Side of Chicago, Illinois. Situated in the Edgewater neighborhood, it offers a vibrant and lively beach experience with a range of amenities and recreational opportunities. Visitors can grab a bite from nearby restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops for a wholesome beach experience.
One of the unique aspects of Kathy Osterman Beach is its LGBTQ+ inclusivity. The beach is one of the best LGBTQ+ destinations for tourism in Chicago and is also renowned for its annual Pride Beach Party, offering a festive celebration of diversity and inclusion.
- Amenities: Restrooms, Outdoor Showers, Volleyball Courts, Playground, Bike Trails, and Changing Facilities
4 Foster Beach
Foster Beach is also one of the top beaches in Chicago; it's a popular urban beach in the Edgewater neighborhood on the North Side of the city. The place is famed for its vibrant beach experience with a range of amenities and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the lake while soaking up the sun or taking a leisurely stroll along the water's edge.
Additionally, Foster Beach is conveniently located near various dining options and entertainment venues allowing visitors to enjoy scrumptious meals at nearby restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops after spending a fun day at the beach.
- Amenities: Restrooms, Outdoor Showers, Dog-Friendly Area, Volleyball Courts, and Changing Facilities available
3 Loyola Beach
Loyola Beach is also one of the prettiest beaches in Chicago, located in the Rogers Park neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago. One of the standout features of this particular beach is its expansive shoreline, stretching along the lakefront, perfect for building sandcastles, playing beach sports, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the water's edge.
Loyola Beach is known for its calm waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, wading, and kayaking. Additionally, the beach is adjacent to Loyola Park, offering easy access to other recreational facilities such as tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a great destination for a day of outdoor fun.
- Amenities: Dog-Friendly Area, Restrooms, Outdoor Showers, and Kayak Rentals
Loyola Beach offers limited street parking. So, it is better to take public transport to prevent the hassle of finding a good parking spot, especially during weekends and peak summer months.
2 Indiana Dunes State Park
Indiana Dunes State Park is a scenic and expansive park located on the southern shore of Lake Michigan in Northern Indiana, just a short drive from Chicago. It earns its place as one of the best summer vacation spots on Lake Michigan thanks to its size and beauty. Spanning over 2,000 acres, the park is known for its diverse ecosystems, rolling sand dunes, and beautiful beaches.
The park offers some of the best beaches near Chicago and tons of opportunities for hiking, exploring, and climbing the dunes, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape. The park is home to three miles of picturesque sandy beaches providing a perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and beachcombing.
- Amenities: Camping grounds, RV sites, Showers, Restrooms, Lifeguards, and Gift Shop
1 Illinois Beach State Park
Illinois Beach State Park is a picturesque park located along the shores of Lake Michigan in Zion, Illinois. It is easily one of the best road trips from Chicago to take in summer; it's just a short hour's drive from the city and provides the perfect beach day for city dwellers seeking to get out of the metropolis's hustle and bustle.
Spanning over 4,000 acres, the park features a beautiful sandy shoreline boasting over six miles of pristine beaches. In addition to beach activities, the park offers additional recreational opportunities such as hiking and biking trails, fishing areas, and picnic spots. The park also has a boat launch area for those interested in boating and water sports on Lake Michigan.
- Amenities: Camping and RV Sites, Showers, Restrooms, and Camp Stores