When you think of Chicago, the first word that comes to mind probably isn’t “beach.” However, once the summer starts, the city transforms from a winter wonderland into a waterside paradise. And the public beaches, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, are, without a doubt, the most popping spots to post up at when the weather is warm. Our handy guide to the best Chicago beaches will give you all the details you need for when the sun hits — so, the only thing you’ll need to do yourself is pack the SPF.
When Are Chicago’s Beaches Open?
Managed by the Chicago Park District, the city’s 22 beaches remain open from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. And, considering that admission to every beach is free, you can have a great day without shelling out dough.
Best Chicago Beaches Open in Summer
Montrose Beach
Neighborhood: Uptown
Whether you walk on two legs or four, you can have fun in the sun at Montrose Beach. Composed of two separate sections, a humans-only beach and a fenced-in dog beach, this space lets Fido scamper through the sand. And, adorable pups are not the only animals you’ll spot at the largest public beach in Chicago — birders love Montrose’s unique dune habitat, which plays host to a variety of migratory birds throughout the year. If feathered friends don’t excite you, there’s also kayak rentals, volleyball courts, and areas designated for distance swimming. The area’s many food trucks, including local favorite, Noel’s Tacos, will help you fuel up after playing fetch all day long.
Rainbow Beach
Neighborhood: South Chicago
Founded in 1908, Rainbow Beach has served as a historical hang-out for Chi Town residents for over a century. In addition to a beautiful shoreline, its more than 60 acres of space includes a gymnasium, fitness center, handball courts, baseball diamonds, and a community garden. Rainbow Beach is known as an especially family-friendly destination. In addition to providing after-school programs throughout the year, they also run a six-week summer camp for kids. While it may be one of the city’s older stomping grounds, it’s on the cutting edge when it comes to environmental technology. Through a collaboration with the Illinois Institute of Technology, a prototype stormwater filter was installed at Rainbow Beach in 2013 to study its effects in reducing pollution.
North Avenue Beach
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
This North Chicago lake playground is the most popular beach in the whole city — and for good reason. From water activities, to skyline views, to options for drinking and dining, North Avenue Beach checks all the Sunday Funday boxes. At the center of this hub sits the blue and white Beach House. In this building styled to look like a cruise ship, you can grab a drink or catch the scenic view from one of the “porthole” windows. You can enjoy North Avenue Beach by land or by water by renting some wheels from Lakeshore Bike to pedal down the Lakefront Trail, or a paddle board from Kayak Chicago to take to the water. End your day at the locally loved restaurant and ice cream shop, Castaways Bar and Grill. Whether you indulge in a scoop of gelato or a round of frozen watermelon margaritas, Castaways’ friendly atmosphere and stunning rooftop views will keep you smiling way past sunset.
12th Street Beach
Neighborhood: Museum Campus/South Loop
Chicago natives consider this quiet, low-key beach to be one of the best kept secret spots in the city. Hidden away between the Adler Planetarium and the Huntington Bank Pavilion, you won’t find the shores of 12th Street Beach crowded with masses of beach towels and umbrellas. But, just because it’s not the most popular sandy scene, doesn’t mean there aren’t oodles of amusement to be found there. With one of the best views of the Chicago skyline you could ever hope to find, it offers a great place to take a stroll, eat a picnic, or throw in a fishing line. And, if storm clouds happen to come rolling in, you can take refuge in the exhibits at nearby attractions, such as the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium.
Oak Street Beach
Neighborhood: Near North Side
Take a break from shopping to sunbathe at this beach located right off the Magnificent Mile. The vibes at Oak Street Beach always feel energetic since bikers, swimmers, and kayakers frequent the area from June through August. However, the big activity here is volleyball. You can catch a variety of professional and amateur tournaments being played on the courts all summer long. You’ll want to snap a shot of Oak Street Beach’s famous mural, Jeff Zimmerman’s “You Know What You Should Do,” a beautiful piece that highlights the importance of keeping public spaces clean and litter-free. But, if relaxation is first and foremost on your mind, rent a beach chair from one of the many shops along the beach, or grab a mango chile daiquiri at Whispers at Oak Street Beach.
Need a place to eat after a day living it up at the beach? Keep the party going at one of Chicago’s Best Mexican Restaurants, or eat your way through the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Live Near a Chicago Beach
Want to make the beach lifestyle a little more permanent? Chat with one of AptAmigo’s expert agents to find an apartment in Chicago that guarantees time on the sand every summer. With detailed knowledge of the city’s neighborhoods and buildings, we will help you find a home that glows like an August day.
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