Chicago’s attractions go beyond skyscrapers, museums, and restaurants. What really elevates the Windy City into the land of magic is the lake it’s built on. Along its beaches, you’ll find 26 miles of scenic waterfront with more than 20 free-access beaches.
The city’s sandy beaches have more than just sunbathing and swimming on offer. However, for those who want to dive, the beaches are open from 6 am to 11 pm and swimming Only allowed When lifeguards are on duty. Here’s our guide to Chicago’s best beaches.
Rainbow Beach
Great beaches for wildlife
Located in the city’s South Shore neighborhood, Rainbow Beach serves over 60 acres of nature. In addition to the sandy beach, there is a dune habitat that sustains a wide range of wildlife and the city’s oldest community gardens.
Kayak, canoe or watch the sunset with the city skyline as a backdrop, then stop for burgers, nachos, hot wings or breakfast at Hot Girls Grill, a concession stand owned by 17- and 21-year-old Chicagoans. There are six young women between the ages of
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63rd Street Beach
Best beaches for live music
Live music, drinks, cabana rentals and spectacular sunsets await you at 63rd Street Beach in the Jackson Park area. Regis on the Beach. And even if this popular restaurant, bar and music venue is closed for the season, there’s still plenty to do.
Try visiting the Beach House, a Classical Revival-style building built in 1919 but only completed in 2000. It has interactive water fountains and is perfect for history and architecture buffs. Bikes are available for rent and bird watching is a popular activity in the area.
57th Street Beach
Best beaches for families
At the north end of Jackson Park and next to the major Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street Beach is a quiet place to take in the beauty of the Windy City. It has a mild atmosphere and on hot days families plant pepper on the beach. Stop at any of the lakeside concession stands or take a stroll through Hyde Park for a bite to eat. The Plein Air Cafe is a favorite among locals.
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Margaret T. Burroughs Beach/31st Street Beach
Best beach for dancing
31st Street Beach (also known as Margaret T Burroughs Beach) is one of the city’s most popular beaches with a regular program of house music parties and dance events.
It is named after artist and community activist, Margaret T. Burroughs, who founded the DuSable Museum of African American History. The beach has a picnic area located above an indoor parking garage, an ADA-accessible playground and a public fishing dock.
North Avenue Beach
The perfect beach for a party
If you want to party, head to North Avenue Beach. This neighborhood beach in Lincoln Park leans toward a younger crowd who are out for a good time. is on site. Castaways, a 22,000 square foot bar designed to look like an ocean liner. North Avenue is a popular spot for volleyball and summer sports.
It is also home to NAB Sports, a one-of-a-kind facility where roller hockey, dodgeball and fitness classes are some of the activities offered. Chess, yoga and people watching are other things to do on the beach – the passion here is to “see and be seen”.
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12th Street Beach
Best beach for a free concert
The museum is located on the 12th Street Beach under the watchful eye of the Adler Planetarium on campus. The little breeze of land provides a sweet respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and its busy spots.
If you time your visit right, you may be able to see a free concert without paying for a ticket, as Northerly Island, an open-air concert venue, sits immediately off the coast. . Concession stands and bathrooms are available.
Oak Street Beach
Best beaches to eat
Oak Street Beach is located on the Gold Coast, the city’s largest neighborhood, and activities abound. Popular diversions include bike rentals, volleyball and a wide range of food options beyond the usual concession stands.
The whisper Bills itself as “Chicago’s only restaurant and beach bar located directly on the water,” and the menu includes seafood favorites like ahi tuna nachos, salmon ceviche and poke salad. Expect to see an older crowd and plenty of families in the area.
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Ohio Street Beach
Best beaches for swimming
Ohio Street Beach is a favorite among locals from the nearby high-rise blocks who come here to relax. Expect to see people swimming laps in the open water. The beach’s unique location allows people to stay just feet from the seawall in shallow water at all times.
The beach is small and gets crowded in the summer, so if you plan to soak up the rays, get there early – the sun usually sets around 3pm. It is located next to Navy Pier and Jane Addams Memorial Park.
Montrose Beach
Best beach for kite flying
Montrose Beach is the only place on the coast where kite flying is allowed, and is a great beach for adventure seekers. Surrounded by lush green fields, visitors come to soccer, paddleboard, kayak, run and stay active. This North Side spot has a designated dog beach along its northern edge, and local vendors roam the boardwalk selling wares.
At the opposite end is a natural area that serves as a refuge for migratory birds, with a dune habitat that threatens plant life.
This article was first published on February 11, 2021 and was updated on May 31, 2022.