The sun’s out, so bring on the sand.
Starting from the tippy top of Chicago's border to down south we have our favorite Chicago beaches to take a splash in this summer.
photo via facebook.com/ChicagoParkDistrict
1230 W. Greenleaf - Rogers Park
Sitting in the East Rogers Park area, Loyola Beach offers more than just swimming. The beach has a walking trail that’s more than two miles long and is great for hosting various recreational activities.
5200 N. Lake Shore Drive - Edgewater
Foster Beach welcomes a family vibe to its sand with bike rentals, food concessions and so much more. What’s better than laying under the sun while eating a snack?
4400 N. Lake Shore Dr. - Uptown
We haven't found any pools in the city that you can enjoy with your pup (yet), but Montrose Beach is known as the city's best spot to play a little water fetch. Not a dog person? Not a problem. The south end of the beach is designated for two-legged swimmers only.
4600 N. Lake Shore Dr. - Edgewater
Popularly known as Hollywood Beach, Kathy Osterman is a staple summer spot for Chicago's LGBTQ+ community. You'll always find some friends from the dance floor here so you can enjoy everything else the beach has to offer - including the occasional pop-up beach drag show!
3600 N. Recreation Dr. - Lakeview
Tiny but mighty, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach offers sun, sand, and lake for all your furry friends to have the time of their lives! It's a great spot for dog watching for those of us that don't have pets too.
Photo via Pixabay/Island Works
1601 N. Lakeshore Drive - Lincoln Park
One of Chicago’s most popular beaches is popular for a reason. North Avenue is a hub for activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, volleyball, yoga, and more while serving up summertime food and drinks from Castaways Bar and Grill.
The northern section of the beach, just south of Fullerton Avenue, is closed for the season.
Photo via facebook.com/ChicagoParkDistrict
600 N. Lake Shore Drive - Streeterville
Calling all beginners wanting to swim in Lake Michigan safely! Ohio Street Beach is the place for open-water swimming. The uniquely structured beach allows one to swim a full half-mile without having to be separated from the shallow water.
Photo via facebook.com/ChicagoDistrictPark
3100 S. Lake Shore Drive - Lake Meadows
Why not have the best view of the Chicago skyline while on the beach?! Margaret T. Burroughs Beach (popularly known as 31st Street Beach) provides great views and vibes. Also, they've got a community space with a playground, picnic area, and fishing dock.
4100 S. Lake Shore Dr. - Bronzeville
One of Chicago's newer beaches, Oakwood was opened to the public in 2010. It offers an Instagram-worthy view of the skyline along with environmentally sustainable components such as a bio-retention area, water harvesting system, and more.
5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. - Hyde Park
Are the views great? Yes. Does the surrounding Hyde Park neighborhood offer plenty of ways to spend the rest of your day? Yes. Does it beat the throngs of tourists that will be hitting the North Side beaches this summer? Absolutely.
Photo via facebook.com/ChicagoDistrictPark
6300 S. Lake Shore Dr. - Jackson Park
Just a little further south of 57th Street Beach is another great option for sun, swimming, and sustenance. When you've had enough beach time, check out Reggies On The Beach nearby for waterfront dining and vibes that might even make you forget you're still in the Midwest.
Photo via facebook.com/ChicagoParkDistrict
2873 E. 75th St - South Shore
Rainbows are always associated with something good – and Rainbow Beach is no different! This South Side gem offers a fitness center, gymnasium, handball courts, and so much more fun.
9801 S. Avenue G - East Side
Sharing a border with Indiana, Calumet Beach is on the far South Side of Chicago and offers beachgoers a chance to escape the heat by enjoying the cool waters of Lake Michigan. The beach connects to a large astroturf field for anyone interested in getting sporty while there.
