The 10 Most Visited Beaches in Chicago

10 Most Visited Beaches in Chicago

When most people think of Chicago, they often think of skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and hot dogs. However, Chicago is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With miles of sandy shores, crystal clear waters, and stunning views of the skyline, Chicago's beaches are a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. In this article, we'll explore the 10 most visited beaches in Chicago, what makes them unique, and what you can expect when you visit.

Table of Contents

1. North Avenue Beach
2. Oak Street Beach
3. Montrose Beach
4. Ohio Street Beach
5. 12th Street Beach
6. 63rd Street Beach
7. Foster Beach
8. Rainbow Beach
9. Calumet Beach
10. Loyola Beach
11. Conclusion
12. FAQs

North Avenue Beach

Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Chicago. With its iconic beach house and stunning views of the skyline, North Avenue Beach is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. This beach also offers a wide range of activities, including beach volleyball, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.

North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Chicago, located on the city's North Side. This beach is known for its wide shoreline, lively atmosphere, and stunning views of Lake Michigan, making it a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.

One of the main draws of North Avenue Beach is its expansive shoreline, which provides plenty of space for sunbathing, playing beach sports, and taking a leisurely stroll along the water. The beach also features a designated swimming area that is marked off with buoys, ensuring the safety of all swimmers.

In addition to its beautiful beach, North Avenue also offers a range of amenities for visitors to enjoy. These include showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, as well as several beachside restaurants and cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

North Avenue Beach is also known for its iconic beach house, which features a rooftop deck that offers stunning views of the lake and the Chicago skyline. The beach house also houses a concession stand and a bike rental shop, making it a great spot to grab a snack or rent a bike for a leisurely ride along the nearby Lakefront Trail.

Oak Street Beach

Located just a few blocks north of North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach is another popular destination for beachgoers in Chicago. With its picturesque location at the foot of Lake Shore Drive and stunning views of the skyline, Oak Street Beach is a favorite spot for swimmers, sunbathers, and volleyball players alike.

Oak Street Beach is a popular beach located in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. This beach is known for its stunning views of Lake Michigan, lively atmosphere, and easy access to some of the city's best restaurants and shopping.

One of the main draws of Oak Street Beach is its location, which is just steps away from some of the city's most popular restaurants, bars, and boutiques. This makes it a great spot to spend a day in the sun and then explore the surrounding neighborhood.

The beach itself features a wide shoreline, perfect for sunbathing and playing beach sports, as well as a designated swimming area that is marked off with buoys. Oak Street Beach also offers amenities such as showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, making it easy for visitors to clean up after a day in the sand and sun.

In addition to its beautiful beach, Oak Street also features a nearby park with walking trails and picnic areas, as well as several beachside restaurants and cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

Montrose Beach

Located on the city's North Side, Montrose Beach is one of the largest beaches in Chicago. With its wide expanse of sandy shores and crystal clear waters, Montrose Beach is a favorite spot for families and beachgoers of all ages. This beach also offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, kayaking, and beach volleyball.

Ohio Street Beach

Located just east of Navy Pier, Ohio Street Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers in the heart of downtown Chicago. With its stunning views of the skyline and crystal clear waters, Ohio Street Beach is a favorite spot for swimmers, sunbathers, and beach volleyball players alike.

Ohio Street Beach is a small but popular beach located in downtown Chicago, on the Near North Side. Despite its relatively small size, this beach offers visitors stunning views of Lake Michigan, easy access to the city's downtown attractions, and a lively atmosphere that makes it a great spot to spend a day in the sun.

One of the main draws of Ohio Street Beach is its location, which is just a short walk from some of Chicago's most popular downtown attractions, such as Navy Pier and the Magnificent Mile. This makes it a great spot to take a break from exploring the city and enjoy some time by the water.

Despite its small size, Ohio Street Beach offers plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxing, as well as a designated swimming area that is marked off with buoys. The beach also offers amenities such as showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, making it easy for visitors to clean up after a day of fun in the sun.

In addition to its beautiful beach, Ohio Street also features a nearby park with walking trails and picnic areas. There are also several nearby restaurants and cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

Ohio Street Beach is a great spot to enjoy a day at the beach in Chicago, especially if you're looking for easy access to the city's downtown attractions. With its stunning views of Lake Michigan and lively atmosphere, it's no wonder why this beach is one of the most visited in the city.

12th Street Beach

Located just south of the Museum of Science and Industry, 12th Street Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers looking for a more secluded spot. With its calm waters and quiet location, 12th Street Beach is a favorite spot for families and beachgoers looking to escape the crowds.

63rd Street Beach

Located on the South Side of Chicago, 63rd Street Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers looking for a more laid-back atmosphere. With its wide expanse of sandy shores and calm waters, 63rd Street Beach is a favorite spot for families and beachgoers of all ages.

63rd Street Beach is a popular beach located on the South Side of Chicago, in the Hyde Park neighborhood. This beach is known for its stunning views of Lake Michigan, lively atmosphere, and family-friendly amenities, making it a great destination for beachgoers of all ages.

One of the main features of 63rd Street Beach is its long and expansive shoreline, which provides plenty of space for sunbathing, playing beach sports, and taking a leisurely stroll along the water. The beach also has a designated swimming area that is marked off with buoys, ensuring the safety of all swimmers.

In addition to its beautiful beach, 63rd Street Beach also features a nearby park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. This makes it a great spot for families with young children, who can enjoy the beach and the nearby park all in one convenient location.

63rd Street Beach also offers amenities such as showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, making it easy for visitors to clean up and change after a day of fun in the sun. There are also several nearby restaurants and cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

Foster Beach

Located on the city's North Side, Foster Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers looking for a quieter spot. With its calm waters and stunning views of the skyline, Foster Beach is a favorite spot for swimmers, sunbathers, and beach volleyball players alike.

Foster Beach is a popular beach located on the North Side of Chicago, in the Edgewater neighborhood. This beach is known for its wide stretch of sand, calm waters, and vibrant atmosphere, making it a great destination for beachgoers of all ages.

One of the main features of Foster Beach is its spacious shoreline, which provides plenty of room for sunbathing, playing beach sports, and relaxing with family and friends. The beach also has a designated swimming area that is marked off with buoys, ensuring the safety of all swimmers.

In addition to its beautiful beach, Foster Beach also features a nearby park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. This makes it a great spot for families with young children, who can enjoy the beach and the nearby park all in one convenient location.

Foster Beach also offers amenities such as showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, making it easy for visitors to clean up and change after a day of fun in the sun. There are also several nearby restaurants and cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

Rainbow Beach

Located on the city's South Side, Rainbow Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers looking for a more secluded spot. With its picturesque location on the shores of Lake Michigan and stunning views of the skyline, Rainbow Beach is a favorite spot for families and beachgoers looking to escape the crowds.

Rainbow Beach is a beautiful beach located on the South Side of Chicago. This beach is known for its stunning views of Lake Michigan, wide stretch of sand, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great destination for beachgoers of all ages.

One of the main features of Rainbow Beach is its large and expansive shoreline, which provides plenty of room for sunbathing, playing beach sports, and taking a leisurely stroll along the water. The beach also has a designated swimming area that is marked off with buoys, ensuring the safety of all swimmers.

In addition to its beautiful beach, Rainbow Beach also features a nearby park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. This makes it a great spot for families with young children, who can enjoy the beach and the nearby park all in one convenient location.

Rainbow Beach also offers amenities such as showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, making it easy for visitors to clean up and change after a day of fun in the sun. There are also several nearby restaurants and cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

Calumet Beach

Located on the far South Side of Chicago, Calumet Beach is a hidden gem that offers a more relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. With its expansive shoreline and shallow waters, Calumet Beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. The beach also features a nearby park with picnic tables, playgrounds, and sports facilities.

Calumet Beach is a hidden gem located on the far South Side of Chicago. This beach is known for its expansive shoreline, shallow waters, and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great destination for beachgoers who are looking for a more peaceful and secluded spot.

One of the main features of Calumet Beach is its wide and spacious shoreline, which provides plenty of room for sunbathing, playing beach sports, and relaxing with family and friends. The beach also has a designated swimming area that is marked off with buoys, ensuring the safety of all swimmers.

In addition to its beautiful beach, Calumet Beach also features a nearby park with picnic tables, playgrounds, and sports facilities. This makes it a great spot for families with young children, who can enjoy the beach and the nearby park all in one convenient location.

Calumet Beach also offers amenities such as showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, making it easy for visitors to clean up and change after a day of fun in the sun. There are also several nearby restaurants and cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

Loyola Beach

Located in the Rogers Park neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago, Loyola Beach is a popular destination for beachgoers looking for a more laid-back and family-friendly atmosphere. With its calm waters and wide stretch of sand, Loyola Beach is a great spot for swimming, beach sports, and sunbathing. The beach also features a nearby park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

Loyola Beach is a beautiful beach located on the North Side of Chicago in the Rogers Park neighborhood. This beach is known for its calm waters, wide stretch of sand, and family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great destination for beachgoers of all ages.

One of the main features of Loyola Beach is its wide and spacious shoreline, which provides plenty of room for sunbathing, playing beach sports, and relaxing with family and friends. The beach also has a designated swimming area that is marked off with buoys, ensuring the safety of all swimmers.

In addition to its beautiful beach, Loyola Beach also features a nearby park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. This makes it a great spot for families with young children, who can enjoy the beach and the nearby park all in one convenient location.

Loyola Beach also offers amenities such as showers, restrooms, and changing rooms, making it easy for visitors to clean up and change after a day of fun in the sun. There are also several nearby restaurants and cafes where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.

Conclusion

Chicago's beaches are some of the most beautiful in the country, offering miles of sandy shores, crystal clear waters, and stunning views of the skyline. Whether you're a local or a tourist, there's something for everyone at Chicago's 10 most visited beaches. From swimming and sunbathing to beach sports and relaxation, each beach offers a unique and memorable experience that's sure to make your visit to Chicago unforgettable.

FAQs

Q: Are Chicago's beaches free to access?

A: Yes, all of Chicago's beaches are free and open to the public.

Q: Can I bring my dog to Chicago's beaches?

A: Dogs are not allowed on any of Chicago's beaches, but there are nearby dog parks and beaches where you can bring your furry friend.

Q: Are there lifeguards on duty at Chicago's beaches?

A: Yes, all of Chicago's beaches have lifeguards on duty during the summer months.

Q: Can I swim in Lake Michigan at Chicago's beaches?

A: Yes, Lake Michigan is safe for swimming at Chicago's beaches, but always check the water conditions and advisories before entering the water.

Q: Are there food and drink options available at Chicago's beaches?

A: Yes, many of Chicago's beaches have nearby restaurants, concession stands, and food trucks where you can grab a bite to eat and a refreshing drink.

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