It’s the time in Chicago when our clothes become soaked, and our skin perspires—not even a breeze can save us from the humid air that swallows us when we step outside. Luckily, we are cornered by the third-largest lake in the U.S., the quintessential place to cool off and cool down. So, when you think you’re about to lose the never-ending heat battle in Chicago, grab a towel and dip at one of the best Chicago beaches for an immaculate day—and maybe even head to a bar by the water for a refreshment.
1. North Avenue
The quietness is all but lost at this rambunctious Chicago beach. North Avenue is a notorious party scene, so if you’re looking for tranquility, it will most definitely not be found here. If you want to escape the rowdiness, head to Shore Club Chicago’s summer patio and lounge under a cabana where you can devour New American bites and sip sweet cocktails.
📍Location: 1600 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive
🚌 Transportation: #72 North
🅿️ Paid parking lots and street parking
🛟 Lifeguards on-site
🚻 Bathrooms available
🌮 Cafes and restaurants nearby
🏐 Volleyball nets available
🦽 Wheelchairs accessible
2. Oak Street Beach
Recently named one of the best beaches in the US, Oak Street Beach is a treasured spot. The Gold Coast location has direct views of the John Hancock, Four Seasons, and other luxurious buildings on the Mag Mile shopping district, which glimmer as the sun begins to set. This is not to say that it is quieter than North Avenue, but that less action occurs. If you stay until sunset, snag a picnic bench at Whisper’s and clink glasses under the string lights while you listen to crashing waves.
📍Location: 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive
🚌 Transportation: #76 Diversey, #145 Wilson/Michigan Express, #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express, #147 Outer Drive Express, #151 Sheridan.
🅿️ Limited street parking
🛟 Lifeguards on-site
🚻 Bathrooms available
🌮 Cafes and restaurants nearby
🏐 Volleyball nets available
🦽 Wheelchairs accessible
2. Rainbow Beach and Park
Next on our list is a quaint beach in the Southside Neighborhood; Rainbow Beach and Park is home to one of the most beautiful natural areas in the city, the Rainbow Beach Dunes. Frolic past the grass, and you’ll find an expansive beach with Lake Michigan Water Trail access. Turn up your athletic side and participate in local activities such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and other non-motorized sports allowed here, making it one of the best beaches in Chicago.
📍Location: 2873 E. 75th Street
🚌 Transportation: #6 Jackson Park Express, #71 71st/South Shore
🅿️ Paid parking lots and street parking
🛟 Lifeguards on-site
🚻 Bathrooms available
🌮 Cafes and restaurants nearby
🏐 Volleyball nets available
3. Kathy Osterman Beach
Situated in the northernmost tip of Edgewater, Kathy Osterman Beach’s name comes from a dedicated public servant whom the community loved. This crescent-shaped beach offers golden sands and is one of the Chicago beaches popular among the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a beautiful spot to catch a few sunrays and dip your toes in the ripples of Lake Michigan.
📍Location: 5800 N Lake Shore Drive
🚌 Transportation: #147, #151
🅿️ Paid parking lots and street parking
🛟 Lifeguards on-site
🚻 Bathrooms available
🌮 Cafes and restaurants nearby
🏐 Volleyball nets available
4. 57th Street Beach
Located in Jackson Park, 57th Street Beach sits directly across from the Museum of Science and Industry and features an ADA-accessible beach walk that beachgoers can use. After a day in the scorching heat, relax nearby at the Tasty Grill, which offers a Mexican menu, hot dogs, and refreshing beverages, including a tasty margarita.
📍Location: 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive
🚌 Transportation: #10 Museum of Science & Industry, #55 Garfield, #6 Jackson Park Express
🅿️ Paid parking lots and street parking
🛟 Lifeguards on-site
🚻 Bathrooms available
🌮 Cafes and restaurants nearby
🏐 Volleyball nets available
5. Montrose Beach
You can sit in the grassy-cut area of Montrose Beach and feel secluded in a crowded city. At the eastern end of Lincoln Park, Montrose Beach is a natural area that adds to the beach’s tranquility. You’ll find numerous things to do, whether you want to grab at the concessions, spike a volleyball, or rent a kayak. Better yet, it’s dog-friendly.
📍 Location: 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive
🚌 Transportation • #78 Montrose
🅿️ Paid parking lots and street parking
🛟 Lifeguards on-site
🚻 Bathrooms available
🌮 Cafes and restaurants nearby
🏐 Volleyball nets available
6. Ohio Street Beach
Facing directly north, Ohio Street Beach is in the Streeterville neighborhood adjacent to Jane Addams Memorial Park and is regarded as one of the best beaches in Chicago. This beach leans toward family-oriented, so there will likely be a crowded beach, but it leans away from music blasting and alcohol spilling found at other beaches. The gentle waves offer a serene view for many people on the Lakefront Trail, which winds past this beach.
📍Location: 600 North Lake Shore Drive
🚌 Transportation: #29 State, #65 Grand, #66 Chicago, #124 Navy Pier
🅿️ Paid parking lots and street parking
🛟 Lifeguards on-site
🚻 Bathrooms available
🌮 Cafes and restaurants nearby
🏐 Volleyball nets available
8. Loyola Beach
This expansive beach offers distant views of the city skyline. The vast beach and extensive grassland have basketball and tennis courts, a playground, and more. This beach sits on the East of Roger Park and is a popular outpost for those in the area or if you’re on the Lake Front Trail and want to take yourself off the beaten path.
📍 Location: 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.
🚌 Transportation: 96 Lunt (weekdays only), #147 Outer Drive Express, #155 Devon
🅿️ Paid parking lots and street parking
🛟 Lifeguards on-site
🚻 Bathrooms available
🌮 Cafes and restaurants nearby
🏐 Volleyball nets available
9. Foster Beach
Another popular dog spot, Foster Beach, is one of the beaches in Chicago for your favorite four-legged friends. This popular Edgewater attraction offers one of the more idyllic spots with concessions and a beach house. Plus, if you want a lakefront exercise, you can rent a bike nearby and ride down the trail.
📍Location: 5200 N. Lake Shore Drive
🚌 Transportation: #92 Foster, #146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express, #147 Outer Drive Express, #151 Sheridan buses.
🅿️ Paid parking lots and street parking
🛟 Lifeguards on-site
🚻 Bathrooms available
🌮 Cafes and restaurants nearby
🏐 Volleyball nets available
10. Margaret T. Burroughs Beach
One of the south-side Chicago beaches, Margaret T. Burrough, offers various activities to fit into your weekend schedule. Whether your hobbies include fishing, rock climbing, or devouring a charcuterie, Margaret T. Burrough has a fishing dock, climbing wall, grassy picnic area, or various water activities such as paddleboarding and jet skiing. Along with other beaches, they host free movies you can watch with friends and family during the week.
📍Location: 3100 S Lake Shore Drive
🚌 Transportation: #35
🅿️ Paid parking lots and street parking
🛟 Lifeguards on-site
🚻 Bathrooms available
🌮 Cafes and restaurants nearby
🏐 Volleyball nets available