State park offers quiet, spacious beaches with beautiful lake views and well-maintained picnic and camping areas. Nature trails and open spaces create a peaceful atmosphere ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing outdoors.
Miles of clean, unpolluted beach stretch quietly along the shore. The area feels like a peaceful getaway close to home with beautiful wildlife nearby.
Free parking offers ample space with a huge lot that handles many vehicles easily.
"I found the beach beautiful and appreciated the ample space."
"I found parking available and it was easy to find."
"It's fun to swim and jump in the beautiful, clear lake waves."
Good to know
Entry to the park is free.
There were no lifeguards on the beach.
The bathrooms were just gross and had many flies inside.
Small beach with clean water and sand offers peaceful, laid-back atmosphere ideal for families and dog walks. Lifeguards monitor the area while volleyball courts and green spaces provide active options. Views include lake illuminated by city lights and nearby high-rise buildings.
Clear, crystal clean water and sparkling sand create a peaceful, family-friendly beach. It offers volleyball courts, green spaces, and a designated dog area, plus free parking and public restrooms.
Free parking lots sit close to the beach and picnic areas, making access easy when arriving early. Some lots have little surveillance, which has led to thefts targeting women.
Good to know
Free parking is available, but thefts have been reported targeting women.
Lifeguards are on duty until 7:00 PM in July.
Public consumption of weed is illegal at the beach.
Campground sits on Lake Michigan with large shaded campsites and electric hook-ups. Beach offers crystal clear water and plenty of space for privacy. Quiet atmosphere after 10pm with no alcohol allowed and a family-friendly vibe.
A large, clean beach offers plenty of space for privacy and relaxation. Easy access from nearby campsites and ample parking make it convenient for beach activities and enjoying the surrounding nature.
Plenty of parking spots sit right by the beach. Finding a space is easy with ample parking at the campground.
Good to know
Mosquitoes can be a significant issue, especially in warmer months.
The bathrooms are often dirty and lack sufficient supplies.
No alcohol is allowed at the campground, ensuring quiet after 10pm.
Park offers lake views and a sandy beach with playground and splash pad for young children. Families gather for picnics and outdoor activities like volleyball, bocce ball, and paddle boarding. Atmosphere is family-friendly with a mix of peaceful spots and lively play areas.
A sandy beach sits alongside a kiddie water park and playground, making it very family friendly. Fishing spots and walking paths add to the outdoor options.
Plenty of free parking spots are available, making it easy to find a place to park. The parking area is spacious and not crowded like at some other spots.
Good to know
The Jack O'Lantern Festival features activities for both kids and adults.
Expect a $11 daily fee per visitor to access the beach.
Restrooms are currently closed for upgrades, so plan accordingly.
Large beach with crystal clear water and clean sand offers a quiet, chill atmosphere away from city noise. Trees provide natural shade, and amenities include lifeguards, snack kiosks, and family-friendly spaces. Parking can be challenging, encouraging biking or walking to the beach.
A hidden, beautiful beach with crystal clear waters and clean sand offers a peaceful spot for sunbathing, swimming, and family fun. It features easy parking, restrooms, a concession stand, and shaded areas from trees lining one side.
Parking offers paid options with costs around $20 to $57 depending on the lot. Easy access exists at the main beach lot, while street parking is available but less convenient due to pricing.
Good to know
Parking costs $20 for the full day in the lot nearest the beach.
Lifeguards mark the swimming limit for safety.
The beach is family friendly and has public restrooms.
City park offers beautiful lakefront views and a spacious beach with a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation and meditation. Activities include BBQ, kayaking, and jogging, with occasional live music and food vendors enhancing the experience.
Clean water and a well-maintained beach make this spot great for swimming and picnics. Plenty of lifeguards keep the area safe, and the beach offers beautiful views of downtown.
Ample parking spots make access straightforward. The area offers easy parking close to the beach.
Good to know
Parking at Rainbow Beach Park is not free and can be limited.
The restroom facilities may be closed during your visit.
Expect peak hours from 7pm to 2am, which can be crowded.
Small businesses and vendors line the beach, creating a lively atmosphere with beautiful views. Plenty of parking and a well-maintained space make it convenient and welcoming. The beach stays uncrowded and quiet after evening hours.
Clean and well maintained with beautiful views, the beach offers a little bit of everything and stays not crowded. Small businesses and vendors set up along the shore create a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Plenty of parking spots make visiting convenient. The entire lot requires pay-to-park now, unlike before when it was free.
Good to know
The entire parking lot is now pay-to-park, whereas it used to be free.
There was plenty of parking, which made visiting super convenient.
The washrooms were well-kept and clean.
Beach offers quiet atmosphere with plenty of space and family-friendly shallow water. Evening brings live music and dance floor, creating a lively social scene. Parking is generally accessible within a short walk.
Shallow water and a long, clean sandbar make this beach great for families. It stays quiet during the week with clean washrooms and cheap, accessible parking just a short walk away.
Parking offers cheap rates and is very accessible with options near the beach and at the Museum of Science and Industry. Walks from parking spots to the beach take about 5 to 8 minutes.
Good to know
Parking costs $22 for 4 hours, including a $5 tax charge.
Public restrooms are available and kept clean.
The beach is family-friendly with a long, clean sandbar.
Small beach park blends calm waters with greenery for a peaceful atmosphere. Facilities include playgrounds, picnic areas, and a dock with benches. Visitors find it well maintained and scenic, ideal for relaxing strolls and family outings.
Beautiful and clean with stunning facilities including a playground, volleyball net, and dock. Plenty of free parking right next to the beach and a clear separation from trees keeps the sand tidy and bug-free.
Parking offers plenty of space and is free right next to the beach. The area includes shade from trees over many spots, making it comfortable even on sunny days.
Good to know
Parking is free right next to the beach.
A season pass is required for weekend access.
The beach is not very wheelchair accessible due to steep inclines.
Nature preserve offers quiet, peaceful atmosphere with stunning lake views and well-maintained trails. Historic fort buildings add a unique, scenic backdrop to the woodsy, breezy environment. Beach access provides a relaxing spot for sitting and enjoying the surroundings.
A peaceful and secluded beach with clear waters and jetties to lessen rip currents offers a nice spot for sunbathing and watching sunsets. Trails to the beach are nicely paved and maintained, making it accessible for families willing to hike a bit.
Free parking is available with ample space at multiple spots. Each parking area has modern restrooms nearby.
Good to know
There is free parking available at Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve.
Dogs are welcome at the preserve.
There are free restrooms available on site.
Beach offers serene lake views with cascading steps leading down to the water. Playgrounds include swings, slides, climbing structures, and splash areas, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Lifeguards are present at times, and the area remains clean and calm throughout.
Clean and calm beach with a kids' playground and tables. Lifeguards are on duty, and the beach offers a great lake view with access to water.
A large parking lot offers easy parking with a great view from the area. Parking above the stairs is free and likely operates on a first come, first serve basis.
Good to know
A season pass costs $240 for non-residents and is required on weekends.
Day passes are only available on weekdays for $300.
Parking is limited and requires a pass or payment.
Beach offers quiet, peaceful atmosphere with clean sand and clear water. Grassy area includes an overhang for performances and benches overlook boats entering the harbor. Space feels safe for families and children with shallow water and plenty of room to spread out.
Quiet and peaceful with clean sand and clear water, this beach offers a safe spot for kids to play and floaties to float. Parking sits just steps away, making it easy to relax or spend time with family.
Parking sits just steps from the beach, making access easy. Options include free parking and spots close enough to avoid long walks, though some pay for higher prices to skip hassle.
Good to know
Parking costs $20 on weekends or requires a Waukegan city sticker.
Parking is free on weekdays at Waukegan Municipal Beach.
The beach is safe for kids with shallow water access.
Beach offers breathtaking skyline views and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. It stays clean and spacious, making it easy to relax or take a quiet walk. Nearby harbor adds character to the area without disrupting the calm vibe.
The beach stays clean and quiet with plenty of space and fewer crowds than downtown spots. It offers amazing skyline views and a peaceful vibe, making it great for relaxing walks or quiet beach days.
Plenty of free parking exists along the coast. Oakwood Beach charges about $10 for 4 hours. Other spots cost around $2 per hour.
Good to know
Parking costs about $10 for 4 hours, with some free options available.
The sand is generally clean, with minimal debris present.
The water is decent in cleanliness, suitable for swimming.
Small city park offers a quiet beach with clean sand and plenty of greenery. It features playgrounds and open spaces suitable for families and picnics. The atmosphere stays peaceful and relaxed, making it ideal for outdoor rest and enjoying views.
Small and peaceful with plenty of parking, this beach offers a quiet atmosphere and feels tucked away. It is very clean, surrounded by lots of greenery, and suitable for families and children.
Parking includes a paid lot with machines requiring license plate entry. Availability varies, with plenty of spots sometimes but often few spaces left, so arriving early helps.
Good to know
There are no restrooms at Leone Beach.
You should get there early if you want to park in the parking lot.
Adults should watch their kids and not let them go swimming alone.