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.
Lake Michigan views dominate the landscape with trails offering spectacular vistas of the water. A bird-watching loop circles a large meadow and crosses a ravine, providing plenty of scenic overlooks.
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.
"The lake views here are beautiful and scenic."
"I found the beach beautiful and peaceful for walking."
"The scenic views of the lake here are beautiful."
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.
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.
Wide open views stretch across the sandy shoreline with the lake in front and the skyline visible in the distance.
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.
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.
Long beach offers picturesque Lake Michigan views and a scenic Chicago skyline backdrop. It stays less crowded than nearby beaches and features a windy atmosphere that adds to its serene vibe.
Views offer a clear and great skyline of the city. They stand out as better than Oak Street Beach for scenic quality.
A long beach with peaceful and serene vibes offers better views than some busier spots. The area tends to be windy and less crowded, making it good for walking or running along the shore.
Good to know
There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.
Parking is available nearby but can fill up quickly on weekends.
Expect windy conditions, which can affect beach activities.
Concrete surface replaces sand, creating a clean, calm beach environment with sweeping lake views and a breathtaking city skyline backdrop. Atmosphere stays quiet and peaceful, offering a serene escape within the city without crowds or noise. Volleyball courts and a beach bar add casual activity options amid the relaxed setting.
Sweeping lake views stretch endlessly with the Chicago skyline framing the background. The spot offers stunning cityscapes that look especially amazing at sunset.
Concrete surface replaces sand, creating a clean and well-kept beach environment. It offers a peaceful urban escape with beautiful views of the city skyline and lake, plus a beach bar for drinks.
Good to know
The Chicago Sea and Air show occurs annually, typically in August.
Expect large crowds at The Concrete Beach during summer weekends.
Lifeguards are on duty at the swimming area for safety.
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.
Great views of Lake Michigan appear from the beach and parking area. The beach offers access to water alongside the mesmerising lake view.
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.
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 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.
Views include a lake and skyline that feel open and calm, not chaotic. The spot offers an unexpected close-to-downtown perspective with breathtaking ocean sights.
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.
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 beach offers peaceful atmosphere with beautiful lake views and friendly visitors. Lifeguard presence ensures safety while accessible seating and rocks provide spots to relax and watch the water.
Small public beach offers lovely lake views with stones to sit on and enjoy the water scenery.
Small and peaceful beach with a clean shoreline and a lifeguard on duty. Offers great views of the water and is easy to access with parking available during the day.
Good to know
There is parking available during the day at Hartigan Beach Park.
A lifeguard is present at Hartigan Beach Park.
The beach is not very kid friendly at night due to smoking and drinking.
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.
Stunning views of Lake Michigan dominate the landscape with clean water and a beautiful shoreline. Well-maintained trails offer open lakefront views and calming sunrise scenes.
Miles of clean, unpolluted beach stretch quietly along the shore. The area feels like a peaceful getaway close to home with beautiful wildlife nearby.
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.
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.
Large open beaches provide wonderful views of Lake Michigan and the downtown Chicago skyline. The park offers a beautiful lakefront setting with clear sights of city skyscrapers.
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.
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.
Restaurant sits right on the lake beach with priceless views of the water. Atmosphere blends easy-listening Beach Boys music with a lively DJ vibe, though volume can be high. Decor is beautifully done, creating a clean and inviting space to enjoy drinks and the scenery.
Priceless views dominate the experience here, offering some of the best sights in the city. The scenery stands out as the main attraction, often noted as the reason to visit.
Clean beach right on the lake offers a nice spot for families and others. A restaurant and bar sit right on the beach, providing food and drinks with polite, sociable service.
Good to know
The beach is ideal for families and kept clean.
The restaurant serves drinks and food right on the beach.
Expect higher prices for food and drinks at the restaurant.
Triple bay layout with stone breakwaters creates calm swimming coves and peaceful waves. Clean, well-maintained beach offers family-friendly atmosphere with playgrounds and shaded seating. Boardwalk and nature areas provide a quiet, scenic escape with stunning lakefront views.
Stunning lakefront views create a peaceful setting with soft sand and a quiet atmosphere. The scene shines especially at sunset, offering incredible vistas for a relaxing day.
A clean, peaceful beach with lifeguards, playgrounds, and an infirmary offers a safe spot for families. A beautiful green park sits above, accessible by stairs, providing great lake views and a quiet escape.
Good to know
Beach passes are required between 10am and 6pm, costing $10 per person.
Parking costs $15 per hour or $40 for four hours for non-residents.
The machine only accepts cards for passes, costing $10 per person.
Park features beautiful views and a well-maintained playground with a boardwalk leading to a pier. Atmosphere stays peaceful and calm, ideal for quiet time and family gatherings. Accessibility includes a mat on the sand for wheelchair users, enhancing inclusivity.
Spectacular views stretch across the beach, offering a scene reminiscent of California. A park swing provides a full view of the shoreline, enhancing the scenic experience.
Beautiful views and a well maintained beach create a clean and fresh atmosphere. Facilities include a boardwalk pier, picnic areas, shelters, and a playground, making it ideal for day-long visits.
Good to know
Entry fees are $24 per person during the summer season.
Beach access is free after Labor Day, but no lifeguards are present.
There is a porta potty available near the sailboats.
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.
Beautiful views of the lake stretch across the park. People often stop to enjoy the scenic lakefront and the great vantage points throughout.
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.
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.