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Best of Chicago

Beaches

A beach that offers a genuine escape from the city noise instead of just another crowded patch of sand.

Based on 530 Opinions
+527
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Updated April 2026
01
Kathy Osterman Beach House at Hollywood Beach image 1
Kathy Osterman Beach House at Hollywood Beach image 2
Kathy Osterman Beach House at Hollywood Beach image 3
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Large beach boasts clean, spacious facilities and a volleyball court for active fun. It welcomes all with an LGBTQIA2S+ friendly vibe and a beach bar with tropical cocktails. Atmosphere shifts from family-friendly to lively, with games and music fueling social energy.

A lively, LGBTQIA2S+ friendly beach with clean, spacious facilities and a volleyball court. The beach offers a beach bar with tropical cocktails and a relaxed vibe where everyone feels comfortable being themselves.

People are saying

"This beach is a paradise for hot guys and LGBTQIA2S+ friendly."

"I thought this was the best LGBTQ beach on the planet."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough at this beach.

2

There is free parking around the beach if willing to walk.

3

The beach is LGBTQIA2S+ friendly.

02
Lane Beach image 1
Public beach

Small public beach offers clear water and a shallow area perfect for toddlers. Lifeguards ensure a safe environment while the peaceful atmosphere keeps it quiet and calm. Nearby park and friendly neighborhood add to its family-friendly vibe.

Clear water and a very shallow area make this beach kid friendly and comfortable for swimming. Lifeguards are always on duty, ensuring a safe and peaceful environment. The beach stays very clean and offers a nice spot to watch the lake or splash around.

People are saying

"I found the beach beautiful and clean."

"It's a pretty and peaceful spot with beautiful views."

"It's a quiet spot, really good for kids."

Good to know

1

Lifeguards are always on duty during the season at Lane Beach.

2

There are no bathrooms or other amenities at Lane Beach.

3

Parking can be very hard to find near Lane Beach.

03
South Shore Nature Sanctuary image 1

Quiet, clean beach offers peaceful shores with house music setting a relaxed mood. Trails feature informational paths and lakeside fire pits for easy exploration. Low crowds and great views create a natural oasis perfect for calm and discovery.

Quiet and clean beach sits just steps from the cafe, often empty and tucked behind the center. Few people know about this spot, keeping the atmosphere peaceful with good music and fun.

People are saying

"I was surprised how beautiful and quiet the beach was."

Good to know

1

The beach is clean and rarely crowded, perfect for a quiet visit.

2

The beach is located just behind the center, easily accessible.

3

The beach access is only steps away from the cafe, convenient for snacks.

04
12th Street Beach image 1
Public beach

Large beach offers crystal clear water and clean sand perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Trees provide natural shade and family-friendly spaces with lifeguards and snack kiosks. Parking is limited, so biking or walking is best.

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.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be an awesome place to relax."

"I found this hidden beach to be a cool, secluded spot."

"I loved the wide open view of the lake and skyline."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $20 for the full day in the lot nearest the beach.

2

Lifeguards mark the swimming limit for safety.

3

The beach is family friendly and has public restrooms.

05
North Shore Beach Park image 1

Beach park offers quiet beach and scenic water views with grassy areas near shore. Dogs run freely in the morning, adding to the peaceful vibe. Parking is limited due to residential restrictions, keeping crowds manageable most times.

Quiet and clean beach with nice water views. Grassy areas nearby and dogs often run freely, especially in the morning when it's empty.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be nice and clean."

Good to know

1

The street has zoned residential parking, making it hard to find legal spots.

2

North Shore Beach Park can get crowded, especially on weekends.

3

There are grassy areas a bit up the way from the beach for picnics.

06
Mahony Griffin (Marion) Park image 1

Small beach offers a quiet atmosphere with clean sand and blue water. Grass areas with benches provide spots to relax. Friendly crowd enjoys nearby playgrounds, making it family-friendly despite limited water access.

Quiet and not crowded, the beach sits in a semi private space with clean sand. The water shows a beautiful shade of blue, and nearby playgrounds add a family-friendly touch.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be small, quiet, and not crowded."

"It's a quiet, peaceful spot with a surreal harmony."

"It's a quiet neighborhood spot, perfect for enjoying the lake."

Good to know

1

Dogs must be kept on a leash while at the park.

2

The beach does not have restrooms available.

3

Free street parking is available nearby.

07
63rd Street Beach image 1
Public beach

Flat, expansive beach features multiple sand volleyball courts and a playground for families. Shallow water invites active fun while food stands offer treats like Italian ice. Evenings bring a lively vibe with live DJs and music, drawing crowds of all ages.

Huge flat sand area hosts beach soccer, frisbee, and spikeball, plus several sand volleyball courts. Facilities include bathrooms, a playground, and food stands with ice cream and Italian ice. The beach offers clean, quiet spots with views of downtown and a lively vibe with live DJs and vendors.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be clean and beautiful."

"It's a great park with a playground, bathrooms, and a snack stand."

"I found the food here to be so fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking nearby costs about $4 an hour.

2

63rd Street Beach is perfect for families with a playground and restaurant.

3

The beach has decent bathrooms and a snack stand with ice cream.

08
57th Street Beach image 1

Beach features shallow water and a long sandbar, perfect for families. Quiet weekdays and clean washrooms add comfort. Evenings bring live music and a dance floor, creating a lively social scene. Parking is cheap and close by.

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.

People are saying

"Parking was a struggle, but the walk to the beach was worth it."

"The beach here is so clean, and the water's crystal clear."

"It's a beautiful and peaceful meditation spot."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $22 for 4 hours, including a $5 tax charge.

2

Public restrooms are available and kept clean.

3

The beach is family-friendly with a long, clean sandbar.

09
Foster Beach image 1

Small beach with crystal clean water and sparkling sand offers a peaceful spot for families and dog walks. Lifeguards keep watch while volleyball courts and green spaces invite activity. City lights and high-rises frame the lake views.

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.

People are saying

"I thought this beach was beautiful and my favorite."

"It's a beautiful area to relax and check out the many different views."

"I loved that there was free parking available."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available, but thefts have been reported targeting women.

2

Lifeguards are on duty until 7:00 PM in July.

3

Public consumption of weed is illegal at the beach.

10
Tobey Prinz Beach Park image 1

Small beach features clean sand and lakefront views for a peaceful vibe. Large grassy areas and volleyball courts invite family fun and light sports. Lifeguards ensure safety while off-leash dogs add to the relaxed, friendly scene.

Clean and quiet beach with a scenic view and well-maintained areas. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of space to relax without crowds.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be very clean and welcoming."

"It's a wonderful, beautiful place to relax and think."

"It's a fantastic place to bring your family to the parks."

Good to know

1

Lifeguards are on duty at the beach for safety.

2

Parking can be difficult to find, especially on weekends.

3

The park features kids' playgrounds and adult exercise equipment.

11
Fullerton Beach image 1

Long Beach offers picturesque Lake Michigan views and a scenic Chicago skyline backdrop. It stays less crowded and has a windy atmosphere, perfect for peaceful walks or runs along the shore.

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.

People are saying

"I found the beach to be beautiful and peaceful."

"I enjoyed the scenic view of the Chicago skyline."

"The scenic views here are unbeatable for the city."

Good to know

1

There are no lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.

2

Parking is available nearby but can fill up quickly on weekends.

3

Expect windy conditions, which can affect beach activities.

12
Oakwood Beach image 1

Beach offers breathtaking skyline views and stays clean and quiet with plenty of space. Peaceful vibe suits relaxing walks or quiet beach days. Nearby harbor adds character without disrupting calm atmosphere.

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.

People are saying

"It's so quiet and never too crowded here."

"I loved the breathtaking view of the ocean."

"I found Oakwood Beach to be peaceful and uncrowded."

Good to know

1

Parking costs about $10 for 4 hours, with some free options available.

2

The sand is generally clean, with minimal debris present.

3

The water is decent in cleanliness, suitable for swimming.

13
The Concrete Beach image 1
Public beach

Concrete surface creates a clean beach with calm vibes and stunning city skyline views. Quiet atmosphere offers a peaceful escape from crowds. Volleyball courts and a beach bar add casual fun without breaking the calm.

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.

People are saying

"I loved the nice view of the city skyline, especially at sunset."

"It's a quiet, peaceful Meditation Spot with stunning lake and skyline views."

"This beach offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and lake."

Good to know

1

The Chicago Sea and Air show occurs annually, typically in August.

2

Expect large crowds at The Concrete Beach during summer weekends.

3

Lifeguards are on duty at the swimming area for safety.

14
Hartigan Beach Park image 1

Small beach offers clean shoreline and lifeguard on duty for safety. Visitors enjoy peaceful atmosphere and beautiful lake views. Accessible seating and parking make it easy to relax and watch the water.

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.

People are saying

"I found the beach here to be a beautiful, small, and calm spot."

"You can sit and enjoy the lovely lake view."

"It's really Kid Friendly; my kids loved playing with sand and water."

Good to know

1

There is parking available during the day at Hartigan Beach Park.

2

A lifeguard is present at Hartigan Beach Park.

3

The beach is not very kid friendly at night due to smoking and drinking.

15
Rainbow Beach Park image 1

City park features a spacious beach with clean water perfect for swimming and picnics. Enjoy lakefront views and a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation and meditation. Lifeguards ensure safety while BBQ, kayaking, and jogging keep visitors active.

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.

People are saying

"The beach here is super clean and never feels crowded."

"I loved the nice view of downtown Chicago across the lake."

"I had so much fun with all the activities here."

Good to know

1

Parking at Rainbow Beach Park is not free and can be limited.

2

The restroom facilities may be closed during your visit.

3

Expect peak hours from 7pm to 2am, which can be crowded.

16
Leone Beach Park image 1

Small city park features a quiet beach with clean sand and lush greenery. It offers playgrounds and open spaces perfect for families and picnics. The peaceful, tucked-away atmosphere makes it ideal for outdoor rest and enjoying nature.

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.

People are saying

"It's a small, peaceful beach, perfect for relaxing."

"It's really kid friendly with a nice play area."

"I found parking in the lot, which was a pleasant surprise."

Good to know

1

There are no restrooms at Leone Beach.

2

You should get there early if you want to park in the parking lot.

3

Adults should watch their kids and not let them go swimming alone.

17
Oak Street Beach Restaurant image 1

Restaurant on lake beach offers priceless views and a clean, inviting space. Music mixes Beach Boys tunes with a lively DJ, creating a fun vibe despite high volume. Polite, sociable service complements the family-friendly beach setting with food and drinks.

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.

People are saying

"The restaurant right on the beach has great food and views."

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I enjoyed the priceless view from the restaurant."

Good to know

1

The beach is ideal for families and kept clean.

2

The restaurant serves drinks and food right on the beach.

3

Expect higher prices for food and drinks at the restaurant.

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