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Best of Chicago

Beaches with parking

Reaching the water is easier when there is a place to leave the car nearby.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
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Updated April 2026
01
Foster Beach image 1
Foster Beach image 2
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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.

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.

02
12th Street Beach image 1
Public beach

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.

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."

"Parking available here costs around $12 to $20 for the day."

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.

03
Rainbow Beach Park image 1

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.

People are saying

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

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

"There's usually plenty of parking available 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.

04
63rd Street Beach image 1

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.

People are saying

"It's a great place to barbecue, perfect for gatherings."

"This beach has beautiful views and is a fantastic spot."

"There was plenty of parking available, which made visiting super convenient."

Good to know

1

The entire parking lot is now pay-to-park, whereas it used to be free.

2

There was plenty of parking, which made visiting super convenient.

3

The washrooms were well-kept and clean.

05
57th Street Beach image 1

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.

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.

06
Oakwood Beach image 1

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.

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.

07
Leone Beach Park image 1

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.

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.

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