Best Beaches in Chicago

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Dom Bewley
Best Beaches in Chicago

If you're looking for the best beaches in Chicago, check out our picks of the best sandy spots in the city and make the most of your summer visit!

Including:

  • Does Chicago have nice beaches?
  • Are Chicago beaches swimmable?
  • Is Chicago beach warm?
  • The best beaches in Chicago
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Does Chicago have nice beaches?

It certainly does; otherwise, we wouldn't be able to write this blog! Chicago boasts 26 miles of picturesque lakefront, adorned with a plethora of public parks and gardens. Additionally, there's an 18-mile Lakefront Trail, along with over two dozen free beaches accessible to the public during the summer. Don't worry - we'll talk about them more down below.

Are Chicago beaches swimmable?

Indeed, they are, but you're better off doing it in the on-season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For those of you visiting Chicago from outside the U.S., that means the end of May to the beginning of September. Sadly, the waters outside of this period may be too cold to swim in, so plan accordingly.

It's also worth noting that, legally, you can only swim in Chicago's oceans when a lifeguard is present due to the winds and choppy waters. They don't call it the Windy City for nothing!

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Is Chicago beach warm?

In peak summer, beaches in Chicago frequently hit 80°F, so head there in the off-season, and you'll enjoy the best temperatures on offer.

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Best Beaches in Chicago: Oak Street Beach

Among the city's most frequented beaches, Oak Street Beach stands out as not only a favorite but also incredibly accessible from downtown. It's also located just a stone's throw away from Chicago's renowned Magnificent Mile, which houses prestigious Michigan Avenue hotels, upscale boutiques, and top-notch restaurants. Perfect if you need a bite to eat or a shopping spree mid-lounge.

This beach offers a wide array of amenities, too, including free Wi-Fi, volleyball courts, bike and chair rentals, restrooms, and even places to buy snacks and drinks.

Stake out your place in the sandy expanse and relish in the splendid vistas of the iconic Drake Hotel and other renowned landmarks.

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Best Beaches in Chicago: North Avenue Beach

North Avenue Beach, nestled in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, is universally adored by both locals and tourists. Look out for its distinctive two-story beach house, adorned in a nautical white-and-blue motif, and you'll know you're in the right place. Inside, you'll find a bar and grill, as well as restrooms and changing facilities.

This beach itself offers myriad amenities and activities, with Wi-Fi, bike, kayak, paddleboard, and Jetskis rentals, yoga, lounge chair and umbrella rentals, beach volleyball courts, a variety of food and drink offerings, and a selection of retail vendors. That's a lot of fun to be had!

Nearby, you'll find a bounty of trendy restaurants and bars, along with top-tier city attractions, including the renowned Lincoln Park Zoo and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, ensuring a diverse array of entertainment options in the vicinity.

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Best Beaches in Chicago: Montrose Beach

Montrose Beach is Chicago's biggest beach, so if you're worried about towel space, you know where to go. It also has two unique features that set it apart from many of Chicago's other beaches, that being an enclosed dog beach to the north, and Montrose Beach Bird Sanctuary to the south.

But enough about animals, what about us humble humans? Well, it has all the amenities typical of Chicago's generous beaches, including free Wi-Fi, watersports and beach activity rentals, places to eat and drink, and even a dog-friendly dining patio, so your canine companion needn't miss out. If you don't fancy eating in, Montrose Beach also has plenty of grassy knolls where you can spark up a barbecue. And kiteboarders, rejoice! Montrose Beach is the only place in Chicago where you can legally get your kiteboarding on. Why? Who knows.

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Best Beaches in Chicago: Kathy Osterman Beach

Named after the late Kathy Osterman, a former city leader and political activist who advocated for beach development and gay rights in the 1980s, Kathy Osterman Beach is - understandably - a prime meet-up spot for Chicago's spirited LGBTQ+ community.

But that doesn't mean it's party central. In fact, Kathy Osterman Beach is one of the calmer, quieter beaches in the city. Bird lovers will also appreciate that the beach's natural dunes draw both migrating and residential shorebirds to its shores.

For people, you have the usual amenities, as well as specified picnic areas for bring-you-own enjoyers, and prime fishing spots for the reelers out there.

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Best Beaches in Chicago: Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach is one of the city's oldest sandy spots, named after the 42nd Rainbow Division of the U.S. Army, which valiantly served during World War I. So, that's the history - what about the beach itself?

Well, to the south, you'll find the Rainbow Beach Dunes Natural Area. What is it with Chicago and natural dunes? It must be the wind. Anyway, it's another great spot to see birds and other wildlife frolicking about. Activity-wise, there's a children's playground, community gardens to wander, picnic and barbecue spots, and the never-elusive beach Wi-Fi.

You'll also find some of the most spectacular views of Chicago's skyline from Rainbow Beach, so make sure to take some snaps.

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Best Beaches in Chicago: Foster Beach

And finally, nestled along Chicago's picturesque lakefront in the charming Edgewater neighborhood, you'll find Foster Beach. A favorite for families, it's the perfect place to plop your little ones on the sand and let them run riot. Shallow waters, tons of space, and even a kid-friendly pool area ensure they'll have the time of their little lives.

For us adults, a plethora of volleyball courts beckon, with would-be ball smackers welcome to join existing games or set up their own. You've also got the usual food and drink affair, with ice-cold drinks and ice creams sure to cool you down on the hotter summer days.

Or if your feelings for sand mirror Anakin Skywalker, nearby Foster Avenue Beach Park offers lush green spaces, inviting picnic areas, and scenic walking paths. And for those with four-legged companions, you'll be pleased to know they're also welcome.

And those were our picks of the best beaches in Chicago! If you're looking for less-sandy activities to enjoy during your stay in the Windy City, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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The Chicago skyline from the shores of Lake Michigan
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Chicago in January

Winter doesn’t stop Chicagoans getting out and about, and even outdoor events continue to enliven and entertain those living in the city. Anyone looking to experience the festive season with reduced crowds and cheaper accommodation costs might also look to Chicago in January rather than in December, since many seasonal attractions extend their stay into the first month of the year. There are plenty of permanent attractions to enjoy too, from the Art Institute of Chicago to Shedd Aquarium. Here’s our guide to the windy city’s top January sights. Weather in Chicago in January It’s fair to say you don’t travel to Chicago in January for the weather! There’s no hiding the fact that it gets very cold in Chicago in January, with average temperatures of just 30°F. With windchill – this is the windy city after all – and with cloud free nights, temperatures can fall as low as 12°F. However, as those other defenders of cold climates – the Norwegians – say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Woolen items will be your best friends, whether that’s thermal underwear and base layers or thick knitted sweaters, beanies, scarfs and gloves. A little over 1.5 inches of rain and snow means you’ll want to add a waterproof jacket or umbrella to your packing list, whilst weatherproof shoes or boots comfortable enough to walk in all day are also going to give you a major win over the weather. Cling on to the Christmas spirit January is known to be one of the most depressing times of year, but you can help keep the blues at bay by stretching the Christmas frivolities beyond the New Year’s Eve fireworks above the rides of Navy Pier and into the first week of January. The city’s official Christmas tree, a Blue Spruce topping out at 50 feet high, remains lit in Millennium Park from 6AM until 11PM daily until January 9. So close you can get the two in the same photograph, Millennium Park is also the location of one of Chicago’s newest landmarks – Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture. The Museum of Science and Industry’s annual Christmas Around the World exhibition is another attraction which continues into January. A further reason to pay a visit to this phenomenal museum, this seasonal exhibition contains around 50 Christmas trees, each decorated to symbolize festive celebrations around the world. Entrance is included as part of a standard ticket. Explore the four corners of the world It may be missing the crabs of Christmas Island, but Shedd Aquarium should still be high on the list of things to do in Chicago in January for anyone with an interest in our marine habitats. A stone’s throw from Lake Michigan, its location couldn’t be better. Being entirely enclosed, it doesn’t really matter what the weather might be doing either. In addition to uncovering life below the surface of the Great Lakes, the aquarium does an excellent job at revealing the wonders in all the world’s oceans. Taking a 360° tour of a Caribbean reef populated by turtles and sharks, and Pacific waters with beluga whales, dolphins and sea otters are just a few of a long list of highlights. As neighbors go, few could be better than the Field Museum. Covering pretty much everything Shedd Aquarium doesn’t, its grand halls hold an apparently endless stream of natural marvels, from the most complete T-Rex skeleton ever discovered – called Sue – to artefacts from the ancient Americas. For a modern look at the world, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). Sandwiched between Lake Shore Park and Historic Water Tower, its immense collection is focused on the years from 1945 to the present day. Its asymmetric staircase and views across Lake Michigan are worthy of inclusion in its collection. Don’t ignore the parks and gardens Green spaces aren’t necessarily at their best in the winter months. However, Lincoln Park Conservatory is just one spot with year-round color. This gem of the Victorian age comprises four different halls. The Palm House contains a fiddle-leaf rubber fig put in place in 1891, whilst the Orchid Room boasts hundreds of these tropical blooms. The cooler houses are also bright with the red leaves of Mexican poinsettias as part of the winter show – ending a week into January. Back in Millennium Park, the bare trees provide a backdrop to McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which has skaters gliding across its surface right through to the spring. Situated on the plaza of the same name, it’s one of America’s biggest inner city rinks, but still dwarfed by the area covered by the skating ribbon which meanders through Maggie Daley Park and is twice the size. Humboldt Park has a much more residential feel, located amid the neat grid of streets to the west of the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood. At its heart lie a series of lagoons, though its paths are better trod for the architectural and sculptural landmarks dotting the park. These include the Bavarian-style stables and receptory building, acting as the visitor center and Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, as well as two bronze bison at the east entrance of the Formal Gardens. Head to the heights Birthplace of the steel-framed skyscraper, Chicago is known for its high-rise central districts. One of the best ways of getting a bird’s eye view is from the Skydeck observation station on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower. From almost 1400 feet up, most of the city’s landmarks can be spotted from its windows – and parts of Illinois’ neighboring states too. Outdoing even this is The Ledge, a group of three glass boxes which overhang the sides of the tower. Make sure you’ve got a head for heights before stepping onto their glass floors! From ground level there’s still plenty to see though, with many of Chicago’s best-known buildings recognizable from movies including Home Alone, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Saving in Chicago in January Far from being shut down for the winter, Chicagoans seem to bask in the snowy scenes their city sees. And because of the range of winter and seasonal attractions in Chicago in January, you could say the month is actually one of the best times of the year to visit. Whenever you choose to take your vacation in Chicago, be sure to do it with Go City. Month after month and year after year we’ve provided visitors to cities around the world with incredible savings on admission to top attractions.
Ian Packham
NASCAR
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In Chicago for NASCAR 2025? Then read this!

Have you heard? NASCAR's returning to the streets of Chicago for another spectacular race. On the weekend of July 5-6, the Windy City will play host to this special Grant Park event, featuring two days of racing, music, and much more!  With plenty going on to mark the occasion, there's no better time to visit. Whether you're heading to the race or just vacationing in Chi-town that weekend, we're here to get you up to speed on all you need to know about the event.  Read on for some handy tips on navigating Chicago during NASCAR Street Race 2024! Where is NASCAR Chicago taking place? Grant Park in Downtown Chicago is where you’ll find most of the weekend’s action. The actual race days are Saturday July 5 and Sunday July 6. How easy will it be to get around Chicago that weekend? During and on the lead up to the event, you can expect some road closures, parking restrictions and traffic diversions around Grant Park. The latest traffic information can be found on the NASCAR website. Be sure to check this before you travel! If you're planning on sightseeing in Chicago around this time, we recommend allowing for extra travel time between attractions, as public transport and roads are expected to be a bit busier than normal. If you can, explore on foot. It'll be your best option in most cases. Will Chicago's attractions be open during NASCAR Chicago Street Race? If you’ve bought a Chicago pass from Go City, you may be wondering whether or not the Street Race will affect local businesses' opening hours. With many of Chicago’s top attractions such as Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum being located around Grant Park, that's a fair question. It’s likely that attractions will have reduced opening hours during the race days, and some may close for the weekend. If you plan on using our pass between late June and early July, we recommend you check each attraction's page on our website or app directly for the latest information on opening hours and closures. Are there still tickets available for NASCAR Chicago Street Race? If you want to get in on the action, tickets are still available for the racing event of the year! Weekend tickets start from $187pp, giving you access to all the racing and music action.  Premium access tickets are also available if you’ve got some extra cash to splash. All options can be purchased on the official website. Is it worth going to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race? With all ticket options, you'll get access to a snazzy trackside vantage point to watch the races. Saturday’s race – The Loop 110 – is a 50-lap extravaganza taking place over 110 miles, and Sunday's event – the Grant Park 165 – is a 75-lap race over 220 miles. As well as the race, enjoy a live performance from the multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning, Zac Brown Band. Are there any free NASCAR events I can go to? If you're not too bothered about seeing the race up close, you can still enjoy the exciting atmosphere of the event by heading to Butler Park, where there will be free festival activities, without the pricey admission ticket. And if NASCAR's not your thing, there are still plenty of top attractions and experiences in Chicago to be found with Go City! Where's best to eat and drink near Grant Park? If you've got tickets to the race, NASCAR's got you covered for food and drinks. They're promising plenty of delicious foodie options within the event! If you're just looking to be near the action, Downtown Chicago has literally endless options for wining and dining. First off, we recommend you make your way to Eleven City Diner, where you can load up on big plates of classic breakfast food. For lunch on the move, we recommend hitting Devil Dawg's South Loop venue and grabbing a loaded Chicago-style hotdog. Sticking with Chicago classics, if you'd rather a sit-down meal, we cannot hype up Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria's deep dishes enough! When evening rolls around, there's nowhere we'd rather be than The Gage. With its large mahogany bar, well-poured pints of Guinness, and sage green tiles, this gastropub has all the makings of a great Irish bar. Check out this handy resource guide to find more dining spots that are close to the race.  What other events are taking place in Chicago? NASCAR aside, July is a great time to be in Chicago, with plenty of summer celebrations to keep you busy. You've got the award-winning Grant Park Music Festival starting from July 12 and taking place on select weekends. Down by Navy Pier, there's the fabulous Live on the Lake event, which runs throughout the summer. Here, you can enjoy great live music against a backdrop of gorgeous lakeside scenery - and it's totally free! If you're in the Windy City in early August, you can't miss Lollapalooza – Chicago's world-famous music festival, with Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler the Creator and Sabrina Carpenter headlining. Got more questions about NASCAR Chicago Street Race? Then check out their FAQs page. Ready to plan your Chicago trip? Then find out more about our Chicago passes!
Kirsten McCroskrie
Kirsten McCroskrie
Things to do in Wicker Park Chicago
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Things to do in Wicker Park, Chicago

Feeling hip? Chicago's Wicker Park is one of the coolest places in the city. If you're visiting Chi-Town from out-of-town or simply a local who doesn't know, why not find out why? Here's our guide to Wicker Park, which highlights some of the best things to do! Including: Exploring the outdoors Classic arcade fun Refreshing beverages Poignant performances Comedy clubs and more! Go exploring! Firstly, if you're new to the area, get out there and explore! There are plenty of green spaces that are worth your time. Wicker Park is a park named after Wicker Park the place. Once you've wrapped your head around that one, you'll find one of Chicago's coziest but classiest outdoor spaces. Pack a picnic basket and go enjoy the ambiance! Lots of events also occur throughout the year, like film screenings, markets, and live performances. Or, for a more urban escape, follow the abandoned 606 train tracks. The 606 has become a tourist destination in its own right, with a winding walk that will take you past some of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It's also full of creative street art for you to check out, and put on your socials if you crave the attention of others so incessantly. Alongside the fantastic views, there are a wealth of events on all year round, from bakesales to outdoor exercise classes. So, go explore. Right now! Play on, player Fancy trying your hand at some retro arcade video games, air hockey, and other '80s entertainment? Then check out Emporium at Wicker Park! Bring some friends along and get to grips with some classic arcade games. Then, when you've lost all your lives, hop on a pool table and play a few rounds, challenge them to a spot of foosball, or get clinking at one of the many pinball tables. Then, to wet your whistle, grab a refreshing craft beer from the bar, or maybe a bite to eat if you need to refuel. They even have live music on occasion, if you need some tunes to get your pinball fingers pumping. Emporium is awesome, and easily one of the best things to do in Wicker Park if you're visiting Chicago! Grab a drink After all that activity, you might want to just sit back, relax, and get a refreshing drink or two down your gullet. Well, Wicker Park has got you covered, with a wide variety of relaxed watering holes that'll help you take the edge off. One of Wicker Park's most popular is Phyllis Musical Inn, a saloon-style pub with countless beers on tap, live music, and a massive garden where you can soak up the rays when the weather's good. Or, if you want to stuff it down with brown, head to Whiskey Business. Besides a delightful and grandiose selection of whiskeys, they also serve a mean cocktail, local craft beers, and you can enjoy it all on their vibrant rooftop! Or, if you fancy something fancy and a little pricier, check out The Violet Hour. This stylish, sophisticated joint has a bevy of master craftsmen who can whip you up whatever you desire, all paired with delicious bites. Catch a secret show If you like your music raw, and your favorite acts unheard-of, then wade through the cool and pull up a pew at Hideout. This Wicker Park hang spot features local acts and up-and-coming artists from the world of alternative music. On any given week, expect to see post-punk one day and then acoustic indie the next. If you like your venues grungy, your music noisy, and your beer just the way it should be, head down to The Hideout and see if you discover your new favorite artist. Just don't expect they'll have any merch. That's for posers, bro. Have a laugh We all like the giggle. It's said that laughter is the best natural way to gain a six-pack. And you don't even have to do anything, just laugh. How awesome is that? If you want to work on your six-pack and laugh till your sides hurt, why not check out The Comedy Clubhouse? Widely thought of as the premier Chicago comedy club, it's one of the best things to do in Wicker Park. You'll find a slew of shows on there, from stand-up gigs to improv shows. Many comedians you find on cable comedy greats like Parks and Rec and The Office cut their teeth at this very club, so you have some idea of the quality you can expect when you visit. Pair all them funnies with some refreshing drinks and delicious pizza, and you've got yourself a night out right there. Dig in the crates This one's for the collectors. If you're a muso and big into vinyl, do yourself a favor and check out Reckless Records. Inside, you'll find wall-to-wall rare vinyl from bygone eras, new EPs from up-and-coming artists, and even old movies if you're so inclined. A lot of it's second-hand, understandably, so make sure to check your purchases before you wreck your purchases. Or, God forbid, they wreck you. If you want to lose multiple hours and come away with a collection to make all of your weird friends froth at the mouth, go check out Reckless Records. Get artistic Need to be inspired? Go check out some of Wicker Park's quirky art galleries! The Flat Iron Building has a whole collection of galleries where you'll find mind-blowing, or mind-altering, works from local artists. If you like your art with a hint of street, check out The Vertical Gallery for some thought-provoking pieces on modern life, local culture, and antiestablishmentism. Or, if you like more experimental art, or are at least open to it, head to Johalla Projects. Step inside, and you'll find a huge gallery space filled with images, sculptures, movies, and paintings. Now that's art, baby. Grab a bite And finally, this one's for the hungry. Luckily for you, Wicker Park has a handful of great restaurants to get some chow. If you want some southern fun with your food, check our Ina Mae's delicious menu full of New Orleans-inspired dishes. Their potato salad is to die for. Want to go even further south? Try Antique Taco, which offers a selection of gourmet tacos and Mexican appetizers, alongside some tequila-based cocktails to wash it down. Or, if you want your mind blown with some New American cuisine, a few dollars more will get you a delicious meal at Schwa. Many locals think it's the best restaurant in town. Best you find out for yourself! And that was our list of the best things to do in Wicker Park when you visit Chicago!
Dom Bewley

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