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Many people are surprised to find out that beyond the skyscrapers and city streets, Chicago has some of the best freshwater beaches in the world.
There are 26 miles of lakefront in Chicago, with 24 beaches spread across its length along the Lake Michigan shoreline. When the city thaws and summer finally arrives, Chicagoans don’t hesitate to make use out of the sandy shores and unbelievably blue waters of the lake.
If you’re looking to join in on the fun and make a trip to one of the city’s lakeside retreats, then here are five great beaches to get you started on your journey.
Address – 1601 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
Closest Neighborhood – Lincoln Park
Arguably Chicago’s most popular beach, North Avenue Beach draws a huge crowd of both tourists and locals every summer.
North Avenue Beach is also one that is packed with amenities, such as a 22,000 square foot beach house, volleyball courts, a lakeside bar and grill, kayak and jet ski rentals, and more.
Address – 1000 N Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
Closest Neighborhood – Gold Coast/River North
South of North Avenue Beach, and just steps from Michigan Avenue is Oak Street Beach, another universally popular lakefront oasis.
Oak Street Beach is known for the many volleyball tournaments that are hosted there each summer, and also because its location allows you to go from strolling through the city to relaxing on the lake in just a few minutes.
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Address – 4400 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60613
Closest Neighborhood – Uptown
Montrose Beach is one of Chicago’s largest beaches, and when combined with the adjacent Lincoln Park, is one of the city’s best places for people looking for things to do outdoors.
Montrose Beach has many of the amenities that great beaches have, including a dog park and several food concessions. However, one of the things that makes it truly unique is its bird sanctuary, which acts as a rest stop for hundreds of migratory bird species during spring and fall.
Address – 3100 S. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
Closest Neighborhood – Bronzeville/Chinatown/South Loop
Some of the best views of Chicago’s gorgeous skyline can be found at Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, also known as 31st Street Beach.
31st Street Beach is located near the eastern intersection of several south side neighborhoods, which makes it the perfect meeting place for relaxing or enjoying some live music at the beach.
Address – 1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
Closest Neighborhood – Rogers Park
A little off the beaten path is Loyola Beach, located in Rogers Park on Chicago’s far north side. This beach is mainly frequented by locals, and students at the nearby Loyola University.
The atmosphere at Loyola Beach can best be described as very chill, exchanging the larger crowds found at some other beaches for softer sand, and relative quiet. This is a great beach to bring the family, or to hang out with a small group of friends.
