We attended (and helped set up :-) a childrens' birthday party at the north end of 12th Street Beach on Northerly Island in Chicago, just south of Adler Planetarium. This peninsula itself is man-made! Built 1920-1927! I think the old Meigs Field airport tower is still here, about half a mile south! It's now a pnice park and beach, and it's quite popular. We got there early on a Saturday (Aug 2026), around 8:30am, because the most convenient parking fills-up, and so do the picnic tables. We brought party fixins, picnic fixins, and beach fixins. We played here until noon! read more

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My favorite beach in Chicago, hands down. The beach is just beautiful. It's smaller than some others but it also seems lesser known. I've never been there and seen it busy like the other beaches get. It's clean, it's safe, there's real bathrooms and an outdoor shower to rinse off, and there's a hot dog stand right where you walk down the path from the planetarium so you don't have to bring food if you don't want to. It's relatively easy to get to, cta to the museum campus bus drops you off right in front of it, but it can be a pain if you're not taking public transit, that's my only potential issue I can think of. Pro tip if you do drive, skip the planetarium lot & keep driving, there's a cheaper lot where you pay by plate, $25 for the whole day as of summer 2026. It's all the way at the end, you can't drive further past it. If you want a peaceful beach that isn't overrun by people, this is your spot. Plus you get AMAZING skyline views. Truly a picturesque place. read more

Wonderful small beach area connected to a grassy park with bath house and modern conveniences. Gorgeous views and surprising clear water. Well Life guarded. Kids played in water for hours. Near planetarium. Lots of scooter and bike paths read more

Chill beach close to the Museum Campus. In fact it's just to the south of Adler Planetarium. 12th Street Beach is certainly conveniently located to a few things. Gets crowded. While it can look basic, the amenities include a boat house and boat launch. A long history about this beach. It first opened in the 1920s. This is located on Northerly Island, a man made piece of land that was supposed to be one of several, but no others got made though. At some point the Commercial Air Craft Association wanted to use the island as a landing strip. There were a few women's organizations who wanted it to have a beach, and so they got this. Easy to visit to rest of the island from here. It's located almost next to Adler Planetarium, and the bus stops outside of it. The island has lots of paths and walkways. read more

12th Street Beach - Beach - Beaches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Before visiting I came across something that said this was the #1 Beach to visit so we figured why not? Ahh .. The beach is very rocky & not very big but because of where it is I guess I can see the appeal good for families it is a small stretch of beach with not much else. Curious how this beach is when it's crazy hot out? We came in August & the water was freezing so we did not go in it was just too cold! This was a nice way to spend an hour or two just relaxing taking in some sun. read more

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It's neat living in a city where you still find new things even after living here over fifteen years. A friend and I decided to take our kids for a walk since it was a beautiful day (50+ degree temperatures during the second weekend in November) and whilst we walked around Northerly Island, stumbled upon 12th Street Beach. I never would have guessed a small beach existed here! It is very small, but I like that quite a lot. When we came by there were hardly any people here... perhaps that had to do with the 50-degree weather being a bit too cold for people to want to head to the beach, but I'd expect it's also one of the less well-known beaches in the city. I haven't ever had a desire to go to a beach in Chicago--perhaps some snobbery stemming from growing up an hour away from the Pacific. But if I decide to bring my kid to a beach this is probably the one I'd go to. There's a small concessions stand here (closed when we were wandering by, since it's only open during beach season), but you'd probably be better off supplying your own water and snacks. read more

12th Street Beach - Beaches Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a quiet, tidy stretch of rocky shore and some sand along the northern edge of Nottherly Island in Chicago. The view of the Chicago skyline is particularly pretty from this vantage point. There is a restaurant, but I didn't stop for food this time. Just dipped my toes in the water and looked at all the pretty rocks. I'm not sure about parking since I walked there from the south Loop. Not crowded. Very clean. read more

The 12th street beach is a cool little beach right off Lake Michigan on Northerly Island, the beach its self is right next to the Adler Planetarium. Technically, the beach should be called the 13th street beach, but due to ' 13 ' being an unlucky number, or superstitious, this beach was called the 12th street beach instead. This beach runs up until the 1450 block, so it is sometimes addressed as the 14th street beach. This beach has a lot of history and has been here since the 1920's. [ Address ] For those who need the beach address for their GPS, the beach is located at: 1200 S. Linn White Dr. Chicago, Illinois 60605 [Park Hours ] 6:00 AM-11:00 PM; for information, call (312) 742-5121 This beach has a beach house that has restrooms and on the outside there are showers for washing off sand. In front of the beach house, visitors will see a little stand, this stand is Del Campos, here they sell Mexican food for guests and the usually Chicagoan styled hot dog. Now, for me personally, the beach is a nice spot to just enjoy the lake front and people watch. To be completely honest, I think there is too much trash lying around on the sand and too much bird pooh, so the beach could really use some clean-up. While visiting the beach, one can easily notice people lounging around the shore, but few actually go into its waters, maybe they know, or maybe they do not know. However, for those who do not, Lake Michigan waters are full of toxic chemicals, it is a shame, because those who live and depend on this great lake and have to suffer because of numerous of companies that dispose the waste that their businesses make into this lake, and in addition, sewage is added as well. There is a reason why on extremely hot days they close these beaches, because the bacteria levels become too high for the public to swim in them. With that said, I will continue to visit this beach during my vacations here and others, I just will never swim nor allow my children to, which is why I can only give this beach a 3 star rating. On a positive note, behind the beach house is an excellent area for a family picnic and bbq. [Review #201] read more

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Beach has parking that is super close for $20. Worth it! When we went there was a lot of wind and choppy waves but the kids still had a blast. It had plenty of room to play safely. This is NOT a party beach at all. It is chill, families and just a small restaurant with Mexican food and kid menu. As others have said this isn't a beach you go to to lay out, play sports or party. If you have kids, want to lay on grass on towels or just want to be near the lake this is perfect for you. read more

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A tiny but great little beach with some patches of shade and families having fun, but without being a crowded madhouse like some of the downtown beaches. A little underwater dropoff produces a little more wave than some of the beaches we go to, for better and worse. One of the nicer parts of Northerly Island, in my view. read more

Oh, sweet mystery of life, at last I've found you! In my 19th year of living in Chicago, I went exploring and discovered the beauty of Northerly Island, replete with prairie grass, wildflowers, baby ducklings, breathtaking lake views, and all of this with a grand view of the Chicago skyline in the background. My eldest daughter likened it to Acadia National Park, and while it doesn't quite meet that caliber for me, it is truly delightful. And nestled in an eastern cove of the island, just south of the Planetarium, is one of Chicago's best kept secrets: 12th street beach. It is lovely, quiet, and empty of the hubbub of 20-somethings and aggressive bikers around North ave. And when the City of Chicago isn't trying to recoup lost revenue by forcing everyone to pay $30 to park in the museum lots, there will even be affordable parking in the lot nearby. For now (2020), I recommend showing up before 7am to get street parking in front of the Adler Planetarium (the security guards show up after 7:30, channeling cars to the expensive parking lots--keep in mind that street parking revenue goes to LAZ, whereas lot revenue goes to the museums). Bring a towel, a snack, and enjoy to beach! read more

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Cool nice sm little beach next to the adler planetarium we enjoy it the 4 of july ppl w/ bbq dogs around was fun tegular days is soo quiet :) read more

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Beautiful, lowkey, and few people around at peak hours. Alway's a go to spot for a date, friends, or to just take in life.

Ummm this is a negative for me...too many birds and shells and poop and trash and uggghhhh. Find another NICE beach if you actually want to have fun. My kids however loved it!! They are licensed professional bird chasers so the goal that day was to sneak up on one and actually touch it...the sad part is they assaulted a gull who shall remain nameless. He was pretty pissed and things got real for a moment. After a long sit down with the seagulls parents we avoided possible assault charges and went with a restraining order instead. My 4 year old can have a future...that's the most important take away from all this. All in all skip it if you can and go up north. read more

Smaller than I thought, but great during the week for privacy! Kids had fun, and us drops right off.

Nice beach right next to the planetarium. There's is not a lot of street parking but there is a pay lot. Small beach with facilities that are ok. They have a food stand but I have never eaten here. The items are as pricey as you would expect right on the beach so bring food and non alcoholic beverage. Good sloped hill for tanning. read more

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This is a great little beach for families with young children. First off its tiny, that may be a drawback for someone looking to take long walks along the shoreline or play beach soccer but for someone who has small children, it's easier to get around and keep a close eye on your kids. There's metered parking at the planetarium and a pay lot that charges 20 bucks for the day on weekends (which is pretty inexpensive for downtown Chicago.) The beach is clean and has a taco stand nearby. The Lifeguards do their job here, no texting teens getting paid to tan for the summer. There's also shaded areas for picnics and is a safe and relaxing family friendly environment. If you're in your 20s and looking to showcase your abs and pecs to the beach bunnies, this isnt your beach. You're better off going to Montrose or North Avenue, no volleyball or bars either. If you want to have fun with your little ones without any shame of your dad bod or embarrassment because you didnt wax your back and chest, this is your spot. Ladies; this is a no shame environment for stretch marks and cellulite either. I encourage everyone with kids to come here for relaxation and family fun in the hot Chicago summer. read more

This is a cool part of Chicago I didnt know about. The walk between the Shedd Aquarium and the Planetarium is a nice one and there couldnt have been a better day to be out. Great view of the Lake and also of the Downtown Chicago skyline read more

It's definitely a small beach but it's still an enjoyable place to come. It's not crowded, there is a food house place where they sell mexican food and fast food. They have bathrooms and a shower to wash the sand off. I recommend (: read more

This is a hidden gem of location.....ideal if you are already planning trip to the Shed or Planetarium. Make it a complete day....the Beach is small and secluded and the skyline of the City in background is Amazing!!!I wish I had some photos to show the perspective....looking North into the City is Dazzling!!! read more

I really like this beach. I would give it five stars if the parking sitch was better and there was some shade to sit under. This beach is in a cool location, has great skyline views, and is constructed in a cool oval shape. I appreciate that patrons can actually swim at this beach as the water actually drops off in a respectable manner. The sand is pretty nice although somewhat rocky and there are also a lot of bricks to be found in it as well. Overall this is a great beach to visit. It seems that not a lot of people know about it or want to make the effort to get to it. read more

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Love this place!!! Lifeguard are always friendly! Small beach but very chilled. The food at the shop is great and bathrooms are kept clean! Close distance to the planetarium and view is always great! read more

This is fine little secluded beach where one can done his bikini and tan in peace without having to contend with large crowds of noisy beach goers . It is especially pleasant on weekdays when one can sun to ones content at the far southern end of the beach without distraction. read more

It's small but there were no crowds when I was there on a summer evening, so that's a great trade off. It's close to the Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium. There is a tasty taco stand. read more

It's a small beach. Unfortunately you are not allowed to swim. You can dip your toes and that's about it. They have 2 lifeguards plus a lifeguard in the boat cruising back and forth, who yell at anyone who goes more than waist deep. Good for picnic, but not swimming and that's why it's never crowded. read more

Very quiet and not crowded - small in comparison to other Chicago beaches but as others have mentioned it is a hidden gem.

Of all the beaches in the city this may be my favorite. It is usually very quiet here and not so congested. It's neat because it's right off the planetarium and set off from the bike path. They used to allow swimmers to swim in the deep waters off the wall but not anymore. Best bet for this place is either at night or post labor day. Be careful though. There many wooden pile ons that were left half submerged in the water and beach( I believe they were posts for the erection of giant water park amusement the constructed during the "century of progress"exhibition in the mid thirties). Anyway, it's a great time to head over here In a small group on warm summer night with a case of tasty Mexican beer and swim out to the break, about 75 yards out from shore. Also go under the water surface and actually swim through the pylon's further out. It is really sad that we can't actually go "swimming's"at the beach anymore without some teenage lifeguard ordering you to come back in. One day I'll just keep on swimming out further. read more