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    Bradford Beach

    4.0 (78 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Bradford Beach Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Bradford Beach

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    Nancy F.

    Nice, small beach in Milwaukee near lake Michigan. I came here for a walk and enjoyed the views and breeze. Really nice to come on a day off to relax.

    Victor H.

    (From September 2021) Who doesn't love the beach? It's summer time and the livings easy. And you know the rest. Whether you're going for a walk or laying in the sun or wading in the water, it's a perfect activity for residents and visitors alike. The surroundings are well-constructed with parking across the street with an overhead bridge to connect to the other side without worrying about the cars. When COVID ends (if it ever does), you'll see the beach bars and snack bars open up adding even more fun to this beach. Only gripe is the trash cans don't seem to be maintained. Some were overfilling and left some trash around the beach areas. Hope the city can fix this. It's too nice of a beach to be tarnished like that.

    Abigail P.

    It's seems funny to rate nature, but I'm going to try! I love running and walking along this beach. This morning was the perfect time for it. I got out there very early to avoid any crowds. Only a scattering of couples out. I was able to keep my distance and feel safe in this beautiful environment. Walking along the lake shore is one of the most relaxing experiences her in Milwaukee. Right now, with Covid, I try to stick to times when I know everyone is probably still asleep or hanging at home. Just a tip if your want to go down to the beaches. The early morning times are my favorite anyway. Everything is hushed and soft. The day is about to begin.

    Torrie B.

    Let's go to the beach, each Let's go get a wave We are so lucky to have Lake Drive and Bradford Beach in Milwaukee. It's the perfect setting for walks, running, tanning, sports, reading, and lounging. Anytime I need some peace, nature, or people watching, I can find it here. The paths and beach are very clean and they have a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. If you haven't been out for a long walk or had a beach day recently, treat yourself and enjoy!

    Alexis B.

    We visited Bradford Beach this past weekend when we visited Milwaukee for Labor Day weekend. What a nice beach for right in the center of town! Great views of the blue waters of Lake Michigan! Tiki bars. A place to buy food. Tables to sit at. Beach volleyball courts. The beach was beautiful. We sat on a rock near the beach and took in the views for a while. Even though the water was a bit chilly, people were playing and swimming and surfing in the water. A wonderful place to spend some time whether you want to swim, build sand castles, play volleyball, have a picnic, spend time with friends, read, or just take in the view!

    Chadrick J.

    It's a beach in the city of Milwaukee. It's so close to home. The views are amazing and during the summer it's just full of life and activity. We are lucky to have such a killer beach so close to home. For that I am truly grateful. Bradford Beach has it's flaws but overall it's a great space to people watch and hang out soaking up the sun. Sometimes it can get a little hectic down there as it is the closest place for people from near and out a ways to cool off but despite it's so worth the jaunt. How many can say they are on the lake and can walk up to a tiki bar and order a cocktail! They also have a bunch of volleyball nets littered about and some areas also have exercise equipment. All this with a backdrop of the city of milwaukee! That's what's up! You really know it's summer when you hit up Bradford and the place is packed from one end to the next. It's also awesome to walk around the beach with your pets during the off season from fall into winter.

    Ashton M.

    Bradford Beach had some pretty views! It wasn't too crowded, and parking was easy to find. I was disappointed in the amount of human trash in the sand. Walking barefoot isn't safe here.

    Ev @ AVP tourney - courtside
    Eric E.

    We were here on July 3rd for the AVP tourney and had never been to Bradford Beach before. This is a large beach with decent views from the bluff above. A concession stand heads up the south end of the beach and parking can be found there unless it's a busy day (like an AVP tourney). The beach itself seemed pretty clean but that may have been at the hands of the tourney folks. The tourney itself had an odd setup. The main court next to the beach house had a makeshift bar on the lake side and seating could also be had on the cement stairs of the beach house side, which is where we sat to watch the men's play-in bracket games. Meanwhile, the beach is very expansive with a slew of volleyball nets and space to rest your beach towel.

    Camille L.

    Big beautiful beach with a lot of young people. It's almost impossible to find parking on a nice summer day since it's so popular. This beach was recently "renovated" since lots of sand was recently added. Prior to that, it was not much of a beach according to my friend. She also recommends not swimming in the water since it used to be polluted. It's definitely a great hot spot and great people watching. Great place to work on your tan and to spend your afternoon!

    Parrots at the beach
    Ana T.

    Fun events take place here. The Miss Bradford Beach contest is fun. The beach bartenders are present early in the day. This is perfect... if you want to take in the beach experience sooner. Meet and greet all types of individuals here at this beach.

    Nelson S.

    Bradford beach is hands down effing awesome. What a gem of a place to have right here in Milwacky. On a plus note, its also a 5 minute bike ride from my house. CHING. Anyway, as most of the reviews can already attest to, its big, sandy, and full of beautiful people. Seriously, there is no short supply of toned up college students and milwaukee locals here playing football, frisbee, volleyball or soaking up their desired amounts of UV rays. Eye CANDY. Great way for out of towners to see we're not all beer gutted, brat and cheese guzzling opaque white polar bears. Too harsh? Beach is pretty clean, too, I believe they come through and clean it each morning or each evening. Thats super refreshing. Lifeguard on duty. Beach Cabana serving drinks and food (expensive...$7 Brat, $5 canned corona?!). 'Rita's are potent and wil get you buzzed though. Just bring your own carry ins- as long as its not in glass, you're bueno. And, I dont know why this is a weird thing to people, but I've swam in Lake Michigan here at Bradford more times than I havent. The water is clean, its cold, its crisp and its refreshing. The algae kind of is a problem later in the summer, but through most of June and early July, why on earth WOULDNT you swim? and you can earn some cold-water swimming cred with your friends. DO IT. Bradford Beach, I love you.

    Bradford beach iron man
    Lisa A.

    I love bradford beach! I'm lucky that I've always lived close enough to arrive here by foot or bike, and its been great to see all the changes throughout the years. It really is our own little Venice/Redondo beach from May to Sept. I honestly never swim so I can't comment on the water, but from the months mentioned, it gets packed especially on the weekends, when there's some sort of event usually (see photos). Even when there isn't, they generally have music going. You can buy food at the snack bar there. They have a cute little beach bar shake on the sand (complete with frozen drink machine.) There's lots of volleyball going on in the summer if ur into that kind of thing. They have a Thursday night concert series if you're looking for a change from jazz in the park. You can rent chairs, 'cabanas' in summer. Id say definately a stop in summer if ur local or coming in from out of town. It's probably the most fun if ur between ages maybe 12 to 27 (as is everything in life, really). If coming by car, try to park on the streets up atop the hill by lake park (lake, wahl, or terrace) and walk down. There's a foot bridge over Lincoln memorial that takes you from lake park right to the beach house. Yes, occasionally that fishy smell returns (especially on the north end) and yes, dogs r confined to certain areas, but this is still one of my fav spots in the warm months.

    North

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    9 months ago

    Bradford Beach is great! It feels like a real beach! Full of life and has a few cozy spots!

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    4 years ago

    So many dead fish. SO MANY DEAD FISH. and it smells like dead fish. It's a no for me.

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    4 years ago

    Always one of my favorite beaches, big enough to be able to space out and always pretty well kept!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Bradford Beach

    Where is a good place to stay (hotel) near the beach?

    I always liked Hotel Metro. It is in East Town and maybe a few miles from Bradford. It is a boutique type hotel. So depends on what you are looking for. What time of year are you looking for.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Bradford Beach

    Very Family Friendly , lots of college kids having fun at volleyball, and some Seniors taking it all in.....

    Mentioned in 22 reviews

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    Shorewood Nature Preserve

    Shorewood Nature Preserve

    4.8(4 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    This magical, somewhat hidden spot has been a longtime favorite. I started coming here as a kid and…read morenow bring my two kids here for some oneness with nature. It's small and there are only a few short trails, but it's as serene and lovely as can be. Fall is a perfect time to check it out, but wear shoes that can handle mud and slippery leaves. Be sure to head all the way down to the water. The beach is minimal, but the kids will entertain themselves for hours climbing on fallen trees, looking for the perfect rock and perhaps building a shelter out of branches. One last tip: On your way down the steep hill, borrow a walking stick that you'll find on the left hand side near the entrance. Just be sure to return it for the next explorer to use.

    I came here all the time when I was a kid and had the pleasure of returning recently. There are…read moreseveral short hiking loops through the woods and a steep entry trail that goes straight down to the water. There is less beach than there used to be; perhaps it's an erosion issue. If you hike along the water, the beach opens up in a few places. It's very secluded! If you take the trails off to the north of the main one, you should stumble upon a bunch of old wooden benches, which are remnants of a long-gone outdoor church. High schoolers frequent this place to, well, do the things that high schoolers do. Don't worry though, they're more scared of you than you are of them. This is a wonderful place to get close to nature. It's generally very quiet. I've seen deer, bats, lots of interesting mushrooms, and many varieties of wildflower. The trail can be overgrown, but it is still quite clear. It's not possible to get lost, as the park is rather small, and all the trails are loops. Just be careful about wandering onto private property. No one seems to care too much, but there are "no trespassing" signs by the fences. If you want better beach, you might have to ignore the warnings, but you didn't hear it from me. Also, be careful along the shore here-- it can be tricky to traverse.

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    Shorewood Nature Preserve
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    Lake Park

    Lake Park

    4.7(36 reviews)
    1.2 miEast Side

    For Mother's Day, we decided to skip the big fancy brunch, and instead grab coffees and pastries to…read morebring on a walk. It's been quite some time since we've visited Lake Park, but I absolutely love it here! We were actually kicking ourselves that we don't come here more often to enjoy nature, as it really is beautiful in all seasons. There is no shortage of trails, short or long, that wind through the park and dip down into the ravines. This includes stairs and some rockier walk ways that lead out to the lakefront. If you prefer to stay on the flat road, you can enjoy the well-paved paths by foot or by bike. We had our stroller along and were able to push it throughout. You'll pass by a golf course, the fancy Lake Park Bistro restaurant, lawn bowling greens, statues, and even the infamous Milwaukee light house. Looking forward to the summertime in hopes that the weekly concert series returns to this park, in addition to the traveling beer garden. My son should be walking soon enough, so we'll no doubt return to let him run free and get some fresh air, while we enjoy views of the lake!

    Music in the park here was awesome! I often enjoy going on walks around here on the various paths,…read morebut stopped by music in the park this past week, and it was so much fun! A few different vendors were available for food and drinks. I usually enjoy the traveling beer garden here, too! One of the best Milwaukee county parks!

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    Lake Park
    Lake Park
    Lake Park

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    Bradford Beach - parks - Updated May 2026

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