The best beach area I have been to around Chicago, not including the endless mile in Zion. Great for a lunch date or a mid-day run.

I was brought to this beach by Groupon, and I can honestly say I don't think I would have chosen to go to this beach had I known about it. Upon driving up, we were lucky enough to find a parking spot, however if that one weren't there, we would have been SOL. There were about 15 Peking spaces and then a street that disallowed parking. Like I said good thing there was one spot. The beach greeter was a very nice employee however she was not too knowledgeable about her job. She called over another employee after I mentioned the Groupon, and then we were informed but only slightly about what we were supposed to do. "Go down to the beach house" were the instructions we were told and they seemed pretty vague. We walked down the steps that the employees pointed to and were greeted by a small, crowded beach. We saw the beach house but decided to find a spot on the sand. By hearing our beach neighbors mention icees, we were informed that there was a concession stand. The beverages were reasonably priced and there were a good Amount of food Options. The Groupon had a kayaking component, so my friend and I went to the beach house finally to redeem the Groupon. The staff members were dry hesitant about the availability of the kayaks which was disappointing for my friend and I. After some radio conversation, the kayaks were available and I was very glad. We went down to the kayaks, and the attendant showed us where they were and told us to have at it. That was unexpected but great! I had a wonderful time in the water! The reason I rated this beach 2/5 stars was because the amount of trash I saw. There was trash in the water (just a little bit but it was gross) and there was trash all over the beach. There seemed To be a lot of employees however none of them seemed to be concerned with the litter everywhere. I hope it gets picked up soon and that people are able to have a better overall experience than I did. read more

Nice family beach, plenty of parking. They charge you to get on the beach which is why I gave it 4 stars. It used to be free. But the plus part of that is that the beach is kept clean. read more

I based this review purely on the facilities itself and not the cost since I went there knowing that it is not a free beach. First, parking is easy and quick. Love it. Second, the swimming area, just like many reviewers have mentioned is small. For me, that's not a problem because I am not an avid swimmer and with young kids, I like the smaller swimming area. The lifeguards take their job seriously; there were some teenagers throwing rocks and the lifeguard talked to them several times. I appreciate that since I have little kids, I really don't want them hit in the head by rocks. Third, the playground is nice! My kids loved it. Actually, the water was very cold (even in late July!!) so they didn't swim much but they loved the play area. Fourth, many reviewers complain of rocks and rough sand. It's all true so wear some swim shoes if that's a problem. But the rocks didn't bother me at all. Last but not least, the changing room. This is where points are deducted. In the beginning, the restroom was clean but by the end of the day, it got really gross. I thought they provide warm showers (after all, they did charge me a hefty entrance fee) but it's just cold water! Yikes. I told my son that it is as clean and as nice as Lifetime fitness but it wasn't. Overall, my kids had a great time and that's all that matters to me. The kids there were nice and easy to mingle with. Btw, we are not residents. read more

Beautiful beach! However, they are sticklers here. No alcohol, no smoking, and no getting in the water except for a small area. I paid $14 for this?! read more

I love this beach, it's so beautiful. But there are way too many stones in the water. You really have to wear water shoes. I think for the $10 they charge to get in could maybe pay to remove these stones so kids don't hurt there feet. Please fix the situation so we can go back please... read more

The area is really nice and clearly wealthy however I wasn't too happy with the beach. The admission is expensive and you only get to swim in a tiny area. However the playground and concession stand was great. I would much rather pay the same price to go to the Jersey Shore where the beach is wide and you can swim as you please. read more

This place could be so much better. It has an incredible location, great parking and the ability to serve food and concessions. It's too bad that they charge you so much to get into a beach, the food is barely edible (it made us sick) and the rocks at the water's edge begin to feel like shards of glass digging into your feet, especially after you spend an hour in the water. Thanks for trying, Glencoe, but we'll stick to Gilson and Langford. read more

I love this beach. It has many uses from enjoying a hot day with the kids, playing with school buddies, early morning run destination, dog social center off season, sailing launch site, outdoor group picnics and even a beautiful setting for wedding pictures. The fee clearly goes back into the facilities; the play equipment is fun and safe; the beach house well kept up and overall, very clean and secure. read more

I grew up in Glencoe so I remember the beach from a very young age. Which brings me to the paved walkway down to the water. For years, my father had to carry me up because it was too steep and too long for a little kid to navigate. Even as an adult, it is a challenge, especially after playing hard at the beach. Plus, I remember that the Glencoe beach wasn't pristine and always needed maintenance. As a teen, I practically lived at the beach in Wilmette next to Gilson Park. It was large, wide and always really clean. Because all of the Lake Michigan waterfront is privately or municipally owned, if you aren't a resident that town, you had to pay a fee every time you went to the beach. Got really expensive. used to go to the Wilmette beach nearly every day for a while. A lifeguard found a season token, no one claimed it, and gave it to me. What a sweetie! Actually, the lifeguards were especially friendly and helpful. They were great swimmers but they were also just normal people, not Sunshine Gods. Great, great memories. Wait! My favorite moment was when a friend and I, in our bikinis, were waiting to be picked up by a parent right at Sheridan Road. As we were standing there, a couple teenage boys came cruising by. They were both staring at us and we watched as they plowed right into the car in front of them. Almost a cliché except it was actually quite funny. read more

Great beach but they need to post water bacteria issues so patrons don't enter the water under unsafe conditions. We were in the water for 30 minutes with a toddler after another swimmer just got out before the staff came to inform us it was closed. There were no signs posted and staff was onsite. read more

Nah! Too expensive, sand is painful to walk on and no fun is allowed. Kids cannot use any fun safe equipment whatsoever. The water is extremely cold so only fun for my kids was boogie board. Well it is not allowed. What you can do is breath I guess. "Freedom" at its finest. read more

We have ventured to Michigan, Indiana and all of the closer to downtown Chicago beaches, and Glencoe Beach remains our favorite. As you are approaching, the sites of Lake Michigan are so lovely, like you are in a different world. Note: Not good for handicapped or wheelchairs as you do have to go down a long ramp and then a long flight of stairs. Great for kids and families. Plenty to do for smaller children, playground, water play and a snack shop if you don't pack a cooler. There are sailboats, paddle boats and kayaks to rent and a gorgeous pier to walk out on. Never crowded. The lifeguards did have a serious rule about "Not throwing rocks" - as they had to yell at kids with blow horn and a whistle about 4x an hour. It is a bit rocky at the shoreline, so you will need swim shoes for comfort. The beach is nestled in a very nice area, there is parking but if that is full, you can park in residential area. They also have golf carts to help bring beach goers to the entrance. AND they have a new grilling area that is beautiful and covered with tables. If you want a relaxing, tranquil day at the beach I highly recommend Glencoe !! read more