lol overly clean beach, lifeguards start at 11am and before then the flag is set to red. Watch for the flag change through the day to know whether it's too choppy or safe. There is a cafe onsite, it's great, lots of options. In the summer you definitely want to get here early if you need parking. Parking is all gone by around 10:30 on a nice day. It's very family friendly, and mostly it is families. read more

Loyola Park - Beach - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A really small park with a lovely beach and peninsula including a small lighthouse. Short walking trail around natural area. Mural wall to check out local art. Not much parking. There is a small paid lot and it's a but expensive. read more

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I love this beach!! It's my favorite beach to go to! It's always so clean and it has two parking lots. We always find parking except on holiday weekends. Be ready to park a couple of blocks away but still find plenty of space on the beach. read more

We had a blast at Loyola beach today! We typically go to Montrose, but wanted somewhere a little less crowded and that's exactly what we got. The beach is so pretty! We were easily able to find a spot to put our stuff and then went over to the water. It was nice to see the lifeguards on duty because the waves can get a little crazy at times. The water was warm and everyone was super respectful. It was very kid friendly! The grassy areas looked so pretty and lush! We only walked through to get to the water, but you can tell its well-maintained. Loved it up here! Hoping we can squeeze in a few more beach trip before the end of summer. read more

Loyola Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Loyola is another beautiful park near some ocean breeze. It was a spot made in heaven to kick it at with my girl. Lots of families with their pets and all. Good spot to workout near the water. Not a lot of parking, so get here the best way you can if you are driving here. read more

Not a business, it's a park on the beach. Most people don't realize it's here. One of the many reasons it's so great. read more

Loyola Park - Loyola Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I would like to share my experience with the basketball league through the park district at Loyola park gym. My child did not have a fair chance in playing the games while other team members played continuously. He had to sit in his chair for almost the whole game for over 40 minutes for over half of the season. I had to remove him from the class at the end as he did not enjoy it. I do not recommend signing up for classes here. The gym room needs updating and sometimes smells like urine. read more

Great little park on the outskirts of Chicago. One of the last till you cross the border of the city. That's exactly how it feels, caught between two world. 9ne direction is long grass on a beach coast with an endless horizon that over Lake Michigan, the other a gradual crescendo of building strung along the coast to the peak of the Hancock tower. People are just chillin with their dogs, looking at all the art, maybe napping under the willow tree. It's a vibe. read more

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I love Loyola Park. I am a native New Yorker and I had no idea Chicago even had beaches Yet alone one just blocks away from me! It's usually empty during the week. I went one Saturday just to get a feel of foot traffic. It was still toleratable. I suggest you pack your swimwear and take a dive ( Be blessed)! read more

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Nice cool park in Chicago that is on the border of the lake and has some cool designs and sculptures and different walking paths and peers that's pretty cool to check out. My family and I stopped in here when we are vacationing and we got some good photo ops it's a good walking in it's definitely worth checking out when you're in the area read more

Loyola Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wonderful beach and walking/running trail. I was pleasantly surprised to find a row of over 150 painted benches, so pretty! read more

Loyola Park - Art Benches - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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quiet, peaceful, meditative, and it will stay this way if people can also clean up after their dogs.

Would like to see more security patrols and efforts made to keep everything clean and safe for everyone. Good job overall by park and staff. Love the area. read more

Loyola Park - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

the best place for birds. If you like birds, then this is the place to be. If you're the type of person to enjoy the aviary species this is the place for you! If you like birds. Honestly in my top 13. Perfect in terms of everything honestly especially birds. Sometimes I come here to communicate? ok so update i came here today at dusk. yess read more

Came here on a perfect mid June day. Weather was phenomenal with a light breeze blowing. Plenty of beach area and grass park area to bring the family and setup for a great beach and park day. Lifeguards were on duty and there were a lot of people enjoying the day. The park area provides plenty of shade and grass for bbq'ing and any other park activities. There is parking there as well as street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods. The CTA train station, Morse Station, is only 1/4 mile away so if you're taking the train here it's an easy walk through a pretty neighborhood. There are a lot of food options in the surrounding area that are an easy walk as well. read more

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I can't believe I've waited so long to review my favorite spot in Chicago. I live in Rogers Park, so Loyola Park really feels like my own private secret garden. It's segmented off from the rest of the Chicago lakefront by Loyola University to the south, and Touhy street at the north end. In between lies about a mile of gorgeous beach and grasslands, fields for soccer, tennis courts, a small baseball diamond (with outdoor seating, good for stair joggers), basketball court, a lifeguard training station, and a few different playgrounds for kids. (There are remnants of an old parcourse fitness trail, including a chin-up station ... it would be great if the city would restore the whole trail!) It's my favorite place to go for walks, to people-watch, relax, and observe the change of seasons. The nearby neighborhood is one of the most diverse in the nation, and you will see & hear all kinds of people peacefully enjoying the park together. Just a half-block away is Sheridan Ave., with a small movie theater, restaurants, a bookstore, and other shops. I go to this park almost every day, and I can't imagine living in Chicago without it. It makes my neighborhood feel like a little slice of heaven. read more

Loyola Park is one to visit...as often as possible. There's so much to see, places to rest, and space to move. It's easy to capture a shot on my iPhone of moments & views I wish to not forget and to look back on. It's really beautiful and most times awe-inspiring. Alone or with others -- the chances of breathing a bit lighter when you leave is in your favor. read more

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Just a beautiful park on the lake with a lot of interesting peeps and fresh air. I love the trails through the dunes and little picnics people are always having. read more

Amazing beach that wasn't too crowded. There's a place to play sand volleyball and grill out, and a nice long yellow stretch of beach that awards you views of downtown Chicago and Evanston. The sand is nice and soft, however there is a small section of pebbles on the oceanfront that you have to cross in order to get to a sandier bottom, but you'll reach that once get about waist deep into the water. The water is petty chilly, but it's nice and refreshing on a hot summer day. If you're there, don't forget to check out the art wall, a series of outdoor paintings done on the concrete steps. They are absolutely stunning and hand painted by the residents annually. If you're looking for a nice, not as crowded beach look no further! read more

Loyola Park - Beach view - Parks Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Beautiful beach! Its peaceful also, and great place to watch the sunrise and sunset. Loyola Beach park is one of the few with a playground along with Lane/Thorndale Beach. It also has a parking lot, but it's meter parking. If you're lucky you could land a parking spot in the neighborhood. In the summertime this park has a concession stand to keep you satisfied while relaxing on the beach, or strolling around the path with family or friends. From what I've seen at times are families having barbecues, or playing sports near the Broadway street, during the summer months. Loyola Beach is one of the few places including the other two I've mentioned where the entire family can have a good time, but the only difference is parking vs Lane/Thorndale Beach having no parking. Enjoy! read more

One Word: Perfect! You can completely enjoy some outdoor fun for the whole family with a fraction of the crowd that you will find at the Oak Street or North Avenue Beach areas. It is a little off of the beaten path but the lack of massive crowds is well worth it! If you don't feel like a beach head on over to the park and find a shady spot on a bench and relax or take the kids to the playground! This is a great spot! read more

There are a lot of parks in Chicago, but I didn't think there were any places like this! It's the best of all the outdoors rolled into one: grassy green areas, basketball courts and space for sports, plus the beach- complete with lifeguards and sand for castle-building. The trail around the area is nicely paved and flat, and there's a free parking lot, too. Only downside is I never found a public bathroom in the area. Great place to take a break from the city. read more

Loyola Park Beach is one of my favorite public beaches in Rogers Park. Be sure to check out the Art Wall, which is a log series of concrete benches repainted annually by artistic Rogers Park residents. read more

28 years and going @ this beach - best beach in Chicago. Too bad people (especially the snobby ones) are starting to find out about it. read more

Nice beach, but the life guard staff is completely obnoxious. Went there yesterday and witnessed conflicts between the lifeguard staff and no less than 10 different groups in 90 minutes. Far too many lifeguards, leaving them with nothing to do but harass the swimmers. read more

This beach is great for hanging out after a long day (or part of a long day...) of classes. I spent a good portion (this includes the winter months) of my freshman year at Loyola walking this beach. Another reviewer mentioned the Art Wall. I think it is one of the more fun things about this beach. Some of the benches have hilarious paintings (read: well done and intentionally funny) which have brightened up a good number of my days. This beach is also a great place to run into dog owners as well as a good number of Loyola students. You may even be lucky enough to join in a frisbee game or conversation and meet new people. :-) read more

This beach isn't over crowded or pretentious like some other Chicago beaches. I wouldn't suggest it on a moderately windy day, as sand is easily blown on that beach, but it's perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. There is green space behind the beach, which is perfect for picnics and cook outs, and there are a few ball fields on the north end of the park for sports. Only odd thing: the lifeguards are seriously OCD about anyone going in the water deeper than their navel, regardless of the fact that they patrol by canoe and not in the typical lifeguard chairs. What's up with that? read more

Since it was such a warm day out I decided to take the doggie here for a walk and to play around. The experience was very nice and relaxing. There was tons of people out and everyone was very friendly. There was many other dogs here as well, so my pup had fun, and he loved running around in the sand. There are a few walking paths here and a kiddy playground as well. Theres also some grills here where you can have a bbq at. But I didnt see any picnic benches. The beach can use a little cleaning up or else I would've given it 5 stars read more

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This beach is great! Just your typical friendly neighborhood Great Lake. It is rarely crowded here so you needn't worry about being smacked in the face with a volleyball while relaxing and sunbathing. The only downside I know of is the field house behind the beach (attached to the baseball diamond). Is it great that said field house offers summer programs to children? Yes. Is it wonderful that said children are sometimes taken to the beach by program counselors? Yes. Is it lovely when 30 of these children file past you on the beach, all of them kicking sand in your face? No... It is not. I resent this Loyola Park Campers age 6-9! I resent this! Pay no heed to my prejudices against the youngsters. This place is great. Really. Now go build a sandcastle, Hunter. Mommy's working on her tan. read more

This beach is HUGE and rarely crowded. Standing near the shore, you wouldn't even know you are in Chicago, aside from the skyline to the south. This beach fronts homes and apartment buildings. It has a neighborhood feel with a view to boot. Bottom Line: A great beach that even if crowded, feels empty. read more

This is a super nice beach that seems very family friendly. It has a bunch of half walls throughout, it's huge and the sand is pretty nice with some rocks throughout. There is also a huge amount of parkig available which is nice. There doesn't seem to be much shade available but this each is great. I also like that the water drops off pretty quickly once you go in which is a plus. I definitely recommend this beach! read more

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We spent an enjoyable afternoon lake side at this beach. Being just outside the main city it felt less crowded. There was paid parking within easy walking distance of the "beach", at only $2 per hour. Bathroom facilities were fairly clean. The beach itself was mostly clean--some jerks always throw trash in the sand, but the water was clear. On the day we went lifeguards were plentiful and ON IT! Every time waves got larger they controlled the crowd to keep everyone safe. It seemed there was a guard on the stand, one patrolling up and down the beachfront, and one in a boat a hundred or so yards off the beach. There was a great kids play park a walk down the beach, as well. read more

THIS IS MY FAVORITE! Loyola Park stretches along the lakefront from Touhy Ave. to Pratt Ave. The park offers something for everyone: cheap parking, playground, beach, grass, trees, sand, view, tennis courts, walkway out to a tiny lighthouse-like structure, friendly people (although almost everyone I've met in Rogers Park is super friendly or at least not rude). I sometimes just bring my food or coffee here and watch the lake. It's beautiful. There's a path that runs through also... it's just wonderful.... Oh and I had my birthday party here a few weeks ago. I catered food from Smoque and set it up at the beach, it was the best. Not crowded and a wonderful view. I think this park is one of my top 3 favorite things about Rogers Park. read more

You will NOT find Loyola Park Beach on the Chicago Park District Website, because that is not the name of this beach! It's real name is Leone Beach, and i believe the playground here is named Loyola Park, but "Loyola Park Beach"doesn't exist, sorry Guys & DoLLs read more

How is it that I just discovered how pleasant this place is? I have to thank my Rogers Park friends, who assure me, with complete seriousness, that they "live in paradise." Really??? After several weekday excursions and visits to this beach area, I am maybe, just a little teeny tiny bit, to agree that they have easy access to something special here. First, my only complaint -- lots of parking, all metered and expensive. Yuck. As a true Chicagoan, it is always my goal to park for free, and I can't do that up close at Loyola. However, as a true Chicagoan, i don't mind walking a couple blocks to my destination. On the weekdays, I can find easy parking along nearby Sheridan Road. In season, this park features a small restaurant run by Rogers Park's Heartland Cafe. Season ends with the Labor Day weekend. The benches are still there, and plenty of trash cans and recycling containers, so you can bring a beverage and food with you to enjoy there. There is also a playground, ideal for entertaining kids and kind of fun for us *ahem* "older" folks who enjoy simple pleasures like a swing set. There is also a public washroom nearby. The best feature, of course, is the lakefront. And with that, the lakefront path, the park, several benches to sit and watch the waves, and a measure of peace and serenity rare to find in this major metropolitan area. Even with warm September days, the area is not busy Monday-Friday. I especially appreciate the windy days. The wind whips up the waves, not high enough to cause damage or endanger anyone, but just enough to create that soothing sound as those waves roll up to and collide with the sandy shore. Sometimes I just sit on a park bench and stare at the water. No wave pattern is ever like another. The gentle crashing of the waves, the sun glistening off the water, the occasional biker or runner or stroller coming by on the path . . . this all combines into an incredibly powerful drug that lowers blood pressure, calms the mind, and somehow makes all seem right in the universe. When I get tired of sitting, I meander south on the path, past the artists of the wall, past the tennis court, and maybe walk out onto the concrete pier that juts out into the lake for a couple hundred feet. Sometimes a fisherman is casting his lines at the far end of the pier. The wind picks up, as it always does once you're even a little bit out on the lake. My head clears. My heartbeat slows to a steady, unruffled pace. Is this paradise? Maybe. Maybe just a little slice of it. But don't tell anyone, okay? Let it be our little secret. read more

The only beach I go to. Long beach with a playground and a little cafe. Pretty clean with a police presence. My favorite place. Love it! read more

The Beach Poets Sundays from 4-6pm can be found at Loyola Beach beginning mid-June through mid-August. Featuring an exciting new poet every week, this event has been hosted by Cathleen Schandelmeier since 1990! It began on North Avenue Beach, but transferred to the lovely Loyola Beach in 2000. You may find out more information on features and poets by going to the Beach Poets myspace page. Dogs and children are always welcome! read more

The best beach in Chicago,here with all the races and cultures Rogers Park is known for all converge unitedly for the simple pleasure of a day at the beach read more

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The after school program is amazing!! Tanya & Brandon are so good!! Love the program and the park being next to the lake is perfect and so beautiful! read more

I really love this park. Great place for the locals to hang it. Definitely not a tourist beach. It can be a little crazy on 4th of July, especially with the insane amount of fireworks, but still one of my favorite places to go with family in the area. read more