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    North Avenue Beach

    3.9 (215 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 11:00 pm

    North Avenue Beach Photos

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    Reviews With Photos - North Avenue Beach

    Sanjay G.

    Chicago has 26 miles of beaches, yes you heard it right, 26 miles of beaches. when you hear Chicago, you imagine the Chicago skyline with the river, and tall buildings, downtown but it also has a fab beach just north of the Mag mile (Michigan Avenue). North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in Chicago. it is a great one for families. Looking onto the water at North Avenue, this beach has it all. To the right is the city view we all know and love, The sandy beach has volleyball courts (like 100s of courts), plenty of space for visitors to stretch out, and multiple things to do nearby. It is a nice spot perfect for relaxing, biking, and running. the beach features a unique and popular beach house which has something for everyone and is permanently docked along this popular beach view from here is amazing and it's other side of the Chicago skyline (opposite to what you see from the Museum campus). John Hancock building dominates this skyline The parking fee is too much though. For 2 hours or less- it was $21 2-4 Hours = $28 Time: 7 AM- 11 PM Daily

    Beach House
    Steve A.

    For sure this is one of the city's most popular beaches. It has the crowds to prove it. North Avenue Beach is what's along the shoreline in Lincoln Park. Has one of the biggest beach houses ever. The rest of the beach has plenty of fun options. A pretty big beach in area. It's also notable for what's on it. The beach house is shaped like an ocean liner. It has portholes and upper decks like a real boat. Lots of places to drink and eat. Castaways is the most popular place to do both. The first level has burgers and ice cream, and the rooftop has appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and more. Also there's plenty of equipment rentals on the beach. You can rent bicycles, chairs, jet skis, volleyball courts, and wakeboards. Also sign up for the yoga classes. There's other food options including hot dogs and more. A long history about it. In the late 1930s a landfill extension was added to this area, becoming an improvement over a previous beach in this site. Completion was one of the many projects funded by the Works Progress Administration. The beach house was designed to look like a lake ship. Because over the years it deteriorated, it was replaced with a new one. This one has more room for more stuff. Certainly there's a lot going on at this beach. It's always crowded. This is popular for swimming, but there's plenty of bars and restaurants to throw up some shots, and eat some junk or whatever.

    Lisa P.

    Opening day for the beach! Oh, I have been waiting a while for this. Hot sun, warm sand and tepid waters. Yes, please. Sand castles, pin wheels and splash attacks. What I live for.

    Love chicago!
    Padma A.

    Most beautiful view of the magnificent downtown we are all so proud of ... I ride my bike most summer evenings and take a rest break to sink in the view and vibe. Love my city !!

    So many volleyball courts
    Nancy P.

    Coming from a soccer tournament in Rockford, with two teenage boys who are exhausted we land in Chicago. Looking at our options, the thought of swimming sounds amazing, so we Uber to North Avenue Beach. Don't let the bathrooms turn you off, this beach is super clean and a lot of fun. There are tons of beach volleyball courts, jet ski and paddle board rentals, a restaurant, and guys selling ice cream. A few things to note- you can only swim by the lifeguard stand and you can't go past the lifeguards in the rowboats. It will look like you can swim to the barricade but don't try it unless you want to get chased down by the lifeguard in the rowboat. Your safety is pretty much guaranteed because you can't go deeper than neck high . The water is bracing, but the boys and I had a great time. The thing that I loved was swimming and seeing the skyline of Chicago. It was surreal! You can, however, walk a little distance to Concrete Beach, where the lifeguards wear jeans and shoes and the waves are stronger and you enter the water from a ladder on the beach. I imagine this is not the kid/non-swimmer beach. We loved it because it wasn't on the tourist things to do and being from the East Coast made us feel at home.

    01/30/19 - North Avenue Beach -8 degrees
    Phil S.

    I have been to North Ave Beach on many occasions at different times of the year. This had always been one of my favorite beaches. I use to take my dogs there, play beach volleyball (many years ago), go biking or just hanging out watching people. I went there today (01/30/19) w/my wife on what was one of the coldest day in several decades. The Polar Vortex that gripped much of the nation and produced the coldest weather to hit Chicago in a couple of decades produced such a beautiful landscape on the lakefront. Parts of the lake were freezing. The warmer areas of the water had steam raising off of the water as the water was slowly freezing. I was very surprised to see so many people out and about in spite of all the schools and businesses being closed due to the extreme weather. I love coming out to the lakefront regardless of the weather to see the natural beauty that occurs at different times of the year. Chicago is fortunate to have Lake Michigan with its miles of parks and trails where people run, bike, roller blade, have picnics and just hang out on a nice summer day, but nothing can compare to the cold clear arctic air and seeing the pristine beauty that is the Chicago lakefront.

    Wildlife encounter
    Christina S.

    Today on December 26, 2019 it was a warm day in Chicago 61 degrees and broke a record! I love walking up from Oak Street Beach to the Steamship at North Avenue Beach. Today Lake Michigan has ZERO waves even though the lake level of Lake Michigan continues to be above the shoreline. I want to REMIND PEOPLE- Many bars and restaurants that serve nearby alcohol! DO NOT BE THE NEXT DROWNING VICTIM- SEE: the attached picture-Lake Michigan can be "unfortunate and unforgiving." See Today's FRESH FLOWERS which someone left on the railing of a ladder near the beach... BE HAPPY AND HEALTHY AND ALIVE- for 2020 PS-CLICK ON THE PHOTOS-THE FLOWERS SHOULD SHOW UP-TIED TO THE LADDER

    Almost lost my hat and a contact trying to get this shot
    Francis R.

    It was always weird to me that beaches existed along a lake. When I think of a beach, I think of waves on waves and sandy shorelines that stretch for miles and miles. Well, North Ave Beach got sand but maybe not past a mile. Either way, this spot is a clean one to enjoy a man made beach, but don't expect to get any surfing, body boarding, or body surfing done here. If you can look past all that, there's still plenty to do here and you'll find plenty of people hanging around in the summer time. This spot's great for chilling, soaking up the sun, beach volley ball, and even has a bar in that kinda tacky looking boat structure on land. Quite the formula to get overrun with bros which it typically does in the summer. In addition, there's also paddle boarding and jet ski rentals. If you end up paddle boarding, you'll want to scope out the lake conditions first. Being apart of Lake Michigan, it's basically the equivalent of being out in open ocean. You can get some gnarly currents, choppy waters, and wakes from passing boats which can make for a really unpleasant paddle boarding session. They do a pretty good job of keeping this spot cleaned and maintained with all of the people that visit during the summer. Anyways, can't beat that backdrop of the Chicago skyline though... That's all I got on this one. 'Til next time, cheers! 119/365

    North Avenue Beachfront
    Life M.

    I been coming to North Beach Avenue year after year and it doesn't get old "Best Hangouts" "Beach Front" Friendly How to describe the City of Chicago "Outstanding for its beauty that surrounds a great city" Beach Front, Downtown, Buckingham Fountain, Lincoln Park Zoo, Belmont Rocks and the story continues until than my Folks !!!!' A Must Visit Chicago Rocks.....5/5 Starts.

    Best view in all of ChicAgo right here -Yale Reardon
    Yale R.

    What a beach! Volleyball, Castaways, and great water to play in. Probably the top views in all of Chicago are just south of Castaways. -Yale Reardon

    Janine Q.

    Great city beach. Make sure you have good sand/water shoes/socks, cuz the sand is HOT! The water is cold, so if you're not used to that it takes a minute to acclimate. It was so refreshing and calming, though! Make sure you are ready to pay for parking. It was $21 for 2 hours or less. That's not listed anywhere that I could see, and it was a little bit of a shock when we got there.

    Went during the afternoon in May. GREAT for young and old photo junkies, bring a camera and snacks.
    Lyla D.

    I liked this beach because it is the first one I've seen and I came during May, it was worth it. The swimsuit and towels you do not need but during this time of year a camera and a jacket is recommended.

    photo by Dan Lornitis
    Jonathan B.

    One of the first places I went when I visited Chicago. And honestly, it is the place I kept coming back to. Perfect view of the skyline. I went in the spring time when it was still kinda cold. Not very crowded at all. I am also a photographer and if you like to capture skylines, this is definitely your spot!

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    10 days ago

    We live the beach and we love this beach. Go go go. Bring your family and a picnic. This is the place to go.

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - North Avenue Beach

    Is there much beach glass at this beach?

    Did the beach open up?

    Yes

    Can you bring dogs?

    No dogs allowed on the sand.

    Does it have a basketball court?

    There are no basketball courts at North Ave Beach.

    What time does this beach open?

    Swimming is permitted when life guards are on duty, 11 AM to 7 PM.

    View All 9 Questions

    Review Highlights - North Avenue Beach

    Volleyball players here have always been friendly and more than happy to let you join them on their net.

    Mentioned in 46 reviews

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    Oak Street Beach

    Oak Street Beach

    4.3
    (156 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Friends since we were 13....Our first conversation...(both wearing cubs shirts on sports day in the…read moreJHigh)....Shan: Hi, aren't the Cubs awesome...Me: Ummm, yeah....And the rest as they say is history...We are Cubs Convention Veterans and her Grandma K. took her Scottie and Shelly when they were littles and went since the 2nd one....my Mom grew up in the Chi and grabbed foul balls at Wrigley and sold them for a quarter at the bar...to say baseball is in our blood is an understatement....We bleed cubbie blue...But ironically the friendship that has lasted the test of time....we've seen and heard it ALL...and she's one of my life Coaches too....She doesn't judge anyone or anything....and let's me be me....even at 46...if the 13 year old still stands up ;);)...she's always there to love and listen...AND sometimes hang the phone up if I be pullin' some hoesh*t....#thebug #buyingnutmeg (we were buying spices for the cookie man Shan) #stinkweed #tacobellmoney #thepride #gettingJakeagatorade #Chip #Doug #Bo #DaveKing #LeeBelinda...You and Line can take #MarkGrace (I only wanted to touch him ;);)) ....I'll take Soto to complete the threesome with my daughters...because you know I want the Wood....but on the reels Davey Martinez...my attitude depends on my surroundings too....and when you believe in something or someone so much...there's most definitely crying in baseball....#fortheloveofthegame #Always And Yes, Angela C. I have taken care of my Bon Jovi tshirt thanks for the reminder in JHigh...and Mrs. GreenW ....I have't became a professional ball player yet...and I stress the word yet...insert last song in my favorite made for tv movie; The Night They Saved Christmas....#Santascoming #Sohott...I had every intention of wearing my bandana cowboy Jammie's last night....but I wore my stripes to represent...we are all given a hand of cards....and we are all called to do something...and some of us are born into it....itiswhatitis...but we need everyone to make the community work....that's why I make sure my boys know their math so no one being ganking their sh*t...#nojudgementever #Always #thestruggleisreal....(insert sign language on my right hand):)...I do live on the West Side of town but relate more to the East side....especially the Old Sycamore area...It's like the Northlake of Chicago....Rest In Peace Mark McDanel...he taught me my thrown down with RR....and my homegurl Shan was Always my partner and we didn't know about the bathroom trick until Mark's funeral...and we ate fettuccine at Rob's (RIP).... The Last thing I wanted to talk about was my West Side Sicilian Beef Anthony Marlow who is totally a CK underwear model...I look back at his photos and wonder what he ever saw in me....And the song Westside by TQ makes me think of you...(Just South of the Bay)....you'll always be a part of me...I have never received the love you gave me from anyone but you....#Westside 'til I die...(West Side of Iowa City that is) #theIC #onthelock #foo #shanismyrideordie Westside Dedicated to Eric "Eazy-E" Wright, Tupac Shakur Rest in peace, homies and to the love of my Anthony Marlow.... Honorable mentions to your Mom and Samantha....more life Coaches on what a family looks like:)...ketchup and mustard on fries....And I had my bis sister moment...#Bradentonlove #Always Yes, Frank gets a song too....Listen to Divine - LATELY...I inserted (FrankLee for the Lately) :)

    On of my absolute favorite beaches in Chicago! Oak Street…read moreBeach has a very nice skyline view of Chicago. It's easy to get there by car or bus or train. Also walking distance from the nearby hotels. Right off of Michigan Avenue. Love the sandy beach area! You can rent a chair and/or beach umbrella for a very reasonable fee. Or you can bring your own! There is a restaurant on the site, and a shack where you can get hot dogs and drinks. There was dj music on the restaurant patio in this August when I was there. I really loved this beach and I will definitely return when I come back to Chicago.

    Photos
    Watching the Air Show from Oak Street Beach
    Watching the Air Show from Oak Street Beach
    Drying Off after a Lake Michigan Swim-10/24/2023
    Drying Off after a Lake Michigan Swim-10/24/2023
    Oak Street Beach

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    Fullerton Beach

    Fullerton Beach

    4.4
    (22 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    Before I thought this was just a part of North Avenue Beach. Fullerton Beach is apparently its own…read moreone according to maps. It actually doesn't seem like much of one because there's not even any sand. Apparently there used to be, but now this is just all concrete. There's pretty good views of the skyline and city though. Apparently erosion has ruined it, so that's why it's not much of a beach. It's been replaced by concrete. The good thing is you can go home without an ass full of sand. A bad thing is how hard the ground is. This is concrete after all, so it's not comfortable to lay on. Also the ground gets hot. Hard to believe anyone would rather come here to sunbathe than on a sandy beach not far away from this. A few good things are around here. The Theater On The Lake is a good play to watch a play. Go to a better beach. It's just to the north of one of the city's best and most popular. This also isn't that far from other stuff in Lincoln Park, and you can lie in grass there, and still be able to chill and sunbathe.

    02/04/22 - it's been months since I've been out here by the lake. Just another day in paradise…read moreknown as Chicago w/our magnificent Lake Michigan. Today it's a relatively warm day in February. It's a balmy sunny 24 degrees. The left over snow from a few days ago is floating & freezing on the lake. It's cold but absolutely magnificent. This morning there was some moron walking on the lake near promontory point about 1/2 mile off of the shore. WGN TV was filming this moron walking on the lake. The Chicago Police were called to ask him to come in off of the lake. This is what I call a very dim light that's pretty low on the evolutionary scale.

    Photos
    Beach
    Beach
    One of the ladders at the edge of the concrete.  The water use to be 2-3 ft below the concrete, now it submerged in the lake
    One of the ladders at the edge of the concrete. The water use to be 2-3 ft below the concrete, now it submerged in the lake
    01/29/21 - breakwater covered w/ice

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    01/29/21 - breakwater covered w/ice
    Rosewood Beach

    Rosewood Beach

    3.8
    (34 reviews)
    19.1 mi

    Getting beach ready! Not only myself (preparing for a summer beach vacation), but Rosewood Beach…read morerecently got a clean up and seemed ready for visitors. It's been awhile since I've updated my experience at Rosewood. This review is based on a recent walk I took to get some fresh air and much needed exercise. After parking the car in Downtown Ravinia and walking to Rosewood beach and back to the car (round trip about 1.3 miles), I noticed a bunch of beach updates that are worth mentioning. First of all, gear up, because the beach is open this year and you'll be able to swim! It's a private beach and not free, so you'll have to follow this link (https://www.pdhp.org/beaches/parking-2/) for resident and non-resident fees. This year you can purchase a swim pass and a parking decal. I entered via the dirt path that leads down to the beach so I could make my way back up the stairs for a good stair climb. The path was nicely cleaned up and breathtaking all on its own. Surrounded by lots of foliage and overlooking the ravine, I walked until I met up with the beach boardwalk. The boardwalk is all cleaned up and nicely refreshed. Looks like it did when it first opened! The beach sand is all freshened up and ready for summer. The play structures for kids are covered (but not sanitized). The best part? The steep, really-great-for-your-legs staircase now has handrails! This is such a huge plus for when you can't quite make it up and need to lean over a rail to hold yourself up (don't judge). It was a nice quiet walk, since the beach isn't actually open yet, but it will get crowded for certain. Parking lots have meters.

    Amazing that I can walk here from my house. I am very lucky to live here. This beach is amazing,…read moreyou get great views of Chicago, Waukegan, and water. The recent remodel and rebuild are beautiful. It is nice and quiet her in the winter, all you hear are the waves, the wind, and your breath. Wait until spring!

    Photos
    Rosewood Beach
    Covered but there's a sign that says not sanitized.
    Covered but there's a sign that says not sanitized.
    Kids buried in the sand. Good thing they have a shower!

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    Kids buried in the sand. Good thing they have a shower!

    North Avenue Beach - beaches - Updated July 2026

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