Beautiful walking path along Lake Michigan. Walk a bit south and you get access to the Kenosha Sand…read moreDunes and you can actually get down to the water. The path in the park is fully paved. Lots of benches and picnic tables. The area near the sand dunes isn't paved. More of a "hike". The breeze coming off Lake Michigan helped keep me cool on a warm July day. Not a lot of shade.

Beautiful simple beach front. Walk around and feel nature and watch the water. The town itself has…read morea very nice feel but we were there during the pandemic so nothing was open but it was a nice see and we will be back when the pandemic is over.

Do you like beautiful, uncrowded beaches? Listening to live music by the water? Cocktails on a…read moresummer evening? Then North Beach Oasis is where you should be this summer. Located on the Lake Michigan coastline just south of the Racine Zoo, the Oasis is, as its name implies, a sandy sanctuary from the real world. Some days I visit with a big bucket of sand toys for the kids in tow, other times- like this afternoon- I stop by solo for a quick break from the daily grind. Paul Curtin and his friendly staff operate a gem of a business. Refreshments are plentiful- both for adults and children- and the price can't be beat. Have a burger while listening to great bands (check the website for the daily lineup) or split a pitcher (or three) of beer with friends. Also consider this place for parties- my son just had his 6th here last week and it went off without a hitch. Simply put, this is one of the best things about Racine. You'll find me here all summer!

I wish I lived on this beach. Drinks, food, a live band, and Lake Michigan just blend together…read morelike a perfect gumbo or cornbread stuffing or some other indescribable goodness! It's not crowded but there are enough people to make it feel like a fun time. Carve out your own area for your friends and family or simply blend in. Either way, you'll be glad you spent a day at this beautiful, relaxing beach. Con: Those bathrooms are gross. I walked up without shoes. HUGE mistake!!!

Pennoyer Park is a gorgeous stretch of user friendly beachfront and park with a bandshell. It is…read moreflat, near the tennis courts and has ample parking. I love hanging out there for a bit with my sister when I am in town. We usually sit and reminisce. There are always a ton of birds so you can take beautiful photos. There are no snack outlets nearby but the summer is filled with fun activities in the park area. If you are lucky enough to catch a concert, food and beer, it's a bonus! Otherwise, Pennoyer Park and Beach offer a great place to visit during all seasons, whether an event is happening or not.

Decent Spot to unwind for a while n watch the sea gulls flying.Not a great spot for games as there…read moreis not lot of sand and too many small sharp stones. Waves are not rough so swimming can be done but dint notice any life guards either.Parking and restrooms available.2-3 restaurants which are walkable.

Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve is an excellent place for a picnic, fishing, canoeing, biking and…read morea tranquil walk. The wide gravel path is 2.5 miles around the beautiful Sterling lake. It's shady with many trees and also nice and breezy. They have nice private picnic areas right on the lake front along with a couple restrooms. It's a great fun day out for families!

Easy hike we took the Yellow Trail. Kid friendly, playground and restrooms are available. The trail…read morehad some cool wood chairs around the trail.

Experienced this beautiful view over the weekend! Was a bit too cold to get in the lake, but…read moreenjoyed the scenic walk.

Until last week it had been years since we'd been here. Simmons used to be our beach of choice in…read morethe area but Alford will be stealing that thunder. Alford seems to be far less crowded with the same amenities and a larger beach area. About the only downside, the sand is course and irritating here. It gets everywhere. Sorry for the reference...had to. Cheers.

Lehmann Park is a great place to relax if you are a resident of Lake Villa…read more The park is very clean and well kept with pretty flowers planted by the old clock at the entry. It features a picnic pavillion available for parties, grilling areas, picnic tables, clean bathrooms, volleyball court, beach / swimming area and boat dock. For kids, there are a couple of play areas in the park as well as swing sets and jungle gyms on the sand in the beach area. There is also a separate shallow swimming area just for small children. The sandy beach has clear waters - you can see the minnows swimming right around your feet, and the lake is very calm due to the boat motor restriction. I haven't seen a bad sunset yet. I love coming here and appreciate how the residents keep it clean. I do wish more residents would follow the "no dogs on the beach rule" though; the signs are clearly posted, but people sometimes allow their dogs to run unleashed in the swimming area. If you're a resident of Lake Villa and haven't visited this park, you must stop by before summer's end.

Hastings Forest Preserve has wonderful trails and paths for both hiking and bikes. There is a trail…read morethat wraps around a beautiful Lake. There is also a wonderful playground for children. It has a nice soft padding for kids to play on making it safer than your usual wood chips or Tire shreds. There are plenty of swings for both Toddlers and older along with infants and young babies. The only reason I have not given this five stars is because there has been prepares needed to part of the playground that have not yet been repaired. The repairs have been needed for quite some time now and have not yet been addressed. Maybe once the repairs are completed I will change my rating. Another great feature to this area is there are nice bathrooms right by the playground and in the center of the forest preserve. There are also picnic tables and a pavilion for people to have Gatherings of all kinds.

Hastings Lake Forest Preserve has approximately a 2.1 mile hike. The path is paved and pretty even…read morethroughout. It wraps around the lake which offers nice breezes. Many areas along the trail are shaded by large trees so it's not all sunny and hot. The lake has a good population of turtles and surprisingly also has big mouth bass among other species that you are allowed to fish! They offer a boat ramp to bring your boat or even canoe! They also have plenty of places around the lake to sit and just reflect and relax. The path was very clean and markers easy to spot as there is only 1 path and no diversions. It's a great morning activity with family and friends.

This seems like a nice park. Lots of trees and trails and picnic tables and what more do you need…read moreat a park? It was raining pretty hard today and cold so we just sat in our car and ate our lunch today but I'm good with coming back for a hike.

I enjoy coming here…read more. Not to mention I am a park explorer. This park has awesome trails, super clean and even has a spot where you can get free poop bags if you are walking your puppy and forget your bags. There is also lavatories. Park closes when the sun sets. Throughout trails you will see signs about the park and habitat. Great views, no picnic tables which is fine with me since I enjoy I good walk/run. This places goes up and down which is amazing. You you are looking for a cool spot to run this is a good one. The only thing is that parking is not very big. Other than that I'd be returning.