You might know Chicago as the birthplace of the skyscraper or one of the largest urban cities in the country. But you might not know that we’re home to miles and miles of sandy shoreline, where you can swim, bike, kayak, boat, jet-ski, paddleboard, sip cocktails on the waterfront, and more.

Chicago’s 26 miles of scenic lakefront includes numerous public parks and gardens, an 18-mile Lakefront Trail, and more than two dozen free beaches that open to the public every summer in Chicago. Kick back and soak up the sun at Chicago’s beautiful beaches.

North Avenue Beach

A group of friends play volleyball at North Avenue Beach
Photo by Kathleen Hinkel

North Avenue Beach is one of Chicago’s most popular beaches with locals and visitors alike, thanks to its spacious sands, cool beachfront bars, and convenient location near other top attractions (like the Lincoln Park Zoo).

What to do: Ready to work up a sweat? North Avenue Beach offers tons of recreation options. Get out on the water with a Jet Ski for high-speed fun, or enjoy a leisurely paddleboard or kayak ride along the shore. You can also rent bikes and cruise down the Lakefront Trail, take a beachfront yoga class, play beach volleyball, or simply relax by the water while admiring the sunlit skyline.

Where to eat: The first thing you’ll notice about North Avenue Beach is the sleek ocean liner-inspired beach house. The top deck is home to Castaways, a casual bar and grill that boasts stunning views of the city.

Also right on the beach, Shore Club offers a more upscale experience. Sip cocktails with your toes in the sand or reserve a private cabana with personalized bottle service.

Explore more: Dine with a view at these waterfront restaurants and bars.

Oak Street Beach

Two girls play in the waves at North Avenue Beach
Oak Street Beach; photo by Adam Alexander

Its proximity to downtown and The Magnificent Mile makes Oak Street Beach an easy (and scenic) pit stop. That also means you’ll get an up-close view of some iconic Chicago buildings, including 875 N. Michigan Ave. and The Drake Hotel.

What to do: On the beach, you’ll find bike and chair rentals, volleyball courts, and plenty of space to swim and spread out on the sand. This beach hosts several popular amateur and professional volleyball tournaments throughout the summer.

Where to eat: Reserve a cabana at Whispers at Oak Street Beach, where you can enjoy waterfront views and upscale beach fare, like Neapolitan-style pizza and artisanal sandwiches.

Ohio Street Beach

Photo by Miguel Ángel Sanz

Ohio Street Beach offers a peaceful oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood. This small beach is within walking distance of family-friendly Navy Pier, one of the city’s most popular attractions.

Where to eat: Caffè Oliva is a charming spot with lakefront tables and private cabanas. You can also walk over to Navy Pier for more waterfront dining.

What to do: Relax in the sand, people watch, or take a stroll through nearby Milton Lee Olive Park.

Loyola Beach

A little farther north, Loyola Beach — named for the nearby Loyola University campus — brings a welcome change of pace along the lakefront. The quieter atmosphere, ample green space, and playground make it a family favorite. Nearby, the Rogers Park neighborhood offers vibrant murals, music venues, theatres, art galleries, and a mix of shops and restaurants.

What to do: Around the beach, you’ll find Divvy bike rentals, sand volleyball courts, a natural area, and an open shoreline that invites visitors to spend sunny afternoons on the sand and in the water.

Explore more: Discover top things to do with our summer guide to Chicago.

31st Street Beach

People jet ski at 31st Street Beach
31st Street Beach

Love water sports? 31st Street Beach (also called Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) is the place to be. The beach itself is located within Burnham Park, originally envisioned by legendary Chicago architect Daniel Burnham (best known for designing the 1893 World’s Fair), and features sweeping skyline views.

What to do: Head to 31st Street Harbor to find Chicago Water Sports Rentals, where you can rent Jet Skis, kayaks, and paddleboards.

What to eat: Pier 31 is a beachside bar and grill featuring a walk-up window and plenty of outdoor seating.

Hollywood Beach

Pride at Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach; photo by Adam Alexander Photography

Located in Edgewater, this beach is officially named Kathy Osterman Beach — though locals just call it Hollywood Beach for its proximity to Hollywood Avenue. The beach is also a beloved part of the city’s thriving LGBTQ+ scene.

What to do: The calm waters and lack of boat traffic make it a favorite spot among paddleboarders. Near the beach, there’s a playground and dog park, a natural area popular with migratory birds, and the northernmost point of the 18-mile Lakefront Trail.

What to eat: Aura on the Lake is a casual beachfront bar concept by acclaimed neighborhood restaurant Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar.

12th Street Beach

This unique beach is situated on the eastern edge of Northerly Island, a man-made peninsula that stretches along the lakefront. The cityscape takes center stage at 12th Street Beach, where panoramic views create a picture-perfect backdrop.

What to do: Northerly Island Park is home to a sprawling prairie reserve, perfect for bird watching, and outdoor concert venue Huntington Bank Pavilion. The beach is located within the Museum Campus, offering easy access to the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium.

What to eat: For a quick bite, swing by Del Campo’s Tacos, a casual concession spot serving Mexican-inspired street food and other beach-friendly fare, such as fries, hot dogs, and burgers.

Montrose Beach

Montrose dog beach in Chicago
Montrose dog beach in Chicago; photo by Kathleen Hinkel

Dogs love Montrose Beach as much as people do. Montrose Beach offers one of the only official dog beaches in the city, with a fenced-off section on the northern end of the beach where pups can swim and run free without a leash. It’s also the largest beach in Chicago, which means there’s plenty of room for humans, too.

What to do: Montrose Beach is a summer fixture on Chicago’s lakefront, with families setting up beach umbrellas on the sand and firing up grills in the grassy area beyond the shoreline.

Nearby, Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary attracts a diverse range of migratory birds during the fall and spring. A serene dune habitat supports a variety of endangered plant life.

Where to eat: The Dock at Montrose Beach features a large patio with waterfront views, a casual menu, cold beer, and occasional live music. It’s also dog-friendly if you want to bring your four-legged friend after a day at the dog beach.

Explore more: Check out our guide to the best urban birdwatching in Chicago.

South Shore Beach

South Shore Beach is perfect if you’re looking to soak up a little sun and culture, thanks to the nearby South Shore Cultural Center. The area around the beach includes a nature sanctuary, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts, a circular beach house with restrooms and showers, and excellent city views.

What to do: Cap off your beach day with a visit to South Shore Cultural Center, a gorgeous and historic building that houses a solarium, formal dining hall, theatre, and the Dr. Margaret Burroughs gallery.

Explore more: Check out things to do, see, and eat in the South Shore neighborhood.

Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach

Established in 1908, this South Side beach first went by the name Rocky Ledge Beach, a nod to its rugged terrain. The beach was extremely popular in the early 1900s since rare electric lighting allowed local workers to enjoy the beach at night. Today, it’s known as Rainbow Beach, named in honor of the US Army’s “Rainbow Division” during World War I.

What to do: The area is home to panoramic skyline views, a gymnasium, a fitness center, handball courts, two playgrounds, and Rainbow Beach Victory Garden, one of the oldest community gardens in Chicago.

Where to eat: Norman’s Bistro on the Lake is the beachfront offshoot of Norman’s Bistro, the upscale North Kenwood restaurant known for American Creole cooking with a Caribbean-inspired flair. The lakefront deck and bar serves hearty sandwiches, crowd-pleasing appetizers, and fresh salads.

57th Street Beach

Tucked in the Hyde Park neighborhood, 57th Street Beach draws fewer crowds, providing a relaxed setting for picnicking, swimming, and playing in the sand. The beach is part of historic Jackson Park, one of the city’s oldest parks and the site of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago.

What to do: Roam through Jackson Park and see the park’s Japanese garden and striking public art. The beach is also the perfect stop after exploring the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry across the street.

Where to eat: Grab a bite to eat at Truth on the Beach, the lakeside outpost of Bronzeville’s Truth Restaurant. Munch on tacos and burritos with mixed drinks in hand while a DJ spins tracks on select nights.

Find Chicago beaches by activity

Chicago beaches with waterfront dining

Sip cocktails with your toes in the sand, enjoy a meal with waterfront views, and so much more at these beaches with waterfront dining.

Start Exploring Route 66

Chicago beaches with outdoor recreation

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely paddle in a kayak or an adrenaline-pumping ride on a Jet Ski, you can do it all at Chicago’s beaches.

Chicago beaches near museums and attractions

These beaches are conveniently located near some of Chicago’s top attractions and museums.

More beaches in Chicago

Chicago’s shoreline extends far beyond its busiest beaches. These lesser-known stretches of sand reveal a different side of the lakefront, from neighborhood gathering spots to scenic escapes along Lake Michigan.