Beaches & Waterfront Activities in Chicago, Illinois, United States

1. North Avenue Beach

A bustling beach on Lake Michigan with stunning city views and a vibrant atmosphere.

Water Sports Rentals: Offers kayak, paddleboard, and sailboat rentals.
Volleyball Courts: Features multiple sand volleyball courts for casual play.
Concession Stands: Offers food, drinks, and supplies at convenient locations.

An urban beach with beautiful views of the Chicago skyline and a sandy stretch for sunbathing.

Beachside Dining: Features a cafe serving food, drinks, and adult beverages.
Pier Fishing: Allows fishing from the pier along the beach.
Beachside Events: Hosts events like yoga classes, movie nights, and concerts during the summer season.

A popular beach with a dog-friendly area, picnic spots, and scenic views of Lake Michigan.

Dog Beach: Designated off-leash area for dogs to play and swim.
Nature Preserve: Adjacent to a natural area with trails for hiking and wildlife watching.
Picnic Areas: Provides designated picnic areas for enjoying meals outdoors.

A quieter beach option within Lincoln Park with a beautiful garden and walking paths.

Garden Views: Surrounded by the beautiful Lincoln Park Conservatory.
Fishing Pier: Features a fishing pier for catching fish in the harbor.
Beachfront Cafes: Has beachside cafes offering coffee, snacks, and ice cream.

A sandy beach with a scenic location near the Lincoln Park Zoo and downtown Chicago.

Zoo Proximity: Near the Lincoln Park Zoo for combined nature and wildlife exploration.
Children's Play Area: Offers a play area with equipment suitable for kids of all ages.
Outdoor Fitness Equipment: Features fitness stations for outdoor workouts and exercise.

A family-friendly beach in the Hyde Park neighborhood with easy access to the Museum of Science and Industry.

Museum Access: Easy walking distance to the Museum of Science and Industry.
Children's Play Area: Provides a play area with equipment suitable for kids of all ages.
Picnic Areas: Offers designated picnic areas for enjoying meals outdoors.

A secluded beach on the South Side with a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and a nature preserve.

Nature Preserve: Adjacent to Calumet Park Nature Sanctuary for wildlife viewing.
Fishing Pier: Features a fishing pier for catching fish in the harbor.
Beachside Grill: Offers a beachside grill serving food and drinks.

A historic beach located in Jackson Park with stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Historic Landmark: Located within the Jackson Park Historic District.
Outdoor Art Installations: Features outdoor art installations along the beach.
Children's Play Area: Provides a play area with equipment suitable for kids of all ages.

A scenic spot offering breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.

Scenic Views: Offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
Monument and Fountain: Features a monument and fountain dedicated to Daniel Burnham, the city's urban planner.
Picnic Areas: Provides designated picnic areas for enjoying meals outdoors.

A waterfront destination with boat tours, kayak rentals, and stunning city views.

Boat Tours: Offers boat tours for exploring the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
Kayak Rentals: Provides kayak rentals for exploring the harbor and lake.
Waterfront Restaurants: Features waterfront restaurants serving food, drinks, and live music.

A premier waterfront destination with boat tours, dining options, and a famous Ferris wheel.

Boat Tours: Offers boat tours for exploring Lake Michigan and the Chicago River.
Ferris Wheel: Features a iconic Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city.
Skyline Cruises: Provides dinner and sightseeing cruises along Lake Michigan.

A scenic trail built on an old railway line connecting several Chicago neighborhoods.

Urban Green Space: Offers a peaceful urban green space for walking, jogging, and biking.
Art Installations: Features numerous public art installations along the trail.
Neighborhood Exploration: Allows easy exploration of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods.

A small nature sanctuary within the 606 Trail offering birdwatching opportunities.

Birdwatching: Offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Urban Green Space: Provides a peaceful urban green space for relaxation.
Walkability: Easy access from the 606 Trail for combined walking and birdwatching.

A scenic waterfront promenade along the Chicago River featuring dining, boat tours, and events.

Boat Tours: Offers boat tours for exploring the Chicago River and downtown sights.
Dining Options: Features numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars along the promenade.
Seasonal Events: Hosts seasonal events like concerts, festivals, and farmers markets.

A park on an former airport site offering a natural beach, bike trails, and scenic views.

Beach Access: Offers a natural sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing.
Biking Trails: Features biking trails with scenic views of Lake Michigan.
Wildlife Watching: Provides opportunities for wildlife watching, including birds and deer.