9 Chicagoland Neighborhoods for Beach Lovers

The sun, the sand, the exhilaration of swimming in freshwater… who doesn't love the beach? 

But you don't have to head to Florida to get your fix — the shores of our own Lake Michigan offer plenty of gorgeous waterfront areas where you can get your daily dose of vitamin D and enjoy all your favorite beach activities.

While the iconic, Instagram-famous North Avenue Beach is lovely, it's typically quite crowded, as it's a popular tourist destination. Instead, head for one of these beautiful lesser-known parks nestled in these top Chicagoland neighborhoods for beach lovers. 

Lake Bluff

Reminiscent of a peaceful New England village complete with a central green, this tony suburb is a relatively short drive from the metropolitan area, but it feels like a completely different world. 

Founded in the 1870s, Lake Bluff surrounds one of the most breathtaking lake beaches, Sunrise Park, where you can relax on sugar sand and soak up some rays.

Access is free for neighborhood residents and even includes complimentary lounge chairs; however, non-residents will have to pay a small entry fee to enjoy this secluded sandy oasis.

Rogers Park

Situated on the Far North Side of the city, Rogers Park is the first of Chicago's 77 communities. In the 1830s, an Irishman named Phillip Rogers purchased 1,600 acres of land on the shore of the great lake. In 1873, the Chicago & Northwestern Railway built a station on Greenleaf Avenue.

There are actually several delightful beaches and waterfront parks in this diverse and historic neighborhood. Tobey Prinz Beach Park is a secluded treasure with a nicely uncrowded expanse of sand, an unusual kids' play area, and shaded, grassy spots that are perfect for picnicking. 

Marion Mahony Griffin Beach is another local favorite. Once known as Jarvis Beach, it was renamed in 2015 to honor the Chicago native who designed the Australian city of Canberra. Mrs.Griffin was one of the first female architects in the US and worked with celebrated auteur Frank Lloyd Wright.

Wilmette

Approximately 14 miles from downtown, this 'burb gets its name from a French-Canadian fur trader, Antoine Ouilmette, who settled there in 1826. It's also home to Gillson Park, an enormous beach reserve with loads of amenities, a dog park, a concession stand, and more. 

Gillson boasts a long sandy beach where you can chill out and try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Nearby Langdon Park is slightly more rustic — it doesn't have all the same conveniences, but it's a gloriously obscure spot with a wide beach, perfect for a romantic afternoon retreat. 

Evanston

A beach lovers' paradise, the beloved community of Evanston features six public swimming beaches, as well as a popular Dog Beach, with warm sand, volleyball courts, tennis, nature trails, and more. 

The Dempster Street and Northwestern University Beaches are known for their boating and sailing opportunities, while Lighthouse Beach offers stunning sunsets and fire pits to gather around for scary stories and s'mores.  

Calumet Beach

It's something of a hike, but this sports lover's dream is worth the drive into the southeastern reaches. Part of the Chicago Park District, this historic yet mostly hidden spot has baseball, soccer, and softball fields, a quirky concession stand, and a huge stretch of sandy beach. 

The Calumet Beach Dunes Natural Area is a tiny little spot where you can take some photos, observe wildlife, and pretend you're not just minutes away from one of the country's largest urban centers. 

Glencoe

Home to the Chicago Botanic Garden, the residents of Glencoe enjoy 5-star schools, charming neighborhoods, and a magnificent slice of Lake Michigan beachfront access that's perfect for a family outing or a day date with your honey. 

Not too far from Glencoe Beach, you can also go check out the 894-acre Skokie Lagoons, a pristine forest preserve with public boat access for kayaks and canoes, good fishing, hiking trails, and picnic areas. 

Lake Forest

Leafy and appealing, Lake Forest is another northern neighborhood with exceptional natural attractions. Dazzling Forest Park Beach covers 29 acres and it's divided into four distinct sections. 

Each beach is protected by a cool rock jetty, and there's also an adults-only one if you're not in the mood to deal with kids at play. A bluff overlooks the lake, there is a boat launch, and you can also rent waterfront pavilions for gathering with friends and family.

Edgewater

Just like the name suggests, this vibrant district perched on the edge of the lake is chock full of antique shops and delectable cuisine. The Bryn Mawr Historic District is a great place to see some of the most interesting early 20th Century architecture in Chicagoland.

Edgewater is also home to a beach that the locals love. Officially known as Kathy Osterman Beach, the cool kids know it simply as Hollywood Beach. Rent a paddleboard and take some lessons, or bring the kids and dogs for a day of fun in the sun. 

Hyde Park

The 41st of Chicago's 77 community areas, Hyde Park is culturally diverse and home to both the University of Chicago campus and an elegant example of Frank Lloyd Wright's renowned home design. 

Bustling with shops, hotels, and restaurants, it also hosts 550-acre Jackson Park and the ADA-accessible 57th Street Beach. Swim, post up on the swath of sand castle-ready beach, and admire the superb views of downtown and Lake Michigan. 

Neighborhood Knowledge

The rest of the country has no idea how lucky we are here in Chicagoland to have so many beauteous beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan. 

Smooth sand, refreshing water, swimming, boating, world-class golfing, and so much more — these neighborhoods give you all the benefits of beachfront living in addition to appealing homes, good schools, and fabulous restaurants.

Since 1855, we've been helping people find the right home in the Chicago area's most desirable neighborhoods near Lake Michigan. If you're looking to move closer to the water and live the beach lifestyle, we're perfectly positioned to make your dreams a reality. Give us a call today!