Top Chicagoland Beaches to Visit for a Summer Day Trip

Who's ready to hit the beach in Chicagoland? With 26 miles of stunning shoreline on Lake Michigan, Chicago offers no shortage of opportunities to enjoy some fun in the sun. Now that summer is officially at our doorstep, our real estate agents are excited to share their favorite beaches in Chicagoland!

• Ohio Street Beach - 600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
  One of the closest beaches to Downtown Chicago, Ohio Street Beach is nestled just north of Navy Pier, adjacent to the Streeterville neighborhood. Though it can get crowded on busy summer weekends, Ohio Street Beach offers a beautiful strip of sand with a spectacular view of the downtown skyscrapers. It's also just a few blocks from other attractions like the Riverwalk and the Chicago Children's Museum. 
  
  
• Lane Beach - 5915 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660
  Located in the beautiful Edgewater neighborhood, Lane Beach spans three acres and features spacious, flowering gardens, a playground, and a shady pergola overlooking Lake Michigan. It's a perfect place for family outings on the North Side of Chicago. Lane Beach also offers access to the Lake Michigan Water Trail. Beach parking is limited, which makes this a less-crowded beach that's perfect for locals.
  
  
• Montrose Beach - 4400 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60640
  A popular spot for family picnics and cookouts by the lake, Montrose Beach is surrounded by Lincoln Park in the Uptown Chicago area. The beach offers kayak rentals and a non-motorized boat launch, as well as tasty eats courtesy of The Dock at Montrose Beach. There's also a dog-friendly beach at the north end of Montrose Beach. 
  
  
• 12th Street Beach - 1200 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
  The picturesque 12th Street Beach is situated on Northerly Island, a man-made peninsula that extends along Chicago's lakefront. The beach is a stone's throw from the Museum Campus and Burnham Harbor, and it offers outstanding views of the city skyline. Concessions from Del Campo's Tacos are also a highlight, as is the neighboring 30-acre prairie preserve, which is one of the best spots for bird watching in Chicago.
  
  
• Oak Street Beach - 1000 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
  With its location near the Magnificent Mile in the luxe Gold Coast neighborhood, Oak Street Beach is considered by many to be the best beach in Chicago. It offers superb views and a lovely strip of powdery sand, making it one of the city's most popular beaches. There's plenty of room to swim and spread out on the sand, with sand volleyball courts plus bike and beach chair rentals. 
  
  
• Loyola Beach - 1230 W Greenleaf Ave, Chicago, IL 60626
  Named for the nearby Loyola University Campus, Loyola Beach is a charming North Side Beach in the neighborhood of Rogers Park. With its shady trees and secluded location, this is one of Chicago's most underrated beaches. Loyola Beach is just a few blocks from all the shops and restaurants along Glenwood Avenue, offering a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
  
  
• Rainbow Beach - 3111 E 77th St, Chicago, IL 60649
  Rainbow Beach is one of the best places to swim in South Chicago. Situated amid a long stretch of lakeside land in the South Shore neighborhood, this hidden gem offers handball courts and playgrounds, a gymnasium, and a fitness center overlooking the sandy shoreline. The entire Chicago skyline is visible to the northwest, giving Rainbow Beach an exceptional view. 

Contact us today to learn more about summer fun in Chicagoland, and talk with our real estate agents about finding your perfect home in Chicago's beautiful lakefront neighborhoods.