Chicago has 26 miles of lakefront and 24 free beaches. These are the three I recommend if you're visiting. Each is good for something different.

#1 OHIO STREET BEACH

BEST FOR: FAMILIES + SWIMMING

Ohio Street Beach sits in a protected cove just north of Navy Pier, helping shelter it from the bigger waves along more exposed stretches of Lake Michigan. The water stays shallow for hundreds of feet and the beach provides a stunning view north toward the Gold Coast and Hancock Tower.

DON’T MISS: CAFFÈ OLIVA
Grab a table or cabana right on the sand for food and cocktails with Lake Michigan in front of you and the skyline behind you. Hard to beat.

📍 Ohio Street Beach — Open in Apple Maps

🍹 Caffè Oliva — Open in Apple Maps

#2 NORTH AVENUE BEACH

BEST FOR: THE FULL CHICAGO BEACH EXPERIENCE

North Avenue Beach stretches across more than 20 acres with plenty of room to spread out and some of the best skyline views from the lakefront. You’ll find volleyball, jet ski, kayak and paddleboard rentals, plus an easy walk across the footbridge into Lincoln Park and the zoo.

DON’T MISS: CASTAWAYS + SHORE CLUB

Two completely different ways to eat and drink right off the beach. Castaways is the casual option right in the middle of the action, while Shore Club is better for a table, cocktails and a more relaxed afternoon by the lake.

📍 North Avenue Beach — Open in Apple Maps

🍹 Castaways — Open in Apple Maps

🍹 Shore Club — Open in Apple Maps

#3 OAK STREET BEACH

BEST FOR: SKYLINE VIEWS + LOCATION

Oak Street Beach is just steps from Michigan Avenue, with the Chicago skyline rising out of the sand behind you. Its Gold Coast location is unbeatable, especially if you’re staying downtown and want to add some beach time without making an entire day of it.

DON’T MISS: WHISPERS AT OAK STREET BEACH

Grab a table right along the lake for food or drinks with one of the best beach views in the city. It’s an easy stop after a few hours on the sand or a walk along the lakefront.

📍 Oak Street Beach — Open in Apple Maps

🍹 Whispers at Oak Street Beach — Open in Apple Maps