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    Ohio Street Beach

    4.0 (68 reviews)

    Ohio Street Beach Photos

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    Ginette P.

    This very small beach is located near the Navy pier. It's more of a lakeside type beach which is nice, the area is not very big & the best thing here are the lovely city views we stopped by for a few just to check it out & enjoy an hour or two. Can't imagine how this is in the mist of a hot summer day? We came in August & the water was freezing! Over all nice for what it is, enjoyable for a short amount of time.

    Panoramic shot on 7/24/21
    Daniel M.

    Walking around the Navy Pier and the Children's Museum, i came across the beach. I was wondering how people looked like they were coming out of the pool or beach and I realized that there is actually a beach built on to the edge of the lake. Beautiful area, i noticed ppl bbq, while i am not sure if its legal the beach was pretty empty on a Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, i had no idea the beach was open to public, otherwise i would have taken a dip in the lake. Nearby there was a park across from the children's museum that had water fountains for the kids to play in, tons of adults were in the fountain getting wet too.

    Steve I.

    A nice small beach near Navy Pier. The location is wonderful as it is just a few blocks to Michigan Ave. The views from this beach are the best! Not as crowded as Oak Street. No restrooms at the beach!! You have to go to the adjoining Addams park for the nearest restroom.

    Nancy N.

    What a clean and cute little beach off Ohio Street! We stumbled upon this walking into the city from Millennium park. They have a restaurant on the beach as well. It was clean and peaceful. There wasn't trash on the beach and everyone just went about their business. They had a little walkway that led right to the ocean. We used that to walk on instead of the sand. That was a nice plus because we didn't want to get too sandy. Downside - no outside shower or hose to rinse your feet off when you leave the beach.

    Variety of footprints in the sand upon entering the beach....
    Christina S.

    Just blocks away from the River North or the Gold Coast....you can walk through the underground tunnel at Ohio Street or Chicago Street....good signage and fresh white sand to sink your toes into! Restaurant Caffe Oliva has a bar and latticed dining area with decent food. You can sit at a table overlooking the beach and watch the sunset over Lake Michigan which is truly delightful. There is a bike, running, and walking flat-top surface that allows individuals to travel up along the side of Lake Michigan which is a therapeutic opportunity to escape from the sights and sounds of the city. You can swim and either enter or exit the water along ladders placed periodically along the side of the Lake as well. I loved the variety of footprints that I photographed upon entering the beach area....

    Walking along the lakefront
    Rhonda F.

    Come on! What's not to love?!?! We are so lucky to live next to one of the mid-west's great lakes. Always gorgeous, no matter what season. Always stunning against the bsckdrop of the city skyline. I went for a walk this morning from Division Street to Ohio Street and saw quite a bit of work going on. I was pleasantly surprised to see the trucks and construction was fenced off and out of the way. Many people were walking and enjoying the beach with no interruptions. Busy workers were building Oak Street Cafe. Can't wait to go there again this summer. My favorite time to go is just before dusk. The open air massage cabana is already open for business. Police were very visible on the scene, which makes me feel safe. There has been many incidents along the lakefront but I think the police are aware and doing their job. I would not hesitate to go to enjoy the beach, dine at the restaurants, get a massage or simply go for a walk.

    Thomas G.

    I love this beach! I use it mainly as my pit stop while cycling or during a long training run. I have never officially swam at this beach, but I'm sure i will at some point. It is by far the main beach where you see triathletes training at during the summer months. Great things about Ohio Street Beach are that it's close to Navy Pier; great shaded place to relax; has a cafe (Caffe Oliva); it's downtown; and also not too far from Oak Street Beach! Both Oak Street Beach, and Ohio Street Beach are beaches that many of our fit, and outdoor loving tourists that visit Chicago get to see. If you are not in the mood to walk or run no worries because there is a Divvy bike share location here as well. Enjoy

    Rawlins R.

    Great beach in the downtown area. It may be difficult to get to, kind of like Navy Pier, but once you get here it is worth it. The views are amazing and there is enough beach for everyone. No public restrooms here. There is a water fountain, a beach-side restaurant, and a cart vendor. Some chairs and other beach equipment are also available for rental. You will find regular beach-goers here as well as your run-bike-swim friends. There is a swimming "lane" where a lot of triathletes can be found training. This beach meets the lake shore drive path where many runners, walkers, and Segway tours go by.

    view of Ohio St. Beach
    Chris M.

    Good for all seasons because it is so close to downtown. The beach is very shallow so the water takes on the color of the sky and it is often beautiful. The skycrapers of downtown are so close to the beach but the vast lake stretches out in front of you. This is a great urban park. On beautiful summer days it is predictably busy, but on stormy or wintery days it can be just as beautiful as long as you are dressed for the lake winds.

    Nic Z.

    Out of the three beaches in the area (Ohio, Oak Street, and North Ave.) this one is by far the smallest, however, it's only two minutes from Navy Pier. The views are killer and location is great. I don't know that I'd come spend an entire afternoon here as it's too much in all the hubbub to seem like a real beach, but I wouldn't mind plopping on a towel for an hour or two. It's a great place to get away from the crowds at the pier or crash after a bike ride or run. Total sidenote, but I once saw a guy doing tai-bo here .. completely on his own.. in the dead of winter. I nearly tripped over myself running! Hello! haha

    Ohio beach
    Cely R.

    I love it Clean Nice ppl You can be Skiny Chunky Fat And no one cares about it But please use a swim suit No shorts or shirts ewwwww Like other north beachs Like Wilson montrose Lawrence...... Ditry beachs Well like i said I love this beach next to the navy pier :)

    Early on a Monday it wasn't too crowded

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    5 years ago

    Lovely lovely place for a yoga class! Sunday's at 930am and Thursdays at 7am. www.cathyleggettyoga.com.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Ohio Street Beach

    Is there much beach glass at this beach?

    Is there Parking available?

    You must pay for parking at a parking garage-Pioneer Parking is the closest to Ohio Street Beach. Google it.

    Is there washrooms or somewhere to dress?

    No only bathrooms if you are a patron at the restaurant on-site.

    Can you get to Ohio Street Beach now that lake shore is open despite COVID-19?

    Yes.

    Have they opened yet (post covid)?

    Yes

    Is it okay to go early in the morning? I mean like 4 am or 5am. Is there police there, is it trespassing at that time? How does that work?

    The Signage of rules on site says that swimming is only permitted when a lifeguard is on duty-09/04/2023

    Are there any public showers to use after a morning run?

    No-North Avenue Beach has bathrooms and a water shower outside to rinse off the sand.

    Can we grill here?

    Yes in designated areas. However you must bring your own grill.

    Can you bbq/grill at the park by the beach?

    I've never seen it during my many visits, so I'm assuming no.

    Can you have a dog off leash at this beach?

    No, but there are dog beaches near for that, which are fenced up.

    Can you drink on the beach?

    nope, unfortunately not :(

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Ohio Street Beach

    As soon as we turned up to the Navy Pier and walked over to the Ohio Street Beach the thought was gone.

    Mentioned in 28 reviews

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    North Avenue Beach - Pretty flower

    North Avenue Beach

    3.9(211 reviews)
    1.6 miLincoln Park

    For sure this is one of the city's most popular beaches. It has the crowds to prove it. North…read moreAvenue Beach is what's along the shoreline in Lincoln Park. Has one of the biggest beach houses ever. The rest of the beach has plenty of fun options. A pretty big beach in area. It's also notable for what's on it. The beach house is shaped like an ocean liner. It has portholes and upper decks like a real boat. Lots of places to drink and eat. Castaways is the most popular place to do both. The first level has burgers and ice cream, and the rooftop has appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and more. Also there's plenty of equipment rentals on the beach. You can rent bicycles, chairs, jet skis, volleyball courts, and wakeboards. Also sign up for the yoga classes. There's other food options including hot dogs and more. A long history about it. In the late 1930s a landfill extension was added to this area, becoming an improvement over a previous beach in this site. Completion was one of the many projects funded by the Works Progress Administration. The beach house was designed to look like a lake ship. Because over the years it deteriorated, it was replaced with a new one. This one has more room for more stuff. Certainly there's a lot going on at this beach. It's always crowded. This is popular for swimming, but there's plenty of bars and restaurants to throw up some shots, and eat some junk or whatever.

    Chicago has 26 miles of beaches, yes you heard it right, 26 miles of beaches. when you hear…read moreChicago, you imagine the Chicago skyline with the river, and tall buildings, downtown but it also has a fab beach just north of the Mag mile (Michigan Avenue). North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in Chicago. it is a great one for families. Looking onto the water at North Avenue, this beach has it all. To the right is the city view we all know and love, The sandy beach has volleyball courts (like 100s of courts), plenty of space for visitors to stretch out, and multiple things to do nearby. It is a nice spot perfect for relaxing, biking, and running. the beach features a unique and popular beach house which has something for everyone and is permanently docked along this popular beach view from here is amazing and it's other side of the Chicago skyline (opposite to what you see from the Museum campus). John Hancock building dominates this skyline The parking fee is too much though. For 2 hours or less- it was $21 2-4 Hours = $28 Time: 7 AM- 11 PM Daily

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    North Avenue Beach
    North Avenue Beach
    North Avenue Beach

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    Montrose Beach - Snow on the ground along the lake today.

    Montrose Beach

    3.8(136 reviews)
    5.2 miUptown

    A swimmable beach right along side one of the country's most major cities?! This past Monday, while…read moreon a three day trip to Chicago, I had Montrose Beach at the top of my to-do list. I love how you can park so close, and for free! Even though it was winter, standing along the sand and watching the waves from a distance was just so darn peaceful. I can't wait to come back during the spring or the summer. I hear that there'll be plenty of people windsurfing, swimming and playing volleyball.

    Certainly is one of the most popular places in summer for Chicago. It has a lot going on around…read morehere. Montrose Beach is located north of Lincoln Park. Amenities include bathrooms and concessions among just a few. This also has a dog beach and a bird sanctuary. Big ass beach. It's not like it's actually that big, but for around here it certainly is. The beach has a few ways to get around it, including an ADA accessible beach walk. Dogs have their own part of the beach. Even has a bar and grill you can walk up to and get something. Beach house is modeled after the one on North Avenue. It looks like a lake steamer. The amenities here include concessions, restrooms, and showers, but any good beach has these things. Also has kayak and volleyball rentals. South of here is a bird sanctuary. A lot of migrant birds come by in the spring and autumn. North of the regular beach is a beach just for dogs. Also distance swimming is available north of the boathouse. There's also a non-motorized boat launch. Has a lot of reasons to come whether swimming or something else. It's located between the avenue of the same name and Lawrence. The CTA buses on these streets have the routes extended to here in summer so getting here won't involve so much walking.

    Photos
    Montrose Beach - Enjoying the snow today! First day of Spring!

    Enjoying the snow today! First day of Spring!

    Montrose Beach - Higher waves than usual

    Higher waves than usual

    Montrose Beach - Crossing the parking lot from the park to the beach

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    Crossing the parking lot from the park to the beach

    Fullerton Beach

    Fullerton Beach

    4.4(22 reviews)
    2.5 miLincoln Park

    Before I thought this was just a part of North Avenue Beach. Fullerton Beach is apparently its own…read moreone according to maps. It actually doesn't seem like much of one because there's not even any sand. Apparently there used to be, but now this is just all concrete. There's pretty good views of the skyline and city though. Apparently erosion has ruined it, so that's why it's not much of a beach. It's been replaced by concrete. The good thing is you can go home without an ass full of sand. A bad thing is how hard the ground is. This is concrete after all, so it's not comfortable to lay on. Also the ground gets hot. Hard to believe anyone would rather come here to sunbathe than on a sandy beach not far away from this. A few good things are around here. The Theater On The Lake is a good play to watch a play. Go to a better beach. It's just to the north of one of the city's best and most popular. This also isn't that far from other stuff in Lincoln Park, and you can lie in grass there, and still be able to chill and sunbathe.

    02/04/22 - it's been months since I've been out here by the lake. Just another day in paradise…read moreknown as Chicago w/our magnificent Lake Michigan. Today it's a relatively warm day in February. It's a balmy sunny 24 degrees. The left over snow from a few days ago is floating & freezing on the lake. It's cold but absolutely magnificent. This morning there was some moron walking on the lake near promontory point about 1/2 mile off of the shore. WGN TV was filming this moron walking on the lake. The Chicago Police were called to ask him to come in off of the lake. This is what I call a very dim light that's pretty low on the evolutionary scale.

    Photos
    Fullerton Beach - Me!

    Me!

    Fullerton Beach - Beach

    Beach

    Fullerton Beach - Beach

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    Beach

    31st Street Beach - Views

    31st Street Beach

    4.2(80 reviews)
    3.8 miBronzeville, Douglas

    Best and most popular of the beaches on the South Side, lots of space and amenities. It also has a…read moregood view of the skyline. 31st Street Beach has a lot of history, both good and bad things. Has room for all kinds of activities and events. There's a beach house with bathrooms and concessions, and there's a picnic area and playground. Also known as Margaret T. Burroughs Beach. In 2015 there was a movement by public officials to rename it. This is the official name it seems. Most people still call it the old one. She was an artist, civic leader, historian, poet, and teacher. Also she founded The DuSable Museum Of African American History. The beach is within Burnham Park. In 1919 it was the site of what caused the race riots in the city. One of the African-American boys swimming accidentally went into the whites only section. The whites attacked him and he drowned, and in the aftermath there was chaos throughout. Has a lot of good features. It's pretty big and there's lots of room for partying or just hanging. There's also seeing the skyline and the views.

    This was my first time visiting 31st Street beach and we stopped by from 10:00-12:30 on a lovely,…read moreovercast Sunday, on Father's Day. The water and the sandy part of the beach were clean, but be careful as there is a lot of litter and trash in the grassy areas. Upsetting that visitors just dump their trash! There are bins provided. We had a great time and even scored cheap parking in the lot, just $6 for 4 hours! We enjoyed pallettas from the popsicle trolley. There are restrooms provided. A great day.

    Photos
    31st Street Beach - Rocks

    Rocks

    31st Street Beach - View from 31st Street Beach

    View from 31st Street Beach

    31st Street Beach - Near 31st Street Beach

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    Near 31st Street Beach

    Rosewood Beach - Pay station and prices

    Rosewood Beach

    3.8(34 reviews)
    20.7 mi

    Getting beach ready! Not only myself (preparing for a summer beach vacation), but Rosewood Beach…read morerecently got a clean up and seemed ready for visitors. It's been awhile since I've updated my experience at Rosewood. This review is based on a recent walk I took to get some fresh air and much needed exercise. After parking the car in Downtown Ravinia and walking to Rosewood beach and back to the car (round trip about 1.3 miles), I noticed a bunch of beach updates that are worth mentioning. First of all, gear up, because the beach is open this year and you'll be able to swim! It's a private beach and not free, so you'll have to follow this link (https://www.pdhp.org/beaches/parking-2/) for resident and non-resident fees. This year you can purchase a swim pass and a parking decal. I entered via the dirt path that leads down to the beach so I could make my way back up the stairs for a good stair climb. The path was nicely cleaned up and breathtaking all on its own. Surrounded by lots of foliage and overlooking the ravine, I walked until I met up with the beach boardwalk. The boardwalk is all cleaned up and nicely refreshed. Looks like it did when it first opened! The beach sand is all freshened up and ready for summer. The play structures for kids are covered (but not sanitized). The best part? The steep, really-great-for-your-legs staircase now has handrails! This is such a huge plus for when you can't quite make it up and need to lean over a rail to hold yourself up (don't judge). It was a nice quiet walk, since the beach isn't actually open yet, but it will get crowded for certain. Parking lots have meters.

    Amazing that I can walk here from my house. I am very lucky to live here. This beach is amazing,…read moreyou get great views of Chicago, Waukegan, and water. The recent remodel and rebuild are beautiful. It is nice and quiet her in the winter, all you hear are the waves, the wind, and your breath. Wait until spring!

    Photos
    Rosewood Beach
    Rosewood Beach - Covered but there's a sign that says not sanitized.

    Covered but there's a sign that says not sanitized.

    Rosewood Beach - Kids buried in the sand. Good thing they have a shower!

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    Kids buried in the sand. Good thing they have a shower!

    63rd St Beach - Fairly clean beach

    63rd St Beach

    4.3(29 reviews)
    8.0 miWoodlawn

    Went here for a community event cleaning the beach of debris. We skirted the other wooded (grassy)…read morearea as well. It was in September and windy. I think during the summer it would be nice here and fairly large. Nice view of the north side of the city.

    11/19/20 - REVIEW 998 Chicago's 18 mile Lakefront is stunning along w/the urban planning by Daniel…read moreBurnham's master plan to utilize the lakefront shoreline & make it accessible to the public. The 63rd Street Beach is just another outstanding example of this master plan. As I was walking south from Promontory Point there is a vast stretch of open paths for walking, running & biking extending in both directions north and south. As you near 63rd Ave there is a beach that extends to a building that I later found out is the Eric Hatchett Pavilion/63rd Avenue Beach House. This is part of The Chicago Park District but is currently closed to the public. As you approach there is a welcome sign to The 63rd Street Beach Natural Area. The approach to the 63rd street beach as you head south are paths lined w/prairie grass. The path leads to the lakefront and a breakwater/pier that extends out about 3/10 of a mile from the beach. It starts out perpendicular to the shore then halfway it bends at an obtuse angle. I walked to the end & was rewarded w/an awesome vantage point in any direction I looked. To the south you can see Promontory Point & the Chicago Skyline to the east the water intake & Indiana across Lake Mi. The west is the 63rd Avenue Beach, The Beach House & Jackson Park. This pier serves as a breakwater to mitigate the destructive power of the water. It was pretty brisk outside w/the wind blowing south to north @ about 20mph. I could see how strong the current was carrying out along the pier. If a person would go off the pier the current would carry them out into the lake. I really had to hang onto my phone tightly & step carefully because of the wind. This was a very cool experience walking the pier. Fortunately the waves weren't strong enough to wash up on the pier and besides the wind there wasn't any lake water washing up and over when I was out there. This is just another beautiful example of the development of Chicago's lakefront for public use.

    Photos
    63rd St Beach - Entrance view

    Entrance view

    63rd St Beach - Jet ski rental was $100 for 3 mins

    Jet ski rental was $100 for 3 mins

    63rd St Beach - Beach

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    Beach

    Ohio Street Beach - beaches - Updated June 2026

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