If you're in Chicago or the burbs and looking for an expansive, clean beach with plenty of amenities, look no further than Tower Road Beach. The Winnetka Park District takes good care of this beach by raking and cleaning it daily during summer hours. We've also come here in the spring and fall when they're closed and the beach looks equally clean. Parking for the beach is at the top of the bluff. There's a nice view from the top, and a picnic area for those who don't want to go to the beach. A path from the parking lot leads down to the beach, you can also get there by taking the road (walk/drive) that contours the south side of the beach/park. Drivers beware, if you don't have a permit you probably don't want to park on the pier. Local po-po come out and tickets with frequency! The park area on the beach has concessions & vending machines (limited hours/access), two playgrounds, two other play area's for kids, a sand volleyball court, an outdoor spray shower, restrooms and a picnic/seating area. The beach itself is large. The sand that they've imported is a higher quality, softer variety that you won't find at most Chicago beaches. Water access is a bit limited to the beach area, so if you're looking to SUP, surf, kayak or other you'll want to check out Lloyd Park which is less than 100yds south of Tower. Other than that, you have access to about 100ft of water, and water inflatables are allowed. I haven't seen many restrictions at Tower, you're invited to bring chairs, food, etc. There is a daily fee which is a bit steep (I believe around $6/person) but they only charge until about 5/6pm. After that we've always walked on for free. There are few beaches in Illinois, and this is one of the best. Cheers! read more

Got to check out this beach in Winnetka if you're around here, because this is a pretty nice beach. It's located beside a residential area, but it's big enough to attract outsiders. Tower Road Beach is of course located along Tower Road. Along with the beach, there's also a park area. There's also of course a tower. Beach is big and as a result attracts some grunginess. It's usually pretty crowded when it's summer. This could be even more crowded, but it's not because it's harder to get to. It takes awhile. The worst thing is all the endless stairs. It takes a long time to get to from the park area. There's so many fucking stairs. Besides that, the tower isn't that impressive even though the beach literally gets its name from it. This looks like a boring old utility tower for the most part. Even though it's not that good, it's one of the nicer beaches. It's close to a residential area so many of these people claim it as their own. The worst thing about it is there's too many stairs. read more

See all

I love this beach. It is clean and fun place for kids as well as grownups! If your looking for a spot to relax and enjoy the view.. this is the perfect place to do just that! read more

Tower Road Beach - Gorgeous view for relaxing - Beaches Near Me - Winnetka, Illinois

See all

Just an FYI for everyone. This is a PRIVATE beach. We learned that the hard way when we went there and climbed down a thousand stairs bc nowhere on there did it say it was private beach. We got all the way down just so for a snobby girl to tell us it was for residents only sat and Sunday. On her stand there was a sign that said it was $6 for residents and $12 for non residents but it didn't say ONLY residents sat and Sunday. So we had to take her word for it and climb all the way up again in the heat and try to find a public beach. It was horrible. Wish they had a sign at the entrance or before u had to make that climb down telling u that it was private read more

I want to add to the one review thus far. While I haven't been to a lot of the beaches around the Chicago area, I was not entirely impressed with this one. There are a couple nice playground areas for the kids, but the beach itself is extremely rocky. Again, I haven't been to many other beaches in the chi-town area and I don't know if this is the case with all of them, but it REALLY makes for an uncomfortable experience when every time you want to go to the water, you have to walk on this horrible foot cutting rock bed. Also, I was not happy about the fee and the management of the beach. The place is run by teenagers who do not know what they are doing. They also charged my 3 year old $10, the same fee that they charged the adults, which I thought was ridiculous. In addition, there isn't really any signage by the parking lot to indicate that it is for the beach, so just be aware that the parking lot is where Tower Rd ends. You have to go down a very long winding set of stairs in order to get to the actual beach. There appeared to be a road that went down to the beach where you could drop of/pick up people, but I believe you cannot park in the lot by the beach are unless you have a permit. read more

What a great beach! We stayed for 5 hours; and found beautiful,smooth seaglass, (small, but pretty colors). We will definitely go there again. 11 Hoosiers read more

Horrible beach! I have never until yesterday been at a beach anywhere in the world that's as terrible as Tower Road Beach! This has to be the worst beach in our area. Painfully rocky. You cannot physically walk across the sand because it is not packed beach sand so you sink into the burning sand up to your ankles and nearly fall with each step. The sand is full of rocks and is excruciatingly hot to the point that you cannot make it from the parking lot to the water without medically burnt feet. The staff at the park district is aware of this but chooses to do nothing to amend the issue or alert beach goers of these awful conditions before you pay your nonrefundable $10 per person fee. There are many great beaches along Lake Michigan, this is not one of them by a long shot. read more

this beach is amazing in many different ways. Its very big and very spacious and that you can swim within a very big swim area. Also, its perfect for anyone that wants to come and just hang out with their friends on a hot sunny day or a chilly dark night. Best beach ever read more

No money, no water , if you are unable to pay you are not allowed to get in the water! I was all around the world but this is the first public beach where you are not allowed in the water! Did they own the Michigan lake? read more

I love this beach! We come here at least weekly and enjoy it every single time. It is run by the Winnetka Park District and they keep it extremely clean and safe. The sand is very soft and is clearly raked daily. There are several playground areas--one with lots of climbing and active choices for older kids, one designed for younger children with slides and swings, and several separate water-based play areas. There are well appointed bathrooms with soap, hand dryers, showers and flush toilets. (Still beach bathrooms, so do expect a bit of sand and the odd wet spot.) There is a concession stand that sells basic treats, but has limited hours however you can bring whatever snacks and treats you want from home. There are SO many lifeguards and they really keep a friendly eye on things, as well as arranging for chair and umbrella rentals. There is a line of rocks along the shore, but its fun to play with and explore and only mildly bothersome on the feet. (It doesn't even bother my 1 year old.) There is a large, free parking lot at the top of the hill with stairs down to the beach. You can buy a season pass, definitely the way to go, or pay for a single-use visit. Money well spent on a beautiful and amazingly run beach! read more