Chicago Beaches (Lake Michigan)

There are many beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan. 33 in Chicago alone! In fact, there are so many that the region has been dubbed the "Third Coast" of the United States. Finding your way around is easy: the beaches are named after the perpendicular street.

The beaches are covered with soft, white "singing sands" that squeak underfoot due to their high quartz content.

Depending on the season, the water can be temperate and great for swimming. Up to 80°F in late summer. Beaches are supervised and open to the public from late May through early September. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 11 am to 7 pm. Swimming is prohibited in their absence. Some beaches are patrolled beginning at 9:30 a.m..

Lincoln Park is the largest public park in the city. It's home to a number of iconic beaches. End to end, they stretch for 7 miles, and everyone will find a good reason to put down their towel: families, singles, gays and lesbians, dog owners... The park is home to Chicago's longest beach, Montrose Beach; the city's oldest beach, North Avenue Beach (and one of its most popular); and the largest sanctioned swimming area at Oak Street Beach.

• Thorndale Beach
• Kathy Osterman Beach (north of the beach). The south side is mostly used by gays and lesbians.
• Humboldt Park Beach (its shallow water makes a great wading pool for the little ones).

• Montrose Avenue Beach (Chicago's largest beach)
• Oak Street Beach (one of the most popular beaches in Chicago)

• Kathy Osterman Beach (south end of the beach). The north end is most popular with families.

• Oak Street Beach (Chicago's largest swimming area)

• Montrose Avenue Beach (secure off-leash area on the beach)