Gurnee Beaches

Going to a beach in Gurnee, IL can be made into a fun-filled day and has many benefits for yourself and your family. Spending time in the sun, swimming in the water, and creating memories with your friends and family are some examples.

Finding a great swimming beach in Gurnee with plenty of space for activities on the beach is easier than you think. Below is a list to help you find a beach close to Gurnee. Enter the beach name, a city, or a zip code to filter beaches.

Beaches Near Gurnee

Most beaches in Gurnee, IL are open for everyone but some are on private property. You should check the beach’s website to find out if you can go to the beach without any restrictions. Quite often, beaches will only remain open during specific seasons of the year or for specific times of the day.

Remember that the weather on the beach is quite different than in the city. Wind is usually colder and gusty when it’s blowing off the water.

Gurnee, IL Beach Guidelines

Whenever you go to a beach in Gurnee, there are always rules that you should follow. Just about all beaches will list the following rules.

  • Don’t go beyond the swimming region.
  • Even if a lifeguard is nearby, know that you’re swimming at your own risk.
  • Never disobey a request from the lifeguard on duty. If they tell you to get out of the water, then you have to follow through.
  • Clean up after yourself.
  • Do not drink alcohol at the beach.
  • Just about all Gurnee beaches have a curfew except for certain holidays.

Gurnee Beach Travel Tips

  1. Research the bathroom situation. Restroom locations could be the least of your worries when you plan your beach visit. But nobody wishes to be caught in a spot where you have to go to the restroom pronto but there isn’t one available. If you’re unable to locate restroom details on the website of the beach, then you should plan on the fact that a public restroom or porta potty is not available. Try to use the restroom before driving to the beach.
  2. Always stay in the roped off swim area. If there is a specified swimming area it is likely unsafe to venture beyond that region. There could be sharp objects under the water, be assigned to watercraft, or is unsupervised by lifeguards.
  3. Bring plenty of layers. Everyone knows that the weather in Gurnee will change on a moment’s notice. This is particularly necessary if you are wanting to go for a swim, so bring extra warm items such as sweaters, towels, sweatpants, and shirts.
  4. Store items in a mesh bag. It may be easy to use a purse, grocery bag, or waterproof duffle bag to stash beach gear such as towels, shovels, flotation devices, and extra clothes. But these bags trap water from escaping, causing mold problems or just keeping beach gear from airing out.
  5. Protect your skin. Even when the weather forecast doesn’t call for sunshine you should still use your sunscreen – it’s possible to get sunburned even on cloudy days.
  6. Don’t forget the towels. Don’t forget to pack many fresh towels prior to leaving for the beach. A good rule of thumb is beach on the ocean or an area which sees rip tides. Pay attention to the indicators and know how to escape if you’re stuck in a rip tide.
  7. Grab some shade. If you suspect that locating shade will be tough, or if you think that there may not be many shady spots around, bring your own! Use a beach umbrella, shaded tent, or similar equipment that blocks sunlight. Be sure that you bring equipment that has great ventilation.
  8. Is there a lifeguard on duty? Many frequently visited beaches in Gurnee will have a lifeguard supervising, however do not assume that a lifeguard being at the beach. If you are concerned about yourself, little kids or anyone else that you bringing to the beach, it’s a good idea to pack correctly fitted life jackets for anoyone who need them, and also know that you are swimming at your own risk.