Chicago Beaches

Going to a beach in Chicago, IL can result in a fantastic adventure and has many benefits for you and your loved ones. Whether you plan to go swimming, building sandcastles, throwing the frisbee, flying a kite, fishing, or simply catching some rays, beaches are a host for many different fun activities.

You can discover several swimming beaches in Chicago that are somewhat close to you with the help of our list of beaches. If you could use some guidance with searching for a beach near your location, then locate a beach with our collection. Search for the beach name, a city, or your zip code to find beaches.

Beaches Near Chicago

Weather at Chicago beaches can be rather unpredictible, so it’s necessary to schedule your trip accordingly.

The beach may be periodically shut down because of water quality issues caused by temporary occurances like E. Coli outbreaks, stormfall runoff, or flooding. Check the beach’s website before leaving for the beach for water quality concerns.

Chicago, IL Beach Guidelines

When you go to any beach in Chicago, there are always rules that you should follow. Nearly all beaches will post the following guidelines:

  • Clean up after yourself.
  • Always listen to the lifeguard on duty. If the lifeguard ask you to do something, then you must do it.
  • Don’t consume alcohol at the beach.
  • Bottles made of glass can easily break, so avoid bringing glass bottles to beaches.
  • Building a fire could be against the law on the majority of public beaches in Chicago.
  • Even if the lifeguard is supervising the beach, understand that you are entering the water at your own risk.

Chicago Beach Travel Tips

  1. Know if there are restrooms. Bathroom details are probably the last thing on your mind before you plan your beach visit. However no one wants to be caught in a spot when you gotta find a bathroom fast but you can’t find one in sight. If you cannot locate restroom information on the website of the beach, then you should plan on the fact that a public bathroom or facility isn’t available. Make sure you go to the bathroom prior to driving to the beach.
  2. Avoid Littering. It is not enjoyable to spend the day at a filty beach. Whenever you take something to the beach, you must clean up collect your stuff. Be sure to toss out your trash in an appropriate waste or recycling receptacles.
  3. Prepare for cold weather. It’s common knowledge that the weather in Chicago will change with no warning. This is particularly necessary if you’re wanting to go swimming, so bring extra warm items like a jacket, towels, windbreakers, and shoes.
  4. Bugs like the beach too. If you plan on going to the beach in the morning or late in the day, there’s a decent chance that mosquitos, biting flies, fleas and other annoying bugs could cause a problem.
  5. Will there be a lifeguard? Many large beaches in Chicago staff a lifeguard supervising, however do not count on a lifeguard being there. On your walk to the beach, search for lifeguard on duty signs. Occasionally they list lifeguard hours.
  6. Bring a mesh bag for your stuff. It may be simple to grab a purse, grocery bag, or water-resistant duffle bag to stash beach gear like beach towels, shovels, flotation devices, and spare clothing. But these types of bags trap water from escaping, causing mildew problems and keeping beach essentials from airing out.
  7. Bring plenty of sunscreen. Nothing is worse than a sun burn, so don’t forget the sunscreen. Ask someone else to help with difficult to reach locations.