South Shore Beaches

There are many good reasons to find a beach in your area. Spending time splashing in the waves, building sandcastles, playing volleyball, having a picnic, fishing, or just soaking up the sun, beaches are a host to many different exciting activities.

Finding the perfect swimming beach in South Shore with lots of space for beach activities is not too difficult. Below is a collection to help you locate a beach close to South Shore. Enter a beach, a city, or a zip code to filter results.

South Shore Beaches

The majority of beaches in South Shore, IL will be accessible for the public, however some are closed to the public. You should check the beach’s website to find out if it is possible to visit the beach without breaking any rules. You shouldn’t be surprised if a beach you want to visit is not open because of the time of the day, closing on certain days, or closing during the winter.

Remember to look up the South Shore weather forecast for today before you head off to the beach. This ensures that you bring the proper clothes for the conditions and you will also known when it’s time to head home.

South Shore, IL Beach Rules

While different beaches in South Shore will use conflicting rules on how to attend the beach, prepare to adhere to these common guidelines for every beach in South Shore that you go to.

  • Look for signs for guidance on beach fires because they may be not permitted or you have to adhere to specific fire rules.
  • Most South Shore beaches have curfews except for specific dates.
  • Never go outside of the swim area.
  • Even if a lifeguard is on duty, understand that you are entering the water at risk to yourself.
  • Do not leave trash on the ground – Take with you what you pack in.
  • Never disobey an order from the lifeguard on duty. If the lifeguard tell you to stop doing something, then you have to do it.

South Shore Beach Travel Tips

  1. Bring a mesh bag for your stuff. It’s easy to find a backpack, grocery bag, or waterproof duffle bag to store beach items like towels, shovels, flotation devices, and PFDs. But these types of bags keep moisture from evaporating, leading to mold growth or just keeping beach essentials from airing out.
  2. Only swim in the roped off swimming area. If there’s a specified swimming area it is probably not safe to venture beyond that area. The area may have sharp objects under the surface, be assigned to boaters, or is unsupervised by lifeguards.
  3. Where are the public restrooms. Restroom details could be the least of your worries when you plan your beach trip. However you don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you must find a restroom immediately but there isn’t one in sight. If you cannot find restroom details on the website of the beach, you can assume that a public restroom or porta potty isn’t open. Try to use the restroom prior to heading to the beach.
  4. Arrive early. Beaches in South Shore can get crowded, especially during summer weekends. Be sure to arrive at the beach before noon if you can.
  5. Get out the sun. If you know that locating a shady area 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 some sort of equipment that provides shade. It’s best to use equipment that has good air-flow.
  6. Keep the bugs away. If you plan on going to the beach in the morning or the evening, you should anticipate that mosquitos, horse flies, fleas and other annoying bugs may cause a problem.
  7. Avoid Littering. Don’t be a part of the problem of litter on beaches. Whenever you take items to the beach, you are required pick up after yourself. Be sure to throw away your trash in an appropriate trash or recycling bin.