Oak Street Beach
Chicago
Visit early to secure parking closest to the beach, as spaces are limited.
Oak Street Beach is a popular destination located at the north end of Lake Shore Drive, near Chicago's bustling Gold Coast and Streeterville neighborhoods. With its sandy shores and urban backdrop, it offers a blend of beach relaxation and city excitement. This beach provides a variety of amenities tailored to beachgoers seeking both leisure and activity. Visitors can enjoy the convenience of chair rentals for lounging and soak in the sun while having access to food and beverage services from the Oak Street Beach Café, providing refreshments in a casual setting.
For those interested in more active pursuits, Oak Street Beach features bike and volleyball rentals, supporting both recreational outings and competitive play. The beach is infamous for hosting numerous amateur and professional volleyball tournaments throughout the summer, making it a hub for sports enthusiasts. Swim enthusiasts can take advantage of designated swimming areas, with lifeguards on duty during beach season, which runs from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Distance swimming is also available for those looking to engage in uninterrupted laps parallel to the shore from Division Street to the Chess Pavilion.
Oak Street Beach also boasts an ADA accessible beach walk, ensuring that the beauty of the lakefront is available to all visitors. The area's cultural offering includes a striking mural by Jeff Zimmermann, a project initiated to promote environmental awareness and beach health. This colorful creation, funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, serves as a reminder of the importance of cleanliness and conservation along Chicago's shores.
While the beach supplies a perfect escape, parking can be a challenge, as there is only limited street parking available nearby. Nevertheless, its location within Lincoln Park, a historic and extensive green space originally designated in the 19th century, adds to the allure. Adjacent walking and cycling paths along the Lakefront Trail provide additional opportunities for recreation.
