Ohio Street Beach
Chicago
Consider swimming earlier in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler water temperatures.
Ohio Street Beach is a welcoming urban beach experience in the Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago, located adjacent to Jane Addams Memorial Park. It offers a unique setting for both leisure and training, as the beach faces directly north, creating ideal conditions for open water swimming. The Lakefront Trail, a popular path for walkers, runners, and cyclists, passes right by, making it an accessible location for a variety of activities.
The beach is well-suited for swimmers due to its unusual orientation and the shallow water means swimmers can enjoy their activity close to the seawall. Swimmers can cover a distance of 0.5 miles north to the Oak Street curve all without straying far from the safety of the shore. During beach season, which lasts from the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day, lifeguards are on duty from 11 am to 7 pm, ensuring a safe environment for all.
While Ohio Street Beach does not offer official dining options directly on its sands, visitors can find various eateries and refreshment stands nearby, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. The beach itself is part of the heritage of Chicago, connected historically with the development of Lake Shore Drive. Visitors can enjoy the sense of the city's history while relishing the serene atmosphere.
Ohio Street Beach is perfect for families, groups, or individuals looking for a beach day in the city. It provides an accessible location for both recreation and relaxation, right in the heart of the bustling urban environment. Its scenic and strategic location also makes it a choice spot for photography and observing the natural beauty along Lake Michigan.
Reviews
Ohio Street Beach is a beautiful, sandy gem right in the heart of downtown Chicago! The view is incredible—you're relaxing on the sand with Lake Michigan in front of you and towering skyscrapers right behind you. Although it's on the smaller side, that urban contrast makes it feel truly unique. It's also one of the best spots in the city for open-water swimming or taking a quick, refreshing break after exploring the Magnificent Mile!
Great beach with amazing city views! Love coming here to swim 🏊🏻♂️
The people here for the 4th of July 2026 should be ashamed. Leaving all this trash on the beach. Update - Looks like some great people went out to clean the beach up
As a part of my Sperm Donation World Tour of the USA, I came here was interesting to see lockers for people to keep their valuables safe but makes sense being in a city of this size. Nice little beach.
It was close to my place, so I went there every day. Every time I went, I couldn’t believe it was a lake — it was insane. The waves were gentle, so it was the perfect beach for swimming.
