Chicago

Chicago's 12 Best Beaches to Visit This Summer

Your guide to hanging 10 in the 312.

Big Joe/Shutterstock
Big Joe/Shutterstock
Big Joe/Shutterstock

We’re not sure which aspect of 2020 suckiness was more of a nightmare: A year without music festivals or a year without beach days. Thankfully, both are back in full force this summer, with all 26 miles of Chicago’s sparkling lakefront beaches fully reopened for the season from now until Labor Day. And in case you need a little refresher after our collective year off, here’s a definitive guide to getting reacquainted with one of the absolute best things about residing in the City by the Lake. Welcome back, Chicago. Now go grab some sand. (But first, don’t forget to check the park district’s site for the latest on swimming conditions and advisories.)

Flickr/Mike Harper
Flickr/Mike Harper
Flickr/Mike Harper

Leone and Loyola Beaches

Rogers Park
The adjacent beaches surrounding Loyola spans eight blocks from Touhy to Pratt, which makes them a popular option for those seeking a more laid-back northside venture. Shore-seekers will also find a fishing pier, softball fields, picnic grounds, a basketball court, and a playground located at Touhy and Sheridan.
What to know: Check out the colorful art along the sea wall-every Father’s Day weekend, Rogers Park residents come together for Artists of the Wall Festival, where neighbors help paint a 600-foot community mural while enjoying live music. Sadly, old favorite Crepes on the Beach is now closed, but you can still hit Crepes in the Park in Lincoln Square’s Welles Park if you’ve got a hankering.

Tobey Prinz Beach

Rogers Park
Formerly known as Pratt Beach, this spot was renamed back in 2014 to honor community activist and founding member of the Rogers Park Community Council, Tobey Prinz. The fishing pier that separates this quiet stretch from the southern end of Loyola features jaw-dropping skyline views.
What to know: This beach bears no relation to Freddie Prinze Jr., just in case you were wondering.

Flickr/Joe Zekas
Flickr/Joe Zekas
Flickr/Joe Zekas

Lane Beach

Edgewater
Lane Beach tends to be frequented by those looking for a more relaxed experience than one might encounter at nearby Osterman Beach. A playground is located on the west end, making it a popular after-school stop for families in the area.
What to know: Moody’s Pub is a five-minute walk from this lakefront chill zone. Park yourself there, house a burger, and then spend a little time digesting in the sun. Berger Park’s Waterfront Café, possibly the cutest outdoor waterside bar in all of Chicago, is also a short jaunt away.

Big Joe/Shutterstock
Big Joe/Shutterstock
Big Joe/Shutterstock

Osterman Beach

Edgewater
Commonly known as Hollywood Beach, Osterman has long been a favorite among those in the know. While families tend to set up shop on the north end, the south end has been a summer hangout hotspot for the LGBTQ+ community for many years. Nacho Mama’s taco stand has sadly closed, but don’t let that deter you from a glorious day at the beach.
What to know: Fun fact: According to the park district, this beach, like a “surprising amount” of Lincoln Park, was constructed out of landfill-dig at your own risk.

James Andrews1/Shutterstock
James Andrews1/Shutterstock
James Andrews1/Shutterstock

Foster Beach

Edgewater
Foster can best be described as a slightly less crowded version of Montrose, attracting a diverse mix of younger beachgoers as well as families. The adjacent grassy park area is a hub for cookouts and other neighborhood gatherings, including Chicago Full Moon Jam, which features flame dancers, drumming, and more. Seems like as good a way as any to welcome summer back to town.
What to know: If the main strip is too crowded, the grassy section on the hill just past the beach is one of the breeziest, most idyllic escapes in all of Chicago.

James Andrews1/Shutterstock
James Andrews1/Shutterstock
James Andrews1/Shutterstock

Montrose Beach

Uptown
Thanks to ample parking and a wide variety of amenities ranging from free Wi-Fi to kayak rentals, Montrose Beach is constantly buzzing. There are plenty of food options here, including The Dock, which combines live music with tropical cocktails and a menu ranging from tacos and burgers to pierogi and jerk shrimp skewers. Several other smaller concessions are scattered around the area, rife with tacos, fruit, and elote, all of which you should definitely try. The fenced-in north end is reserved exclusively for dogs (and their people, of course) and stands proudly as Chicago’s first off-leash beach. The south end, on the other hand, is reserved for an entirely different purpose: A gorgeous native dune ecosystem that attracts an array of migrating birds. Take a stroll through this eight-acre nature habitat and you’ll quickly forget that you’re in the middle of the nation’s third largest city.
What to know: Montrose Point is both one of the most beautiful places in the city and a place you need to visit before you die. So yeah, we recommend it.

f11photo/Shutterstock
f11photo/Shutterstock
f11photo/Shutterstock

North Avenue Beach

Lincoln Park
North Avenue Beach is one-stop-shopping for smart-looking young folk looking to see, be seen, and stay fit. In addition to the variety of vendors and concessions-including everyone’s favorite summer hangout, Castaways-the downtown destination is also home to a bunch of fun activities. Visitors can go wakeboarding and paddleboarding with Chicago SUP, rent a kayak, play beach volleyball, or take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and pretend to get some work done. It’s also a prime vantage point for enjoying longstanding summer events like The Chicago Air and Water Show.
What to know:  Castaways is no longer the only game in town when it comes to boozing it up beneath the skyline, thanks to the 2017 opening of the more upscale Shore Club. Serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and beach-themed drinks throughout three distinct spaces near the lakefront path, the property includes a beachy open-air bar and fancy indoor restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows plus the exclusive RSVP-only Oasis at Shore Club complete with cabanas and day beds. A bit further up the road sits the beautiful Lakefront Restaurant at Fullerton and the lake, serving upscale Midwestern fare in the historic Theater on the Lake building. And while not technically on beach proper, it’s more than worthy of the short diversion.

VICTOR TORRES/Shutterstock
VICTOR TORRES/Shutterstock
VICTOR TORRES/Shutterstock

Ohio Street Beach

Streeterville
During the day, Ohio Street Beach is mostly frequented by area residents, families squeezing in some time in the sun before or after a visit to nearby Navy Pier, and the occasional downtown working stiff playing hooky. Come 5 pm, the west end becomes occupied by distance swimmers eagerly swapping their business suits for wetsuits. While distance swimming is permitted elsewhere in the city, Ohio Street is Chicago’s only north-facing beach, making it possible to swim 800 meters from the shore to the Oak Street curve without ever being more than a few feet away from the seawall. Take in the view with tropical cocktails at Caffè Oliva, which (like the beach) offers both fantastic water and skyline views.
What to know: We’ve already called it one of the most underrated beaches in Chicago as well as one of the best beaches on the Great Lakes. The real highlight, though, is its proximity to the similarly underrated Milton Lee Olive Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful post-dip promenade under the shady trees.

Flickr/Monika Thorpe
Flickr/Monika Thorpe
Flickr/Monika Thorpe

12th Street Beach

South Loop
Situated on the eastern edge of Northerly Island, 12th Street Beach happens to be one of the most well-hidden in Chicago. While distance swimming is allowed here, too, many visitors report running into submerged wreckage out there. And depending on the day and time, you may even be able to listen in on concerts taking place at neighboring Huntington Bank Pavilion
What to know: Fact: The only thing better than a hidden beach is one with a hidden taco shop.

Oakwood Beach

Oakland
Opened to the public in 2010, Oakwood-also known as 41st Street Beach-is both relatively new and still somewhat of a hidden treasure. Although it’s small in size, it manages to pack in a great beach house, a nearby picnic area, and volleyball courts. And, of course, you can’t beat the view!
What to know: Seriously, did we mention the view?

James Andrews1/Shutterstock
James Andrews1/Shutterstock
James Andrews1/Shutterstock

57th Street Beach

Hyde Park
Tucked away behind the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street Beach was designed by renowned landscape architects Olmsted and Vaux as part of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Parking is fairly easy west of Lake Shore Drive, and the beach is accessible via the pedestrian underpass. Once the sun goes down, head on over to nearby Promontory Point and gather around a bonfire pit (reservations needed).
What to know: While the criminally underrated Promontory Point is worth a visit to this beach alone, nearby (and always bumping) neighborhood music venue The Promontory makes the trip even more appealing.

63rd Street Beach

Woodlawn
Located at the southern end of beautiful and historic Jackson Park, 63rd Street Beach has long been a hit among water-loving Southsiders. In addition to amenities like a historic beach house that dates back to 1919, onsite showers, and concessions, this family-friendly spot also features a spray pool play area and a playground. Best of all, it’s one of the few places in the city where you can still comb the sand in search of seashells and beach glass.
What to know: Easily one of the greatest additions to the city’s beach scene in recent years, it’s pretty much impossible to have a bad time at Reggie’s on the Beach (operated by iconic South Loop music venue Reggie’s). And if you’re ever gonna get married, the stunningly opulent 63rd Street Beach House is the place to do it-maybe after a few drinks at Reggie’s.

Juneway Beach

Rogers Park
Blink and you may miss the city’s northernmost beach. This particular street-end spot isn’t ideal for sunbathing, particularly since its extremely tiny patch of sand occasionally gets buried under rising water levels.
What to know: Spread out your blanket on the soft grass of the surrounding Juneway Terrace Park and gaze at the lake from there. It’s much more comfy than laying on the rocky shore.

James Andrews1/Shutterstock
James Andrews1/Shutterstock
James Andrews1/Shutterstock

Rogers Beach

Rogers Park
Much like its neighbor to the north, Rogers is quite rocky and has minimal sand. Still, the adjacent grassy area is an ideal spot to relax with a book, and the on-site tennis courts make it a popular spot for local residents.
What to know: This is not a dog-friendly park, and locals can get ornery if you bring your four-legged friend with you. Also, the lifeguards have a reputation of taking their jobs a bit too seriously, so be on your best behavior.
 

Howard Beach

Rogers Park
Boasting sandier, although still somewhat rocky, terrain, Howard Beach is slightly more traditional than the other postage stamp-sized street-end beaches nearby. The 4-acre park includes a playground, making it a popular family destination.
What to know: If you’re looking for an Ibiza-style party, head elsewhere. The family vibe isn’t conducive to wildness.

Flickr/Keith Cooper
Flickr/Keith Cooper
Flickr/Keith Cooper

Helen Doria and Hartigan Beaches

Edgewater
Fairly well-hidden behind residential buildings, both Helen Doria and Hartigan Beach tend to be frequented primarily by area residents. However, don’t let that stop you from paying a visit. Remember: All of Chicago’s beaches are completely open to the public. In 2016, the portion known as Columbia Beach was renamed in honor of Helen Doria, a well-loved local advocate who passed away in 2012.
What to know: There is no bathroom at Hartigan, but you can use the one at Loyola’s student center about two blocks south.

 

Blue Elephant/Shutterstock
Blue Elephant/Shutterstock
Blue Elephant/Shutterstock

Belmont Harbor Dog Beach

Lakeview
While you wouldn’t want to lay out here for obvious reasons, your pup will certainly love doing so. Given that this particular doggie haven is small in size and not as busy as others in the city, it’s a good starting point for anyone who wants to test the waters with their pup before letting it loose at a bigger park like Montrose.
What to know: This spot, within walking distance of Wrigley, makes for a fine excursion after a Cubs day game. Plus, the lakeside Sydney Marovitz Golf Course, easily the finest public course in the city, is just a stone’s throw away.

 

Flickr/Shutter Runner
Flickr/Shutter Runner
Flickr/Shutter Runner

Margaret T. Burroughs Beach

Douglas
This stretch of lakefront formerly known as 31st Street Beach has received several impressive upgrades over the last few years. Not only did it get a brand new name, it now has a public fishing dock, a “green roof” picnic area, and a playground with a climbing wall. Along with paddleboard and jet ski rentals at Chicago Water Sports, there are a wide variety of events that attract a more grown-up crowd after dark, ranging from spin classes and live music to movies. Best of all? There’s now an on-site parking garage, which means you’ll spend less time jockeying for a space and more time in the sun.
What to know: With live jazz, house music dance parties, and a prime waterfront location, Pier 31 is one of Chicago’s most overlooked beach bars. Be sure to stop by.

Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Flickr/Wally Gobetz
Flickr/Wally Gobetz

South Shore Beach

South Shore
South Shore Beach is part of the South Shore Cultural Center, a historic landmark featuring a solarium, formal dining hall, and nine-hole golf course. The adjacent nature sanctuary has sand dunes, a prairie landscape, a small wetland, and a butterfly garden, and the beach itself features a circular beach house with concessions, restrooms, and showers.
What to know: If you don’t feel like driving and haggling over parking, the South Shore Metra drops you off steps away.

Flickr/carol mitchell
Flickr/carol mitchell
Flickr/carol mitchell

Rainbow Beach

South Shore
Like many South Side beaches, Rainbow has a lovely view of the Downtown city skyline, as well as Wi-Fi, free parking, a playground, handball courts, and a nine-acre natural dune habitat. What more can you ask for?
What to know: With a gymnasium and fitness center, it’s Chicago’s version of Muscle Beach. (OK, the gym is indoors, but you’ll still see a lot of buff people here.)
 

Calumet Beach

East Side
Located a stone’s throw away from the Indiana border, you’ll find the delicious seafood spot Calumet Fisheries just a short 5-minute drive from here. Given that it’s not the most populated beach in Chicago, this stretch of shoreline is ideal for large gatherings. As part of the 200-acre Calumet Park, the area features a boat launch, softball and soccer fields, a playground, and several different concession stands. 
What to know: The view of smokestacks and factories isn’t the most enticing in the world, so if you’re looking for scenic beauty, head elsewhere.Want more Thrillist? Follow us on InstagramTwitterPinterestYouTubeTikTok, and Snapchat.

Lisa Chatroop daydreams about eating elote at Montrose Beach. Invite her to your next beach party via Twitter: @LisaChatroop or DailyUrbanista.com.

Jay Gentile is a Thrillist contributor and you can usually find him at Ohio Street Beach in the summer months when he is supposed to be working. Follow him @innerviewmag

Chicago

Robyn DaCultyre Is Doing It for the Culture

"The cool thing about Ohio is that there is literally a place for everyone."

Photo by Kayode Omoyosi
Photo by Kayode Omoyosi
Photo by Kayode Omoyosi

I was introduced to Robyn DaCultyre at an Untitled Queen show at C’mon Everybody in late January, and it was one of the most unique drag shows I’d seen in a while. Afterwards, I tracked down this self-described “drag creature” and video chatted about her drag origin story, the state of drag in her native Ohio, and the dual identities that make up her persona. Thrillist: I want to ask you about how Robyn DaCultyre came about and your point of view behind your performance.

Robyn DaCultyre: I’ve been travelling around the country from a young age in ministry and Christian studies. I moved to Chicago right after high school. Four years later, moved back to Columbus and decided I didn’t really want to do church anymore; that wasn’t where my heart was.

I had a really low point in my life and had a suicide attempt and then really found drag and started doing drag as a coping mechanism and way to let off steam. I started in July of 2019, and it was really a lot of punk and metal music. I created this drag creature of sorts and they were really out of this world and celestial and all of those fun alien type terms.

And then we went into a global pandemic and I had a lot of time to figure out who I wanted to be. Digitally I was still doing a lot of drag creature-esque numbers and all of that, but I had this moment where we’re on the front lines getting hit with pepper spray and rubber bullets and pepper spray-all of those lovely things. And I said, I have this platform and I need to start showcasing what’s happening.

Untitled [Queen] stepped in at the right time and messaged me and said, “I’m doing this show for Independence Day called Untitled in America with 52 different performers and I want you to be a part of it.” It was at that moment I was able to take the footage I had been recording on the front lines and incorporate it into digital content. I did a song called Black Like Me by Mickey Guyton that talks about white picket fences, but if you want to see how America is, then you should try being Black like me. The imagery of what’s literally happening in Columbus in that digital performance really spearheaded me into focusing on people who look like me.

Nina Simone is one of my biggest inspirations, and one of her quotes that resonates with me is that it’s the duty of the artist to resonate with the times. My art is politically charged. I like to entertain, but there will definitely be a time when you come to a show expecting to have your drink and be chill and that might not be the case.

How did the name Robyn DaCultyre come about?

I was smoking with Ursula Major, who was on season one of Dragula, and the first time I introduced myself to her I was Robyn Banks, which is my drag name originally. She said, “Well, do you just not want to be original at all?” [Laughs] And I sat with that for a couple of months, and I got really stoned one day and was listening to Janelle Monae, and she talks about doing it for the culture, and I said “I do it for the culture, too!” And the rest is history.

And you started a series called Melanated.

We started Melanated last February. I told the idea to my show director that there were no shows specifically run by Black people that only featured Black entertainers. I wanted to do this show for a night and she said, Why don’t we do it once a week for the whole month? The first show happens, and it’s a sold out crowd, and [my director] comes back and says we should do this every month. So I sucked it up and here we are a year later.

Melanated is the only fully Black show in all of the state. It’s a horrible marketing tool and not something I want to promote, but it is just a fact. It amazes me that we are the 13th largest city in America and there’s nothing here that’s fully focused on Black entertainers. The name also comes from Janelle Monae; she says she’s highly melanated and I said, that works.

Photos by Chay Creates LLC (left) and Bridget Caswell (right)
Photos by Chay Creates LLC (left) and Bridget Caswell (right)
Photos by Chay Creates LLC (left) and Bridget Caswell (right)

You refer to yourself as a drag creature, as opposed to drag queen or king…

This is actually the first time I’m making this public. I am in this place where I want to separate the alternative creature from who this melanated goddess or whatever is. DaCultyre is definitely the person who runs Melanated and then Robyn is this drag creature that is out of this world and really loves punk and alternative music. And both intertwine to make Robyn DaCultyre.

You also do pageants. Tell me about that.

In 2020 I was appointed by Nina West, who is from Columbus, as the representative from Ohio for National Entertainer of the Year in Louisville, Kentucky. I placed ninth out of 13 contestants and I really fell in love with the system and fell in love with the pageantry and loved the idea of reigning and being different. I want to show that we as alternative performers, as bearded performers, you can come into these systems and shake things up.

Is there a uniquely “Ohio” style of drag?

No, and I think that’s one of the things that makes it so amazing is that everyone has their own unique style, and it’s all pretty much accepted. I started as a performer and a drag creature and there was space that was afforded to me and I transitioned to more glamor and pageantry and that’s afforded to me as well. I’ve been a bearded entertainer for a year now. The cool thing about Ohio is that there is literally a place for everyone.

I think I have everything I need. Is there anything else I didn’t ask you about that you want to bring up, or…

I don’t think so. Are there any generic questions you haven’t asked?

Generic questions…I think I asked all of them already [laughs]. I like to ask what you’d be doing if you weren’t doing drag?

It’s a great question. I have a day job that is very demanding so I need drag to get away. I’m also very creative and artistic. I used to do web design and all these other things to pull into my creativity. Drag is the longest thing I’ve stuck with in all parts of my life, so I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon.

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John deBary is a drinks expert and writer. His first cocktail book, Drink What You Want, is available now, and his next book, Saved by the Bellini, is expected in early 2023. He is also the co-founder and president of the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of hospitality industry professionals through advocacy, grant making, and impact investing.

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