Oak Street Beach

I seen online that this was one of the more relaxing beaches in Chicago and they were right! There was hardly anyone here when I visited and it was close but right out of the city. It's nice to get away from all the loud city sounds and just listen and take in the sounds of the waves and beach vibes. I highly recommend this beach..

Awesome, well maintained beach in Chicago on Lake Michigan. It is in walking distance of many of the hotels in the area and the popular shopping in the area too. There are chair and umbrella rentals and it looked like lifeguards were on duty as well. There are other attractions that are within walking distance. There is a restaurant on the beach but there are more just a short walk away. Clean, many amenities, and with great views this is a great spot in Chicago and would highly recommend.

I thought the underground tunnel to get to the beach was really cool and the beach itself is a cool hangout spot right beside downtown! Lots of room plus the concrete beach and then the pathways give tons of space for walking, running, kids, dogs, bikes, etc. We walked it all the way down to Navy Pier.

Such a pretty, well maintained beach. We didn't actually go into the water but the waves looked amazing. The beach is surrounded by a wonderful boardwalk on which you can walk for miles. We had a chance to witness the air and water show that happened here and it was amazing.

Oak Street Beach is undoubtedly one of the most stunning attractions in the vibrant city of Chicago. Nestled along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, this picturesque beach offers visitors a perfect escape from the bustling urban environment. With its soft, golden sands and breathtaking views, it serves as an ideal location to relax and unwind for a while, whether you choose to bask in the sun, read a book, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge. One of the standout features of Oak Street Beach is its remarkable cleanliness, making it a welcoming destination for both locals and tourists alike. Families, friends, and solo travelers can all appreciate the well-maintained surroundings that enhance the overall beach experience. While I personally didn’t come across any restroom facilities during my visit, it’s always a good idea to check for signs or inquire with those who work in the area for the most accurate information. Regardless, the beach is conveniently located near various cafes and charming spots where you can grab a coffee or a quick bite to eat. This proximity to cafes adds to the beach's appeal, allowing you to fully enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, sip on your favorite beverage, and soak in the sun. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a lively outing with friends, Oak Street Beach truly offers something for everyone.

Nice place to dip your feet in the water. Very relaxing. Awesome views. I'm not from here but wanted to get some drone photos in of the area for the people. Hope everyone enjoys.

The beach view, juxtaposed against the cityscape, creates a harmonious blend of natural serenity and urban vibrancy. The rhythmic waves and golden sands provide a tranquil escape, while the distant city skyline adds a touch of dynamic energy. It's a picturesque convergence where the beauty of nature meets the hustle and bustle of city life, offering a refreshing and captivating panorama.

Incredible urban city beach with fantastic views of the skyline The beach was pretty large and very clean with no trash or debris. The water is clean and nice to walk in but pretty cold even on warmer days Great location that is easy to walk to, and has plenty of bus connections around as well. Definitely recommend stopping here to relax in the city

Pretty cool urban beach. Even at night there's a lot of light so you can enjoy the view. Way to is a bit sketchy though.

Certainly one of the best beaches if only for the views of the skyline, and that's just one thing about it. If you like urban beaches, this should be on the list. Oak Street Beach is located in the Gold Coast, a wealthy area to be sure. Also it's along the bike trail so you can get here without a car. There's also rentals for chairs among other things. Among the amenities is the Oak Street Beach Café. It's also along the Lakefront Trail that's popular for bicycle riding. The beach has rentals if needing these. Lots of other things to rent. These include chairs and volleyball. Best thing though is the skyline. The beach has the best views. An interesting history. It began as a landfill extension of Lincoln Park. Chicago's Drainage Canal was completed in 1899, which diverted sewage water away from the lake. This improved the lake's and this beach's conditions for bathing and swimming. For a small beach it's big enough to have tons of people on it. It's also a popular stop along the Lakefront Trail. This is most popular for swimming, but the best thing about it is the location, and the skyline provides some great views.

Another fabulous beach day with my Gals! We so enjoy this beach and always enjoy an ice cream treat!

A perfect spot for a beach day! Easy to walk to and find a spot. Perfect for reading and picnic or playing games with friends! A nice oasis from the city life!

Oh My Chicago Pizza Pie!!!! 70 Degrees Blue Cloudless Sky Calm Waters on Lake Michigan Soft Sand Underfoot; And the joy of summer once again in Chicago on October 24, 2023!!! People were swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, walking on the beach and enjoying the last bits of sunshine! When I was leaving people were setting up a net and cordoning off a volleyball designated area for an upcoming volleyball game!!!! Sailboats and Suntans!!!! How blessed and lucky are we to have this time and sunshine on our side?

Beautiful beach. Great views. Lots of amenities available. My only issue was the amount of garbage on the beach that people leave behind. Wish it was cleaned and left clean by people. Also the Concrete Beach next to it was awesome also.

In my opinion best beach in the city. Has so many options with city and lake views, restaurant and concessions, DJ on one end, chair rentals, volleyball, restrooms, and usually very clean. Even nice to sit in the concrete pier at times if want to avoid the sand. Excellent city beach for any individual or groups!

Cute place to walk around or soak in the sun! I checked this place out on a weekend and it wasn't too crowded, which was shocking because the weather was great! Loved the view of the city and there's also some restaurants that you can check nearby. Lots of people swimming, tanning, or just vibing with friends.

02/17/22 - As I was driving down Lakeshore drive this morning I couldn't help but notice the waves as they were crashing up on Oak Street Beach & onto Lake Shore Drive. I had to park and take a walk out to get some pictures. The wind was really kicking creating some beautiful waves. This coupled w/the frigid temperatures was creating some incredible wave & ice formations along the shore line. I love Chicago & Lake Michigan the best dam city in America 5 years in a row. Even though I agree this was Conde Nast that rated Chicago

Took a visit to this beach located near Gold Coast during the week. Really relaxing. This is a great spot if you wanting to get away from the crowds.

Clean, beautiful water, walkway and bike path. This is a gem! The beach is very clean. No trash. Friendly people all around to talk to. I was visiting from out of state and was captivated by this place. Bring your swimsuit, beach towel, chairs, snack, and just relax. July is the perfect time to check it out.

This is a good place to bag some rays or go for a swim. Not a big beach as beaches go. We walked along the lake from Lincoln Park to Millennium Park and it was quite scenic. Check it out. Listed in Drive Across America: https://www.yelp.com/collection/4_4-FCUBHEQBq43u7DXRig

A beach within a city ...... how do y say no ? If you hurry u can catch the last minute bands and Dan beach events....

Call me ignorant, but I had no idea Chicago had beaches and they're pretty amazing too! I highly recommend renting bikes from the Divvy station at Michigan and Oak (at the top end of The Magnificent Mile) and going for a ride on Oak Street Beach's Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan. It was the most memorable part of our Chicago trip to me. The weather was amazing (late summer, clear skies) and the views were spectacular. Since it was warm/hot out, the beach and trail were packed with people sunbathing, out in the water, playing volleyball, etc. The scene looked like something from a California or Florida beach, nothing I would ever think to associate Chicago with. A bevy of yachts pulled up close to the pier and there were even long-distance swimmers exercising/training. Just a lot of activity which added to the overall happening atmosphere of the place. What I love most about this beach is how it's sandwiched between the lake and the city skyline. Check out my photos to see how beautiful it looks. Also, I recorded a couple videos: - https://youtu.be/wnv2NVJVkNE - https://youtu.be/e0Fajb9TkEo If you've never been to Chicago or Oak Street Beach before, this beach is definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful city, with a beautiful little nearby beach, I can live here...coming from LA. Love the fact that I am in the city and the beach at the same time...I love Chicago...plus the weather was great (when we came),97 degrees! Definitely got my CHi-TAn on.

A small patch of beach in the most busiest part of the city just walks away from Navy Pier and the Big Michigan Ave. strip. 76 degrees on a Summer Saturday and the beach is crowded with Chicagoans and visitors seeking fun in the sun and splash dash in the cold lake beach water. Sit on the beach or across the "proceed-with-caution-or-you-will-be-run-over-pedestrian/bike-pathway" grassy area where you can watch cars zoom by on Lake Shore Drive. Tons of people watching can be done in all directions while you relax to the soothing sounds of big city life. If you are looking for an easy way to cross over to the beach, there is an underground tunnel entrance on Lake Shore Drive and Division corner. Once on the other side, lots of fencing around the perimeter area to water due to renovation of some kind. Look for entry points as you walk along the pathway. Careful crossing the pathway. Expect a crowded beach in the summer weekends. Still a great time to be had alone or with family. From here go discover other points of interest along the pathway towards Navy Pier and beyond.

Beach is close to the city and has nice walking/biking trails The water is so close to the sidewalk you really do not need to get into the sand and get all sandy so see and feel tthe wave breeze. It is a small beach so if you are looking for a huge ocean type beach this is definitely not it. It is more if a cove type situation in thst it is a little pocket. But it is very nice to sit and enjoy some time there. Lots of people taking their dogs out , people swimming, relaxing and reading or playing volleyball.

Pros: Great beach within walking distance from our hotel. White smooth sand Beautiful lake views Lifeguards (including one in a boat on the water) Cons: Super busy Kids weren't attended to by buzzed and drinking parents (we got sand and beach balls thrown at us) Ice cream guy while convenient and a novelty could continue to walk down the beach instead of standing in the same spot and ringing his bells for 5-10 min. ***Under construction and hard to find the entrance***

I don't know what it's like in the summer, but I was here on Oct 4 when it was 50 degrees and windy, and Lake Michigan seemed angry. I love the view of the city from the beach.

My hubby and I loved exposing our boys to our old stomping grounds in the city, and our tour wasn't complete without some serious people watching at Oak Street Beach. After leading our kiddos through the fabulously grungy underground tunnel that passes under Lake Shore Drive, we took advantage of a gorgeous evening and parked ourselves on the cement wall and sat there for probably an hour checking out all the sites until dusk. The beach is walking distance from Water Tower, so if you're a tourist, it's great to know you can easily make your way over to this beach from your hotel or the Mag Mile. There was a ton of security at the beach when we were there. We saw families at the beach, couples on dates, people biking, skating, jogging, walking, and rollerblading. At this beach you can play volleyball if you bring a net (I think you can rent one too). You can rent Divvy bikes so you don't have to bring your own. And, if you're lucky you'll catch the ice cream man pushing his cart. In general the Gold Coast is a great area to explore with gorgeous architecture beyond the beach. Walk the neighborhood, stop at the beach, and then make your way back to the shops on the Mag Mile. Top tip: If you're walking on the bike path, keep a look out. The bikes travel fast and tend to weave in between people. Keep a close eye on your kids!

Great place to go chill on a summer evening. Gets crowded on weekends and holidays. Best time to go to a deserted version of this beach would be 7AM when it's just you and seagulls and other people who think like you

I loved this beach. I came on a Thursday morning with my boyfriend. It was an easy walk from our hotel on the Magnificent Mile. We had a lot of room to sun bathe on the beach close to the water. It started to get a little crowded after noon, but there was still plenty of room for everyone. Clean. The only trash I came across was trash that the wind blew from where other people set up, so I guess the trash actually came across me. Safe. Four lifeguards were watching everyone. Two on the beach, two on boats in the water. Family friendly. Plenty of people of all ages were here and there. Great people watching! Nobody got cray cray or naked. There are restrooms in the tunnel to get back to downtown. The women's smelled a little funky, but it was clean. Also, Sprint set up charging stations for those of you who cannot function without technology. Overall, great beach that is so close to downtown!

Great clean beach within walking distance from shopping on Michigan Avenue. There's always something going on here. Vendors will walk through selling various items. Great location!!!

I was fascinated that a construct like Oak Street Beach existed. It was easy to close my eyes, listen to Lake Michigan, and forget I was in a big city. Turning around, I could check out the skyscrapers lining the beach. (I wonder what it'd be like to have a beach embedded in downtown Philadelphia.) Friday afternoon I didn't find it too crowded. Folks were playing volleyball, and I bought a few ice cream products from a roving ice box vendor to ward off the humidity. Didn't have sandals, so I was happy to stroll along the conveniently cement walk - occasionally dodging aggressive bikers, of course, and confusedly managing to avoid any that yelled, "Your left side!" If I lived in town, I'd return to bask on the beach, and catch a tan.

I love this beach! I went for the first time on Saturday and the weather was perfect. There were a lot of people playing games, laying out, walking their dogs, and enjoying the weather. The water is really blue and looks pretty with all of the boats. I highly recommend visiting Oak Street Beach!

There's a great old song called "Summer in the City". There was a popular TV show called "Sex in the City". But honestly, have you ever heard of a "Beach in the City"? But yes, here it is, a huge magnificent beach framed by the Chicago skyline. Well, one and one is two Six and two is eight Come on baby don't ya make me late Baby don't you wanna go Back to that same old place Sweet home Chicago

I took advantage of the beautiful weather and walked along the lakefront. I was worried the construction on the path would be bothersome but it was not. The beach area was clean as many people enjoyed dipping their toes in the water. The path was busy but not too crowded to walk at your own pace. Construction on the beach restaurant was evident, as it is getting ready for high season. The massage cabana was open for business. If the weather holds up I am going to head back to the beach for an open air massage! Parking is difficult. You'll need to park elsewhere and walk over. There is a bus stop at Inner Lakeshore Drive and Division. Then you just walk through the tunnel to the beach.

Beaches in the city!?? When I first knew of this I had to go because I love beaches and also the city life. Chicago is my favorite city (outside of New Orleans) and has been for many many yrs. It has everything you can want in a city including beaches. Of all the beaches that line the lakeshore Oak Street Beach is my favorite. The location can't be beat with it being just a hop, skip, and a jump away from office buildings, shopping malls, and residential towers. The beach is pretty clean and there is usually lots of space for you to move around. But the best part of the beach to me is the awesome views of the skyline. Chicago and skyscrapers are synonymous with each other and seeing those skyscrapers right behind you while you are relaxing at the beach is pure bliss!

Great beach for families. I wish there were a place to rinse of your feet. The beach is great and the view is amazing

Nice little hidden gem off of south shore drive in Chicago! Not really known to those outside of Chicago but this is truly a beautiful stretch of beaches right off the highway on Lake Michigan. The water is truly beautiful and resembles the look of an ocean beach!

very enjoyable nice lifeguards nice seagulls nice ice cream man overall nice experience -gonefishin69

I came here while visiting Chicago and I enjoyed my experience here. The water was so beautiful and clean. They also have a restaurant and bar if you need. They also have rental umbrellas but they close at 5. The only negatives things are the sand was a bit rocky and some people were smoking on the beach. This is beautiful beach had a great backdrop of the Drake Hotel. It was adorable. Great place for pictures!

On my two previous visits to Chicago, I definitely liked the city. Quite a bit. I had a respect for it. But it was here, chilling with some new friends from the hostel, with the robust skyline behind us and the waves of Lake Michigan in front of us, people chilling all around us, life whipping by on the Lakefront Path...it was here that I fell in love with Chicago.

Until the other day it had been quite a long time since I'd been to OSB. This was a frequent hang for my buddies and I back in high school and college but that was 20+ yrs ago. Fast forward to this past weekend when my wife and I went to see the AVP tourney. The beach was covered by the tourney but the sand is still high quality and the city is taking good care of it. The only thing that's changed in 20 yrs is the beach size. Lake Michigan is a growing child and claiming more and more beach property by the year. Hopefully the city budgets to keep this beach alive. Cheers.

This is why I LOVE my Chicago :) This beach is a MUST visit if you get the opportunity on your agenda. I highly suggest getting there early (opens at 11 AM) because blanket spots are taken quickly. This to me is the BEST BEACH in Chicago because it is walking distance from all hotels and the Magnificent Mile. If you are not already in downtown/North Lake shore area, you have my sympathies because bumper-to-bumper traffic/parking are BRUTAL! The views of the city are wonderful. I did not see broken glass/debris in the sand like other beaches I have been in Chicago. Overall, this is not Florida by any means, but for a city beach, right in the middle of Downtown Chicago, it is as good as it gets for escaping those hot days and getting the wind off the lake :) **Hint** for you tourist, put into your gps "The Drake Hotel". This will put you near the beach and you may luck up and find parking, as people come and go all times during the day ;)

Just about every trip to Chicago ends up that we go for at least a drink, a seat, a view of Lake Michigan and this place which is a small piece of escape from the big cityscape that is the metropolis of the city of broad shoulders. A little stretch of beach that you may dream you're someplace else and not in a really big city on a lake? Still it's a small strip of what makes this city nice even if there's more beach on other parts of the city like North Ave but Oak street is special being so close to some of the nicest neighborhoods in town and being much smaller. Where else can you get a view of a palm tree and the John Hancock Center in the same shot? Are the palm trees still there? I didn't check... I tried to get a beer at the bar the last time I was there at the little bar there and they weren't serving yet last time. I was still on eastern time what can I say? The path will have people on some sort of wheels, stay off that and treat it as a street before trying to cross. This place I've always felt safe here. There's usually police on quads or something like that in the area too. It's a nice place to take a break and hear little waves crash if it's windy enough.

As I was looking for places to visit while in Chicago, I've noticed that there was a beach located downtown... So of course, I had to see it to believe it. I have to be honest, I was a bit anxious and thought it might be noisy and dirty but I was amazingly surprised, Oak Street Beach is very clean and you could barely hear noises coming from the downtown. There were some "courageous people" swimming in the water (which was way too cold for me), I remained on the sand and enjoyed the sound of the waves and the really nice weather, I almost forgot that I was in the middle of Chicago. I will definitely be going back the next time I'm around.

***This beach is right next to Magnificent Mile--rare to have a real downtown steps from the water and because Lake Michigan is so big, it feels like you are really next to the ocean*** I am not sure what the parking situation is around here.

Oak Street Beach has long been a favorite of mine. It's in a corner location and only minutes of walking from the best shopping spots on Michigan Avenue (think TopShop, Bloomie's, Water Tower, etc.). Another plus about the location is that it's almost exactly in the middle between North Ave Beach and Navy Pier. Bored? Walk 3/4 mile left or right, and you'll get a dramatic change of scenery. There's a great beachfront restaurant here during the summer months (Memorial - Labor Day), so if you're craving a quesadilla or a little cocktail, you won't have to walk more than 10 feet! I lived in Southern California for over four years, but I still love Chicago beaches more.

This is my favorite beach in Chicago. If you are looking for an area of relaxation with stunning views and clean beaches, then this is your place. Luckily this beach is just a few minutes away from me so it's an easy bike ride. Your best bet would be to rent a chair for the day, it's only $10 and totally worth it. It comes with a comfy blue cushion. If you're looking for shade, you'll have to rent an umbrella which will run you $30. I've spent many days lounging and enjoying the summer here. If you're an out of towner, this is a must see on your list of activities. It's just lovely. There's a little beach bar and area for bathroom and snacks right there as well.

Love the location also the fact that there's street parking (usually) available by Drake hotel. Food & alcohol are Chicago prices at the restaurant area. Beach food is mediocre of course! Oh, and you cannot leave with any drinks to the water. Cops on ATV ride around to patrol any funny business. So hide your alcohol

Nice views of the city skyline from the beach..... Nice beach right off Michigan Ave. Soft, white sand. Water you can see through...it was 90° but the water was ice cold! Folks was still in it tho! We were there by noon on a Saturday and it was already very crowded. However, it was clean, people were out with their dogs... On bikes...rollerblading, etc. All was well! There was sufficient police presence as well. We rented chairs and a umbrella for 40$...The company closes up shop at 5, so after that you have to bring your own gear. We had a great time. I'm going back and would recommend the beach to others!

My wife and I absolutely loved it. It's a great place for walking/ running, biking, sitting and people watching. You have a beach and water access. The city of Chicago is a block away. Plus the Navy pier is right there. One of my favorite memories of Chicago!!!

Thank you, Oak Street Beach, for being a great summer friend. Your warm white sands, gently lapping waves and rustling palm trees made me forget that I was not vacationing on a Caribbean Isle. You enabled me to catch up on my reading while soaking up the sun. You provided me endless hours of entertainment with people watching, pickup volleyball games and beach picnics. And your cool, clear waters were so refreshing when I needed a break from the sun. Farewell dear friend, until next summer. You will be missed.

First time in Chicago and I love the place. The wait staff are extremely friendly and great customer service! Tables are always being cleared and the waiters are very attentive of you even if you're not there table. 5stars!

A beach is only as good as the weather and I guess I picked the right day to show up. Took bus #72 straight down North Avenue on a gorgeous day for beach front delivery. The sand was soft and white, the sailboats were out on Lake Michigan, and there were lots of beautiful people laying around in the sand. We hobbled up to Castaways (the land locked boat on the sand), listened to music, ordered some frozen foo foo cocktails, sampled complimentary shots of Rum Chata and then hit the beach. There were several events, beach volleyball games, and there was a $5 Vanilla Ice concert. No shortage of fun in the sun. Bikes were available to rent, but we opted for the walk to Navy Pier. GREAT DAY

Very nice place for sunbathing and dipping into Lake Michigan right in the downtown of Chicago.

Wonderful day, beautiful clean beach and great water for swimming. Could spend all day here if that were possible.

Before coming to Chicago I knew it was a certain we would be making a trip to a beach. Well I had decided to hit up North Ave Beach for sure. After visiting that beach I was in love with the water and the view so I was hooked and wanted to come back. I heard Oak Street Beach was the better of the two but more family friendly and cleaner. So when we arrived we were not blown away by the difference in cleanliness, if anything it was actually more dirty. Also the entrance into the water sucks because there are rocks at coast that hurt your feet. The only benefit is that those stupid ugly wooden pillars are there. Either way, if you're in chicago, you must visit the beach. Both choices are a win win.