North Avenue Beach

The Chicago Park District manages 8100 acres of green space, 592 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 10 museums, 50 nature areas, & hundreds of programs & events.

9 / 10
639
ratings
Address

1600 N Lake Shore Dr (btwn Fullerton Pkwy & North Ave) Chicago , IL 60610 United States

Comments / 81


Keywords:

polar plunge beach people watching biking scenic views castaway volleyball casual yoga picnics sunbathing quiet trails books sub sandwiches tours lakes beer city tan
Kurt Uhlir

Pick a volleyball court , walk up, introduce yourself and ask to join a game. Great way to meet new friends. Tip: courts 1/2 mile north of the boathouse are generally more open to people of all levels.

Kevin M. McNally, CMP

All year round this is fun. It renews UR soul. Especially summah time w outdoor activities like volleyball , a good run or cycling. Great people watching at Castaways . Wiggle your toes-create memories!

Danielle Kovack

Definitely a fun beach to bring a big group of friends. Looking for a more peaceful spot ? Head to your left at the end by Fullerton ave. Perfect space to read or meditate !

Diego Rufo

In the Summer on Sundays after a Saturday of partying, people like to lounge on Chicago's most popular beach . You can play on the volleyball courts , grab a burger , drink at Castaways ... Just enjoy! Read more

Leyla Arsan

Enjoy the serenity of the lake front in the morning and get the hell outta here by 10am unless you want to be bombarded by suburbanites & tourists

Jonathan Ferrera

Probably the most popular and busiest of Chicago's beaches . The people-watching here is excellent and there are plenty of rentals for biking or going out on the water!

David Derrick

Larger beach falling between the Oak street beach to the south and the Fullerton beach to the north. Volley ball tournaments held here!

Glenda Baugh-Johnson

Nice crowd. There’s a restaurant as well as beach volleyball area. Nice beach to just enjoy the weather and people watching

Allison Kaminski

Great people watching . Go further north past the volleyball courts if you want a calm beach spot

Mohammad Abusharif

Great place to relax , walk, run or just read a book in downtown Chicago

Lina Gonzo

It's not just for summer. Take a long walk there during the winter months. Amazing sites! Dress super warm!

Ana Ditmars

My favorite beach in the city . In the summer, try going on one if the non-crowded beaches . No lifeguard, but also no people (or screaming children)

Austin Westermann

Snap some amazing pictures of downtown Chicago from anywhere on the beach . Even when it's crowded , there's always a nice place to set up

Aaron Cruz

On the beach and great views . This is your Chicago spot! Amazing skyline and lake views along Lake Shore Drive. Oh yeah relax a great beach too.

John Hankus

It's the beach to be at if you are a twenty something. Lots of beach bodies roaming around but be aware that the beach can get extremely packed on weekends. Avoid castaways if possible.

Fodor's Travel

North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach tend to be the most popular in the city , but all beaches are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Dustin Haley

Usually pretty crowded in the summer, but who doesn't love a little people watching ! Just be careful if running or biking by.

Jennifer Straub

Looking for a good time when going to the beach ? Go here, but don't expect a quiet and relaxed day. It gets crowded . Head to Castaways to quench your thirst!

Michael Lucas

Try Oak Street Beach if this one is too crowded – just a short walk south. This and Oak Street are probably the best beaches in town .

Carly S

Cops usually check coolers for booze. Thank all the teenagers that hang out there. Great volleyball nets!

Dana Parker

Great beach , improved over the last few years to be a destination during the summer

Ben Caron

Very nice beach with view on the city . Though there was a considerable amount of trash in the water... ????

Lina Gonzo

Be sure to remember your hat and sunscreen . Chicago may not be the tropics, but it still has a wicked sun!

Shannon Jeropke

It's open till 11p for just sitting on the sand and is a beautiful place to just sit and relax at night!

Jt Turner

Scenery an da Beers is great. Now i see why they are called the Great Lakes

Tina Roszkowski

Great views . Perfect for hot summer days in the city .

James Michael

My fav place in the city by far, love the beach , love the peeeps, AWESOME

Kristeena Sarver

Beautiful place to walk and enjoy the view

Chicago Bike Tuner

Peeps no Creeps | Ride the FAB Lakefront Biking Trail | But slow down and enjoy the scenery at North Avenue Beach!

Zach Solomon-Beloin

Bring back summer. Love spending weekends with friends and family on the beach .

Kool Aid

Def cleanest beach in Chicago . And great rentals

Walgreens

Drink lots of water and remember to apply sunscreen to the tips of your ears and nose, too! There’s a way to stay well .

Jake Smith

Spread out! There's plenty of room here, don't set up camp right on top of someone else.

Gilt City

The Volleywood Beach Bash only happens once a year...you missed it this time, but come next summer, you better be ready.

Iain Schmitt

View from North Ave at sunset :

M Ben-David

North Ave Beach is always a good option in the summer for Chicago!

Topshop

When the sun shines, this is the best beach to hang out at!

Pamela Carpenter

Castaways is closed after Labor Day. Try the shop inside.

Dan Lobring

The SHAPE Magazine "Summer Beach Tour " stops here on Saturday, June 16. Fitness classes , fashion shows and giveaways. Get your tix! Read more

MC Wombach

Lock your bike up extra good... Some lil fucker somehow cut my lock with people all around

Fernando Serrano

Just be sure to come in summer tho

Thrillist

Play some pickup volleyball . Casually execute the Maverick flex/watch check.

Talha

Best beach in Chicago for water sports ????

Christine Mortensen

If you're looking to play 2's volleyball Vball Network sets up every Saturday and Sunday at the North courts (also known as the south Fullerton courts)

Dj EDLo Primepage Wireless

Hash brown rocks! #wagwalking #ilovewag

Mark Brouch

Rent a volleyball set for the day for only $5!

Fatima A

Less crowded on weekdays.

@MisterHirsch

Great spot for relaxing on the beach ... Great people watching - locals & tourists .

Curvatude

Smokers muck up everything! The sand is a NO SMOKING zone!

Peter Martin

Great place to spend vacation

Similar places nearby :

9.1
Beach
Oak Street Beach

Clean beach with an unreal view of the city skyline. Loved it! - Mark Wong

9.1
Beach
Montrose Beach

Great beach for little kids. The water is really calm compared to the downtown beaches. - Leslie Adamski

8.4
Beach
Fullerton Beach

This is a great beach to go to to kick back and relax on a beautiful day. Beware of bikers! Very popular area and great place to meet new people. - Kelli Sullivan

6.6
Bar
Castaways Bar & Grill

Best drink we had was the ice tea. But the Zing Zang bloody Mary is good too. - Michael Salazar

9.3
Trail
Lakefront Trail

Great for running and biking, but be careful on warm summer weekends! It can get crowded. - Dustin Haley

9.2
Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo

Plenty to see, great scenery and pretty informative signs at the exhibits. Overall is a great experience. - Carlos Llamacho