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Chicago Park District

North Avenue Beach

Beach
Lincoln Park, Chicago
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9.0/10
644
ratings
  • Stars
  • Tips
    Diego R.
    "drink at Castaways..."(6 Tips)
    Anna D.
    "Polar Plunge is so fun and for a great cause!"(3 Tips)
    Fodor's Travel
    "North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach"(3 Tips)
    Talha
    "Best beach in Chicago for water sports 😎"(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon80 Tips and reviews
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  • Kurt U.
    Kurt UhlirJune 24, 2012
    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.
    Upvoted 1 week ago
  • Kevin M.
    Kevin M. McNally, CMPAugust 21, 2018
    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 K.
    Danielle KovackMay 31, 2014
    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 R.
    Diego RufoMarch 28, 2011
    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 A.heart icon on user image
    Leyla ArsanJuly 5, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    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
  • Allison K.heart icon on user image
    Allison KaminskiJanuary 8, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    Great people watching. Go further north past the volleyball courts if you want a calm beach spot
  • David D.
    David DerrickSeptember 1, 2014
    Larger beach falling between the Oak street beach to the south and the Fullerton beach to the north. Volley ball tournaments held here!
  • Austin W.
    Austin WestermannAugust 18, 2015
    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
  • Glenda B.
    Glenda Baugh-JohnsonAugust 2, 2021
    Been here 10+ times
    Nice crowd. There’s a restaurant as well as beach volleyball area. Nice beach to just enjoy the weather and people watching
  • Jonathan F.heart icon on user image
    Jonathan FerreraJuly 7, 2015
    Been here 50+ times
    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!
  • John H.heart icon on user image
    John HankusOctober 10, 2015
    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.
  • Ana D.heart icon on user image
    Ana DitmarsJanuary 5, 2014
    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)
  • Jennifer S.
    Jennifer StraubAugust 3, 2012
    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!
  • Aaron C.
    Aaron CruzApril 15, 2012
    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.
  • Michael L.
    Michael LucasJanuary 24, 2013
    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.
  • Mohammad A.heart icon on user image
    Mohammad AbusharifOctober 28, 2015
    Great place to relax, walk, run or just read a book in downtown Chicago
  • Ben C.heart icon on user image
    Ben CaronSeptember 9, 2015
    Very nice beach with view on the city. Though there was a considerable amount of trash in the water... 👎
  • Lina G.heart icon on user image
    Lina GonzoOctober 14, 2013
    Be sure to remember your hat and sunscreen. Chicago may not be the tropics, but it still has a wicked sun!
  • Dana P.heart icon on user image
    Dana ParkerAugust 2, 2015
    Great beach, improved over the last few years to be a destination during the summer
  • Fodor's Travel
    Fodor's TravelAugust 24, 2015
    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 H.heart icon on user image
    Dustin HaleyJune 16, 2016
    Usually pretty crowded in the summer, but who doesn't love a little people watching! Just be careful if running or biking by.
  • Shannon J.
    Shannon JeropkeJuly 24, 2012
    It's open till 11p for just sitting on the sand and is a beautiful place to just sit and relax at night!
  • Lina G.heart icon on user image
    Lina GonzoOctober 15, 2012
    It's not just for summer. Take a long walk there during the winter months. Amazing sites! Dress super warm!
  • Jt T.heart icon on user image
    Jt TurnerMay 7, 2015
    Scenery an da Beers is great. Now i see why they are called the Great Lakes
  • Walgreens
    WalgreensJune 17, 2011
    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.
  • Carly S.heart icon on user image
    Carly SJune 13, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    Cops usually check coolers for booze. Thank all the teenagers that hang out there. Great volleyball nets!
  • James M.
    James MichaelOctober 16, 2012
    My fav place in the city by far, love the beach, love the peeeps, AWESOME
  • Tina R.heart icon on user image
    Tina RoszkowskiJune 27, 2018
    Great views. Perfect for hot summer days in the city.
  • Kristeena S.heart icon on user image
    Kristeena SarverMay 1, 2023
    Beautiful place to walk and enjoy the view
  • M B.
    M Ben-DavidJuly 23, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    North Ave Beach is always a good option in the summer for Chicago!
  • Thrillist
    ThrillistJune 14, 2013
    Play some pickup volleyball. Casually execute the Maverick flex/watch check.
  • Iain S.heart icon on user image
    Iain SchmittJuly 26, 2015
    View from North Ave at sunset:
  • Zach S.heart icon on user image
    Zach Solomon-BeloinMarch 7, 2016
    Bring back summer. Love spending weekends with friends and family on the beach.
  • MC W.
    MC WombachJuly 9, 2012
    Been here 10+ times
    Lock your bike up extra good... Some lil fucker somehow cut my lock with people all around
  • Players S.
    Players SportsMarch 12, 2012
    Check out our beach volleyball leagues @NorthAveBeach this summer! Registration opens soon at www.playerssports.net
  • Topshop
    TopshopJune 19, 2012
    When the sun shines, this is the best beach to hang out at!
  • Dan L.
    Dan LobringMay 25, 2012
    The SHAPE Magazine "Summer Beach Tour" stops here on Saturday, June 16. Fitness classes, fashion shows and giveaways. Get your tix! Read more
  • Jake S.
    Jake SmithJune 1, 2013
    Spread out! There's plenty of room here, don't set up camp right on top of someone else.
  • @MisterHirsch
    @MisterHirschAugust 29, 2010
    Great spot for relaxing on the beach... Great people watching - locals & tourists.
  • Chicago B.
    Peeps no Creeps | Ride the FAB Lakefront Biking Trail | But slow down and enjoy the scenery at North Avenue Beach!
  • Fernando S.heart icon on user image
    Fernando SerranoJuly 30, 2015
    Just be sure to come in summer tho
  • Pamela C.
    Pamela CarpenterSeptember 28, 2013
    Castaways is closed after Labor Day. Try the shop inside.
  • Charles G.
    Charles GordonJuly 9, 2011
    Car pool, or take public transportation because it's extremely hard to find parking
  • Fatima A.heart icon on user image
    Fatima AJuly 24, 2016
    Less crowded on weekdays.
  • Gilt City
    Gilt CityAugust 4, 2011
    The Volleywood Beach Bash only happens once a year...you missed it this time, but come next summer, you better be ready.
  • Curvatude
    CurvatudeMay 29, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Smokers muck up everything! The sand is a NO SMOKING zone!
  • Talhaheart icon on user image
    TalhaAugust 3, 2015
    Best beach in Chicago for water sports 😎
  • Dj EDLo P.
    Hash brown rocks! #wagwalking #ilovewag
  • Mark B.
    Mark BrouchAugust 12, 2014
    Been here 10+ times
    Rent a volleyball set for the day for only $5!
  • Peter M.
    Peter MartinFebruary 24, 2015
    Great place to spend vacation
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