The 9 Best Beaches in Illinois

Are you ready for the warm summer weather that is beginning to approach? The state of Illinois is located in the Midwestern United States. Throughout the state, you’ll find tons of prairies, corn fields, and lakes. However, did you know there are also some pretty outstanding beaches throughout the state? Whether you’re an Illinois native or simply visiting, it’s a great idea to check out one of their fabulous beaches during the summer. Below, we’ll go through our list of the 9 best beaches in Illinois and what makes each one special. So get ready to soak up the sun this summer at these fantastic beaches in Illinois.

57th Street Beach

Our list starts with one of the most popular beaches in Illinois: 57th Street Beach. This beach is located in Jackson Park — one of the oldest parks in Chicago. This is one of the best beaches in Illinois for going swimming — especially long-distance swimming. This beach has it all, as it features lifeguards on duty, accessible restrooms, and even food stalls. There are also children’s playgrounds around, so you can easily take the kids to run around after they’ve spent some time in the sun. However, the absolute best feature of 57th Street Beach is the amazing view of the Chicago skyline. While street parking is limited in the area, there is paid parking available near the beach. Additionally, the Museum of Science and Industry is also nearby, so you have a lot of options when you visit this Chicago beach.

Illinois Beach State Park

Also known as Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, this is a fantastic option if you’re looking to enjoy all of the natural beauty Illinois has to offer. This beach stretches over 6.5 miles along the shores of Lake Michigan. So if you happen to live in northern Illinois or are planning a trip there, we highly recommend checking this beach out. While here, you can admire tons of wildlife and picturesque views of the shore. However, don’t be afraid of jumping right into the water, as it’s absolutely beautiful. The state park offers tons of amenities that you can expect such as restrooms, picnic areas, and even nearby lodging areas. This is a fantastic beach option if you’re a more adventurous beachgoer. You can easily lounge on the sandy shores and then throw on your hiking shoes for a well-deserved hike around the park.

63rd Street Beach

Since Chicago happens to be a popular travel destination during the summer months, it’s helpful to know which beaches are worth checking out in the city. Another fantastic option happens to be 63rd Street Beach. This is an incredibly family-friendly beach. So if you have kids, then this is a destination you’ll want to check out. This beach is also located in Jackson Park, just like 57th Street Beach. Most beachgoers here comment that the beach is relatively peaceful and the waters are safe for swimming. Additionally, there are tons of restaurants in the area that you can try after soaking up the sun and working up an appetite. There are also outdoor showers and restrooms available for public use.

Belmont Harbor Dog Beach

Are you a dog owner looking for a beach where you and your dog can enjoy the day? Then you’ll want to check out Belmont Harbor Dog Beach. This beach is located about five miles north of downtown Chicago. This beach is a dog park that features a small area of sandy beach. There are even shallow waters where your dog can swim. However, you’ll want to keep an eye out for any boats as they sometimes get close to the shore here. While this isn’t the most human-friendly beach, this is a great option for your pup. There’s tons of space for them to run around and enjoy themselves!

Lake Shelbyville

If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful beaches in Illinois, then you’re going to want to check out Lake Shelbyville. It is technically a reservoir located in Shelby County, Illinois, and Moultrie County, Illinois. When you get to Lake Shelbyville, you’ll notice that there aren’t one but four different beaches that you can enjoy. Each of these is available for swimming and can be visited by day visitors or those who are staying nearby at the campgrounds available. Outside of the gorgeous beaches, Lake Shelbyville also offers anglers the opportunity to fish! If you happen to enjoy golfing, there is also a golf course nearby as well. Overall, you can’t go wrong when visiting this gorgeous lake.

Glencoe Beach

For a beach experience that encompasses it all, you’re going to want to check out Glencoe Beach. Glencoe Beach is an amazing option whether you’re going alone, with family, or with friends. At this beach, you can enjoy beach picnics as well as tons of beach rentals. You can rent kayaks, sailboats, and even stand-up paddleboats. There are also always lifeguards on duty during beach season. It is important to note that the beach is only free during the off-season. Once the summer season comes around, there is a daily admission price that must be purchased on the day of your visit. The cost is $10 per person for Glencoe residents and $20 per person for non-residents.

Calumet Beach

In terms of convenience, Calumet Beach should not be overlooked. If you’re located in the city of Chicago or are planning to visit, then you’ll want to make time to visit Calumet Beach. This public beach is located in Chicago’s Calumet Park. This is about 14 miles south of downtown Chicago. One of the aspects that we like about this beach is that it features an ADA-accessible beach walk for any beachgoers with mobility issues. Along with hanging out soaking up the sun, there are also parts of the beach where you can kayak or canoe as well. The beach also features designated grilling areas. However, if you’re not in the mood to grill up your food, then there are tons of restaurants in the area that you can go to.

Leone Beach

Interested in soaking up the sun on the shores of Lake Michigan? Then you’ll want to check out Leone Beach. Leone Beach Park has been around since 1919, making this beach and park area a historic place to visit. This is a quintessential beach that is part of Chicago’s 18 street-end municipal beaches. Visiting this beach is well worth it, as there are tons of lakefront spots for sunbathing. There are also other fun amenities around, such as a playground for kids to enjoy. Additionally, this beach also features a kayak launch area. If you’re looking for a fantastic beach in the Chicago area, then Leone Beach is another one you should check out. The water is safe to swim in, and you can also count on a lifeguard being on duty during the summer season.

North Avenue Beach

Located in Chicago’s greater Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area. This is a beach that gets busy during the peak summer season. At this beach, you’ll come across lots of beachgoers who are looking to tan on the sand, splash around in the water, and even play volleyball. You’ll also find lots of people coming out to this beach for kayaking or to canoe in the lake. One of the aspects that makes this beach so popular is the stunning views of the Chicago skyline. Another simple fact is that this beach is also one of the largest in the area, so it can accommodate far more people. Despite being one of the more crowded options, we still highly recommend this beach as there are tons of facilities available and lots of activities you can participate in.

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