Chicago surprises first-time visitors with something they rarely expect from a major Midwest city: a coastline. Stretching along the city’s eastern edge, Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline delivers sandy stretches, clear blue water, and skyline views that rival any coastal destination. Whether you’re chasing a quiet morning swim or a lively beach scene, the beaches in Chicago offer something for every kind of traveler. Here’s a guide to the best beaches in Chicago, along with how far each is from Arlo Chicago, one of the best hotels in Chicago to make your home base for exploring the shoreline.
Oak Street Beach: The Classic City Beach
Oak Street Beach anchors the southern end of the Gold Coast and gives visitors postcard views of the skyline rising directly behind the shoreline. Sunbathers spread out on the sand while runners and cyclists cruise the adjacent Lakefront Trail, making it one of the most scenic beaches in Chicago for people-watching and photography alike.
Guests can walk to Oak Street Beach from Arlo Chicago in about 25 minutes, following Michigan Avenue north before crossing into Streeterville. A rideshare cuts that trip down to roughly 7 minutes, making it an easy add-on to a morning of shopping along the Magnificent Mile.
North Avenue Beach: Chicago’s Liveliest Shoreline
Ask locals to name the best beaches in Chicago, and North Avenue Beach usually tops the list. Its steamship-shaped beach house houses a restaurant, bar, and volleyball courts, and the wide stretch of sand regularly hosts beach volleyball leagues, paddleboard rentals, and free outdoor fitness classes in summer. Families gravitate here for the playground and lifeguard-monitored swimming zone, while the skyline backdrop makes it a favorite sunset spot.
From Arlo Chicago, North Avenue Beach sits about 2.3 miles north. Rideshare gets guests there in around 10 minutes, while cyclists can rent a Divvy bike and pedal up the Lakefront Trail in roughly 20 minutes, taking in the lake views the entire way.
Ohio Street Beach: A Calm Alternative Near Navy Pier
Tucked just north of Navy Pier, Ohio Street Beach offers a smaller, more sheltered swimming area protected by a breakwater. The calmer water makes it a popular choice for open-water swim training and paddling, and its proximity to downtown attractions means visitors can pair a beach stop with an afternoon at Navy Pier or the nearby lakefront parks.
Ohio Street Beach ranks among the most convenient, best beaches near Chicago’s downtown core for hotel guests without a car. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Arlo Chicago or a 5-minute rideshare, following North Michigan Avenue toward Illinois Street before heading east toward the lake.
12th Street Beach: Skyline Views from Museum Campus
South of the Loop, 12th Street Beach sits within Museum Campus, sharing the peninsula with the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium. The beach faces directly back toward the skyline, giving swimmers one of the most dramatic views along Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline. Its relatively small size keeps crowds lighter than at North Avenue or Oak Street, appealing to visitors who want a quieter swim.
Guests can walk to 12th Street Beach from Arlo Chicago in about 35 minutes through Grant Park or grab a rideshare for an 8-minute ride. Combining a beach visit with a museum stop makes for an easy half-day itinerary.
Montrose Beach: A Neighborhood Escape
For travelers willing to venture farther north, Montrose Beach delivers a more laid-back, neighborhood feel. Located in the Uptown area, it features a dog-friendly section, a nature sanctuary popular with birdwatchers, and enough open space to avoid the density of downtown beaches. Kitesurfers and sailors often take advantage of the winds here, adding movement and color to the horizon.
Montrose Beach sits about 5.5 miles north of Arlo Chicago, making it best reached by rideshare, which typically takes 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Visitors who want a taste of local Chicago beach culture, away from the downtown crowds, will find the trip worthwhile.
Plan Your Chicago Beach Day
From the lively volleyball courts at North Avenue Beach to the tranquil shoreline at 12th Street Beach, Chicago’s Lake Michigan coast delivers a beach day for every mood, and each spot sits just minutes from downtown.
Book a stay at Arlo Chicago and enjoy easy access to the city’s best beaches all summer long.
