Gillson Beach
Wilmette, IL
Gillson Beach is Wilmette's main beach in Gillson Park, next to Wilmette Harbor and the Baha'i House of Worship. The park has soft sand, dunes, a kids' play set, a sailing school, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and an off-leash dog beach at the south end. It's one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore.
A full-featured park beach with sailing, dunes, and a dog beach, though nonresident fees add up.
How we score beachesRent a kayak at the harbor, then visit the Baha'i Temple across Sheridan Road.
Parking in Gillson Park; nonresidents pay per person plus a parking fee that's higher on weekends.
Paved paths lead through the park to the sand.
Dogs with a Wilmette Park District permit can run off leash at the Gillson Dog Beach on the south end.
The swim beach is guarded in summer. The dog beach and park are open year round.
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