Helen Doria Beach
Chicago, IL
Helen Doria Beach, at 1040 W. Columbia Avenue, is the Rogers Park beach formerly known as Columbia Beach. At just under an acre, it links North Shore Beach and Loyola Beach along the lakefront. Neighbors and Loyola students use it for quick swims and sunsets.
A small but connected neighborhood beach, though there are few facilities.
How we score beachesWalk the shoreline north from here toward Loyola Beach for a string of sand in one stroll.
Street parking only.
A short walk from Columbia Avenue to the sand.
Lifeguards are on duty 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. When Loyola is in session in late August, the beach gets livelier.
More Great Lakes beaches
Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach
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Freshwater Lake Michigan surf below towering sand dunes, some over 400 feet tall, with water clear enough to rival a coastline and a hike back up the dune to burn it off.
New Buffalo City Beach
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Warren Dunes State Park
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