Montrose Beach
Chicago, IL
Montrose Beach, at 4400 N. Lake Shore Drive, is one of Chicago's biggest beaches, with a fenced off-leash dog beach at the north end, a protected dune natural area, and the Montrose Point bird sanctuary nearby. It's one of only two beaches in the city where surfing is allowed during the season. A beach house, concessions, and rentals round it out.
Chicago's most well-rounded beach with a dog beach, dunes, and birding, though parking fills on summer weekends.
How we score beachesWalk out to the Magic Hedge at Montrose Point in May to see migrating warblers, one of the best birding spots in the Midwest.
Large paid lots at Montrose Harbor and the beach.
Paved paths lead from the lots to the sand.
Dogs are allowed off leash in the fenced dog beach at the north end, with a city dog-friendly area permit.
Lifeguards are on duty 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in season. Spring migration makes Montrose a birding hotspot in May.
More Great Lakes beaches
Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach
Empire, MI · Great Lakes
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
New Buffalo, MI · Great Lakes
New Buffalo City Beach is the first real Lake Michigan beach you hit crossing from Indiana, a wide stretch of sand at the end of Whittaker Street beside the harbor and the Galien River channel. Chicago weekenders fill it in summer. The town's shops and restaurants are a five minute walk back up the street.
Warren Dunes State Park
Sawyer, MI · Great Lakes
Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer has roughly three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and some of the tallest dunes in southwest Michigan. Tower Hill rises about 260 feet above the lake, and climbing it and running back down is a rite of passage. On a hot July Saturday the beach feels like a small city.