North Avenue Beach
Chicago, IL
North Avenue Beach is Chicago's most famous beach, a long stretch of sand in Lincoln Park with the downtown skyline rising just south. Its 22,000 square foot beach house, built in 1938 and styled after an ocean liner, holds restrooms, rentals, cabanas, and the Castaways rooftop bar. Volleyball courts cover the sand all summer.
The iconic Chicago beach with the skyline, a rooftop bar, and volleyball, though it's crowded.
How we score beachesGrab a drink on the Castaways rooftop at sunset for the best skyline view on the beach.
Limited paid parking nearby; take the bus or bike the Lakefront Trail.
Paved paths from the Lakefront Trail lead to the sand and beach house.
Summer weekends are packed with volleyball and crowds. Lifeguards are on duty 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in season.
More Great Lakes beaches
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