Oak Street Beach
Chicago, IL
Oak Street Beach sits at 1000 N. Lake Shore Drive, where the Gold Coast's high-rises meet the lake at the top of the Magnificent Mile. The sand curves around the bend in the shoreline, with volleyball courts, a beachside restaurant, and a sweeping close-up view of the skyline. It's steps from Michigan Avenue shopping.
A glamorous downtown beach with a stunning skyline view, though parking is scarce and it's crowded.
How we score beachesUse the pedestrian underpass at Michigan Avenue and Oak Street to reach the beach without crossing Lake Shore Drive.
No beach lot; use nearby garages or take the bus.
A pedestrian underpass and paved paths lead to the sand.
Lifeguards are on duty 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. On windy days, waves crash against the seawall just south of the sand.
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