Tobey Prinz Beach
Chicago, IL
Tobey Prinz Beach, at 1045 W. Pratt Boulevard, was Pratt Beach until 2014, when the Park District renamed it for the Rogers Park teacher and activist who led the campaign to save the neighborhood's beaches. It has more going on than most small beaches: weeping trees, a giant concrete sculpture kids climb on, tennis courts, public art, and a long pier out into the lake.
A small beach packed with character, from the pier to the public art, though parking is street-only.
How we score beachesWalk to the end of the pier at sunrise, then let the kids climb the big concrete sculpture on the way back.
Street parking only.
A short walk from Pratt Boulevard to the sand; the pier is paved.
Lifeguards are on duty 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In winter the pier is a dramatic spot to watch waves and ice.
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