Chicago summers are short and glorious — and North Avenue Beach is where the whole city celebrates them. With the skyscrapers rising right behind the sand and Lake Michigan stretching to the horizon, it’s the most postcard-perfect public beach in the Midwest.
The iconic ocean-liner-shaped Beach House buzzes with activity from Memorial Day to Labor Day: volleyball tournaments, paddleboard rentals, bike paths, and a lively terrace restaurant scene. The water is clean and lifeguarded, and the wide sandy shore leaves plenty of room for families to spread out their blankets far from the downtown bustle.
It’s a summer must for sun lovers, volleyball players, and families with kids who want a real beach day without leaving the city. Tip: rent a Divvy bike and ride the 18-mile Lakefront Trail south from here — and stay until sunset, when the sun drops behind the skyline and the whole beach turns gold.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Ser Amantio di Nicolao
