Montrose Beach
A spacious, free public beach offering swimming, volleyball, jet ski rentals, and unique Thursday night events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Montrose Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A spacious, free public beach offering swimming, volleyball, jet ski rentals, and unique Thursday night events.
"This beach is such a great spot to relax and enjoy the day! Plenty of public parking, especially if you arrive in the morning."
🚗 Parking Patience Needed
The parking lot can be a 'shitshow' on busy days. Keep moving to find a spot or leave to avoid getting trapped. :car:
🌭 Beach Day Hot Dog Hack
Pack your hot dogs in a thermos for a genius beach day meal! Easy to transport and enjoy. :hotdog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spacious Sandy Shores
Main Beach Area
Enjoy a vast, clean, and well-maintained beach perfect for relaxing, swimming, and soaking up the sun. A true lakeside escape.
The Dock at Montrose Beach
Near the Beach
Casual spot for beachside bites like pierogies and burgers, plus refreshing drinks. Kid-friendly and perfect for a relaxed meal.
Jet Ski Rentals
Waterfront
Add some thrill to your beach day with jet ski rentals available for an exhilarating ride on Lake Michigan.
LGBTQ+ Beach Meetups
Concrete Beach Area
Join inclusive Thursday evening gatherings for runs, swims, and bonfires, fostering a vibrant community spirit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Parking Rush
Thursday Night Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience Needed
The parking lot can be a 'shitshow' on busy days. Keep moving to find a spot or leave to avoid getting trapped. :car:
🌭 Beach Day Hot Dog Hack
Pack your hot dogs in a thermos for a genius beach day meal! Easy to transport and enjoy. :hotdog:
🤫 Seek a Quieter Vibe
If North Avenue Beach is too crowded, Montrose Beach offers a more peaceful escape.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Zone Nearby
An enclosed dog park is available near the beach for your furry friends to run leash-free. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience Needed
The parking lot can be a 'shitshow' on busy days. Keep moving to find a spot or leave to avoid getting trapped. :car:
🌭 Beach Day Hot Dog Hack
Pack your hot dogs in a thermos for a genius beach day meal! Easy to transport and enjoy. :hotdog:
🤫 Seek a Quieter Vibe
If North Avenue Beach is too crowded, Montrose Beach offers a more peaceful escape.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Zone Nearby
An enclosed dog park is available near the beach for your furry friends to run leash-free. :dog:
🗓️ Check for Special Events
Look out for unique events like 'Beach Babe Dilly Dally' meetups, especially on Thursdays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Montrose Beach is praised for its spaciousness, cleanliness, and lively yet welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for relaxation and family fun. Visitors appreciate the free access and ample parking (when arriving early). While some note the bathrooms could be more conveniently located, the overall experience is highly positive, offering a refreshing lakeside escape.
"This beach is such a great spot to relax and enjoy the day! There’s plenty of public parking, especially if you arrive in the morning, which makes getting settled really easy. It’s a spacious area with lots of families, kids, and people just enjoying life, giving the place a lively and welcoming vibe. The water is clean, the sand is well-maintained, and everyone you encounter is generally friendly. Bathrooms could be a little closer considering the size of the beach, but it’s a small trade-off for such a great atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to unwind, take a swim, or just soak in the sun, this beach offers a really good overall experience."
Riley Coleman
"It was beautiful! My kids loved it! I wish I could've stayed a lil longer. Parking at the beach was free in case anybody is wondering. We were booked downtown Chicago at best western and parking was $60 a day!! I couldn't believe it when we got there. But while booking over the phone, the lady told me only $25! But they honored it so that was cool. The pool is on the roof!! And the view...was something I never wanted to leave"
Ayhaunna Kennedy
"Man made beach. No bugs in the sand. Near the water is perfect to set up and tan as there is less plastic and glass pollution. Sea gulls were not aggressive. There is an enclosed dog park by the beach to allow them to run without a leash. Highly recommend going on a week day when there is not a lot of people. Went there on a Monday at noon and it was a perfect number of people!
Photos:
1 - panoramic view of the beach
2 - the Beach up close
3 - seagulls
4 - seagull in flight"
Fondue Fork
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Montrose Beach is accessible by car, with a large public parking lot. Public transportation options include CTA buses.
Yes, there's a large public parking lot. Some spots are free, while others are metered. Arrive early on weekends as it fills up quickly.
Yes, several CTA bus routes stop near Montrose Beach, making it accessible without a car. Check the CTA website for specific routes and schedules.
Montrose Beach is located along the Lakefront Trail in Chicago. Look for signs for Montrose Beach and Montrose Harbor.
The best strategy is to arrive early, especially on weekends. If the lot is full, consider using public transport or ride-sharing services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Montrose Beach is a free public beach. There are no admission fees to access the sand and water.
Montrose Beach is generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with swimming hours typically from 11 AM to 7 PM. Always check the official Chicago Park District website for the most current hours.
No, Montrose Beach is free to the public. You do not need to purchase tickets for entry.
Standard park rules apply. Alcohol is generally prohibited on the beach itself, and glass containers are not allowed. Check Chicago Park District regulations for specifics.
No, spots at Montrose Beach are first-come, first-served. Arriving early is the best way to secure a good location.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, rent jet skis, and enjoy the concessions. There are also unique Thursday night events like live music and bonfires. +1
Yes, there are bathrooms available, though some visitors note they could be closer to the main beach area. [^Review]
Yes, it's spacious, clean, and has a lively atmosphere. While there's no playground directly on the beach, it's very kid-friendly.
Dogs are not allowed on the main swimming beach but there is an enclosed dog park nearby. [^Review]
It can get crowded, especially on summer weekends. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Dock at Montrose Beach offers casual dining with items like pierogies and burgers.
The Dock serves beach-friendly fare including pierogies, burgers, and drinks like gin fizzes.
Yes, visitors often bring their own food and drinks. A popular tip is to pack hot dogs in a thermos for a beach day hack.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, the spacious beach allows for setting up your own picnic spot.
Alcohol is generally prohibited on Chicago beaches. It's best to check the Chicago Park District's current regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture panoramic views of the lake, close-ups of the sand and water, and shots of the seagulls. The skyline view is better further south. [^Review]
Yes, Montrose Beach is home to seagulls, which can make for interesting wildlife photography. [^Review]
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Consider capturing the vibrant Thursday night events, like live music or bonfires, for unique shots. +1
Be mindful of other beachgoers' privacy. The beach is man-made, so expect a clean environment with minimal natural debris. [^Review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
[^Review]Pro-tip: Arrive early on weekends to secure a good spot and make parking less of a hassle. The Dock at Montrose Beach offers kid-friendly food options, or you can pack your own picnic. The nearby dog park is also a bonus if you have a furry family member.
💰 Budget Travelers
[^Review]Bring your own snacks and drinks to save money, or enjoy affordable eats at The Dock. The main attraction – the beach itself – is the perfect free entertainment, offering swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Visitors
These events are a great way to connect with the local queer community and enjoy the beach in a supportive environment. Check social media for specific event details and RSVPs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Montrose Beach vs. Other Chicago Beaches
[^Review]Compared to smaller river beaches, Montrose Beach provides a true lakeside feel with open views of Lake Michigan. The presence of seagulls adds to this coastal ambiance. It's a man-made beach, which means less natural debris like plastic and glass pollution in the sand, contributing to a cleaner environment for sunbathing and relaxation. [^Review]
For those looking for specific amenities, Montrose Beach offers jet ski rentals and is adjacent to Montrose Harbor, which can be a point of interest for boaters. The beach also hosts unique community events, particularly on Thursday nights, which set it apart from more standard beach offerings.
Events and Community at Montrose Beach
These events often cater to specific communities, such as the LGBTQ+ community, with organized runs, walks, and beach meetups. These gatherings foster a sense of belonging and offer unique social opportunities in a beautiful setting.
Beyond organized events, the beach itself cultivates a friendly and welcoming vibe. It's a popular spot for families, groups of friends, and individuals looking to enjoy the outdoors. The presence of The Dock, a casual beachside bar and grill, further enhances the social aspect, providing a place to grab a bite and a drink while enjoying the lakefront.
Practicalities: Parking and Amenities
While the beach is free to access, amenities like restrooms are available but might require a walk depending on your chosen spot. The beach is spacious, which is great for spreading out but means facilities might not be immediately adjacent to every area. [^Review]
For dining, The Dock at Montrose Beach offers a convenient option for casual meals and drinks. Many visitors also opt to bring their own food and beverages, with creative hacks like packing hot dogs in a thermos being popular.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit