Greenwood Street Beach
A clean, accessible lakefront beach with a designated swimming area, perfect for families and peaceful strolls along Lake Michigan.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Greenwood Street Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A clean, accessible lakefront beach with a designated swimming area, perfect for families and peaceful strolls along Lake Michigan.
"Great for kids, clean, and not overcrowded, though non-residents pay an entry fee."
💰 Non-Resident Fees
Be aware of entry fees for non-residents. Check current pricing before your visit.
🏊♀️ Designated Swim Zone
Swimming is limited to a specific area. Respect boundaries to avoid whistles from lifeguards.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 228 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Family-Friendly Swimming Area
Designated swimming zone
A safe, shallow area perfect for kids to splash and play, supervised by lifeguards.
Lakeside Picnics
Grassy areas and picnic spots
Enjoy a meal with a view of Lake Michigan, surrounded by green spaces.
Scenic Lakefront Walks
Pathways along the lake
Stroll along the beautiful coastline, offering picturesque views and fresh air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & Fees
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Non-Resident Fees
Be aware of entry fees for non-residents. Check current pricing before your visit.
🏊♀️ Designated Swim Zone
Swimming is limited to a specific area. Respect boundaries to avoid whistles from lifeguards.
Public opinion on beach tokens?
I'm from the West Coast, where beaches are public and free all along the coast (unless in a gated community), regardless of residency. I'm perplexed that Evanston requires beach tokens/passes for access to Lake Michigan; at first blush, it strikes me as a NIMBY, classist policy…
Beach pass questions
Hi! I just moved here for the summer and got a beach pass from the Dempster Street office. Since it’s raining and the pass is cardboard, I’m worried about it getting damaged—I’ve been keeping it on my keys, but that doesn’t seem ideal. Is there a digital version I can use…
👨👩👧 Great for Kids
The shallow, supervised swimming area is ideal for families with young children.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be easier than in downtown Chicago, especially on non-holiday weekends.
How Do You Find New Spots?! (CHICAGO AREA RECS?)
Hey there, going to be having my first summer as a Chicago resident & am desperate to find some good spots to wingfoil out here. Coming from south Florida, I'll also be dealing with wetsuits for the first time, so I would love any recommendations on spots/weather/wetsuit…
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Non-Resident Fees
Be aware of entry fees for non-residents. Check current pricing before your visit.
🏊♀️ Designated Swim Zone
Swimming is limited to a specific area. Respect boundaries to avoid whistles from lifeguards.
👨👩👧 Great for Kids
The shallow, supervised swimming area is ideal for families with young children.
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be easier than in downtown Chicago, especially on non-holiday weekends.
🌿 Clean & Well-Maintained
The beach is often praised for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Greenwood Street Beach is praised for its cleanliness and family-friendly atmosphere, offering a safe, shallow swimming area and pleasant lakefront walks. However, some visitors find the entry fees for non-residents and the restricted swimming zone to be overly managed and less enjoyable than more open public beaches.
"I love this beach. It’s so clean. It’s very family friendly & it’s not over crowded"
Rosie Lagunas
"This is not a public beach, its an enclosure of public space and somehow this city got away with putting up a fence and rocks to close public access to the lake. Shame on the aldermen and parks department for how this beach is managed. They should just stop paying for lifeguards because they are useless in this case. Why are people only allowed into a tiny area of the water, that can't be more than 75' by 100' feet, not even 1/8 of the total 'beach' area?? There is no point to lifeguards of the water never gets more than 3 feet high in the area they allow. No adult can tred water nor actually swim in that. They force you into a crowed area so you always have some 10 year old kid's feet in your face. God forbid you, step outside of their arbitrary boundary, for deeper water or just more space! Be prepared for some 16 year old to blow a whistle and tell you to return. They pay at least 6 'llfeguards' but you only ever see 2 working while the others lounge around a tent doing nothing. They could at least send two to a different side of the beach to open up the space and crowding... or better yet save the tax money and get rid of them in general and let people actually enjoy their summer and swimming in the water at their own risk. Don't pay to come here its not worth it unless you have 6 kids you don't feel like watching yourself. Other cities aren't this overpolicing or elitist and charge and don't charge you to sit on sand and just let you swim freely."
Xolo
"12 dollars to enter the beach as a non resident, which they should mention if you like swimming is largely for kids. Just felt like I was in a over policed beach. You can only swim in a 50 foot area. If you just try to go enjoy other parts of the water, you’ll have some 15 year old life guard whistle at you to not stand over there or come to the tiny area to swim. Just doing too much all around. Nature should not be controlled to this level. You can tell a bunch of old people got together at city hall and made these dumb rules up."
Musaab B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Greenwood Street Beach is located in Evanston, Illinois. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options, such as CTA buses, also serve the area.
Yes, parking is generally available near the beach. While it can get busy on peak days, it's often easier to find parking here compared to some Chicago beaches.
Absolutely! The lakefront path is beautiful for walking and biking. It's a scenic route that connects various points along Lake Michigan.
Yes, the beach is described as handicap-accessible, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the lakefront.
To avoid traffic, aim for weekday visits or arrive early in the morning. Weekends, especially holiday weekends, can see increased traffic congestion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entry fee, particularly for non-residents. The cost can vary, so it's advisable to check the latest pricing before your visit.
Non-residents typically pay a per-person fee. Reviews mention costs around $8-$12 per person, but this can change seasonally. +1
Yes, the pricing structure often differentiates between residents and non-residents, with non-residents facing higher fees.
Operating hours can vary, especially regarding lifeguard services. It's best to check the official city or park district website for the most current hours of operation.
Information on advance ticket purchases is not widely available. Typically, entry fees are paid upon arrival at the beach entrance.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
The swimming area is a designated, shallow zone, often described as being around 50-75 feet by 75-100 feet. It's supervised by lifeguards and is particularly suitable for children.
Yes, lifeguards are present during operational hours to ensure safety within the designated swimming area.
No, swimming is restricted to a specific, marked area. Venturing outside this zone may result in warnings from lifeguards.
Amenities typically include restrooms, picnic areas, and grassy spaces for relaxation. Some reviews mention that bathrooms can be dirty.
Crowds can vary. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, while weekdays offer a more relaxed experience. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information on on-site food vendors is limited. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for picnics.
Yes, picnic areas are available, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal with a view of the lake.
The beach is in a residential area, so dining options might be a short drive away in Evanston's main commercial districts.
Alcohol policies can vary by location and season. It's best to check local ordinances or park rules regarding alcohol consumption.
Easy-to-eat, portable foods like sandwiches, salads, fruits, and snacks are ideal for a beach picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakefront path offers beautiful vistas of Lake Michigan. The grassy areas and the shoreline itself provide scenic backdrops for photos.
While sunsets over Lake Michigan can be stunning, the beach faces east, so you'll get beautiful sunrise views. The lakefront offers lovely light throughout the day.
Drone usage is often restricted in public parks and beaches. It's crucial to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon 'golden hours' provide soft, flattering light. Midday can be harsh, but the lake offers a bright, expansive backdrop.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other visitors' privacy and avoid intrusive photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit