North Avenue Beach
Iconic Chicago beach offering stunning skyline views, vibrant volleyball scene, and access to the scenic Lakefront Trail.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
North Avenue Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Chicago beach offering stunning skyline views, vibrant volleyball scene, and access to the scenic Lakefront Trail.
"A true gem for relaxation, recreation, and breathtaking city vistas."
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
Capture stunning photos of the skyline during golden hour.
🏐 Volleyball Ready
Bring your own ball or join a game! Courts are plentiful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chicago Skyline Views
Eastern edge of the beach
Breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Chicago skyline, especially stunning at sunset.
Volleyball Courts
Throughout the beach
Numerous sand volleyball courts offer active fun for all skill levels.
Lakefront Trail Access
Adjacent to the beach
Perfect for a scenic walk, run, or bike ride along Lake Michigan.
Historic Beach House
Central beach area
A charming architectural landmark offering amenities and a place to relax.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Summer Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
Capture stunning photos of the skyline during golden hour.
🏐 Volleyball Ready
Bring your own ball or join a game! Courts are plentiful.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Trail
Explore the Lakefront Trail for scenic views and exercise.
🏊♀️ Swimming Limits
Be aware of swimming restrictions; you can't go too far out.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Golden Hour Magic
Capture stunning photos of the skyline during golden hour.
🏐 Volleyball Ready
Bring your own ball or join a game! Courts are plentiful.
🚶♀️ Stroll the Trail
Explore the Lakefront Trail for scenic views and exercise.
🏊♀️ Swimming Limits
Be aware of swimming restrictions; you can't go too far out.
🍔 Beach Bites
Grab a bite at Castaway or bring your own picnic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise North Avenue Beach for its stunning Chicago skyline views, abundant volleyball courts, and accessible location. The soft sand and inviting water are highlights, offering a great spot for relaxation and recreation. However, some find the strict swimming limits disappointing, as you can't venture far into the water even though it remains shallow.
"The beach has beautiful sand and clean, inviting water. However, swimming is limited, you’re not allowed to go far out, even though the water remains shallow. It’s a nice spot to relax, but the restrictions can be a bit disappointing for swimmers."
Kahraman Koprulu
"This man-made beach in Chicago is a perfect summer escape to relax and unwind.
We visited on a pleasant day — the weather was beautiful and the vibe was just right.
Plenty of volleyball nets add a fun, active touch for sports lovers.
Great spot for a midday break in the heart of the city!"
Sonali Mehta
"The mixture of beauty and accessibility from downtown Chicago is unmatched here. there might be more scenic beaches in the city, but there are very few scenic beaches that are so close to where people live and work here, and the volleyball courts are much appreciated. For those who want enjoyment and athletic revelry, there is more than enough space for that here. For those who are more like me and prefer to wander away from the crowds and toward the historic here, there is more than enough space for that as well. The sand here is soft and pleasant, and there is a true delight to sinking into it while looking out at the horizon of Lake Michigan. there is genuinely something here for everyone, and it is a place booming with joy and pleasure."
Joshua Fagan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
North Avenue Beach is easily accessible by public transportation. Several bus lines stop nearby, and it's a short walk from the Fullerton 'L' station. Driving is also an option, but parking can be challenging, especially during peak season.
Limited street parking is available, and there are paid parking lots nearby. Arriving early or using public transport is recommended to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, the Lakefront Trail provides a dedicated path for cyclists. There are bike racks available at the beach.
The beach and surrounding paths are generally accessible, with paved walkways and ramps.
From downtown Chicago, you can take a bus (like the 151) or a short taxi/rideshare to reach North Avenue Beach. The 'L' train to Fullerton and a walk is also an option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, North Avenue Beach is a public beach and entry is free.
The beach is generally open from 6 AM to 11 PM daily during the summer season. Lifeguards are typically on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
There are no entry fees for North Avenue Beach. You only pay for concessions or rentals if you choose to use them.
No, spots are first-come, first-served. Arriving early is the best way to secure a good location.
The volleyball courts are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim (within designated areas), sunbathe, play beach volleyball, walk or bike the Lakefront Trail, and enjoy the skyline views.
Yes, public restrooms and showers are available at the beach house.
Rentals may be available seasonally from vendors, but it's best to check locally or bring your own.
Public Wi-Fi availability can be spotty. It's advisable to rely on your mobile data.
Swimming is permitted during lifeguard hours, but there are restrictions on how far you can go into the water, even if it's shallow.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Castaway Beach Club is located right on the beach, offering food and drinks. There are also nearby concessions.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is a great way to save money and enjoy your favorite foods.
Castaway Beach Club serves alcoholic beverages.
Expect typical beach fare like burgers, sandwiches, and snacks at the onsite establishments.
Water fountains are usually available near the restrooms. It's always good to have a reusable water bottle.
📸 📸 Photography
The skyline views, especially during sunrise or sunset, are spectacular. The historic beach house and the Lakefront Trail also offer great photo opportunities.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides the most beautiful light for photography.
Drone usage is subject to Chicago Park District regulations. Check current rules before flying.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the skyline and beach expanse. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of the city.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples
The beach house provides a charming backdrop, and the volleyball courts add a fun, active element. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Skyline
+1 For the best experience, visit during the golden hour before sunset or shortly after sunrise when the light casts a warm glow on the buildings. Many visitors rave about the accessibility of these views. Unlike some other cities where prime skyline vistas are reserved for high-rise observation decks, North Avenue Beach offers this breathtaking panorama for free. This makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to capture iconic Chicago imagery without a hefty price tag.
Volleyball Paradise
While the courts are free to use, they can get busy, especially on warm, sunny days. Arriving early is often recommended if you have a specific court in mind or want to guarantee a game.
Even if you don't play, the lively scene adds to the beach's vibrant summer vibe. It's a testament to the beach's role as a community gathering spot for active recreation. Navigating the Lakefront
It connects various Chicago parks and beaches, providing a scenic way to explore the city's shoreline. The trail is well-maintained and offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan on one side and the city on the other. Cyclists can rent bikes or use their own, with plenty of bike racks available at the beach.
For runners and walkers, the trail provides a safe and dedicated space away from road traffic. It's a popular spot for both morning jogs and evening strolls, and you'll often see a diverse mix of people enjoying the outdoors. The trail's accessibility makes it easy to combine a beach visit with a longer recreational outing. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit