Oak Street Beach
Iconic urban beach on Lake Michigan, offering stunning skyline views and a vibrant summer atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Oak Street Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic urban beach on Lake Michigan, offering stunning skyline views and a vibrant summer atmosphere.
"It's the best escape from all the chaos within the city!"
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Mag Mile
Walkable from Michigan Avenue; accessible by bus routes 22, 36, 151.
☀️ Rent Sunbeds & Umbrellas
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, though can be pricey ($66+). [^Review]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Chicago Skyline Views
Along the shoreline
Gaze at the breathtaking Chicago skyline, framed by the Drake Hotel and Hancock Building. A truly iconic urban beach experience.
Refreshing Lake Michigan Swim
Designated swimming areas
Take a dip in the cool, clear waters of Lake Michigan. Lifeguards are present during summer for a safe and enjoyable swim.
Sunrise & Sunset Serenity
Beachfront
Experience magical sunrises and sunsets over the lake. Many enjoy morning yoga or evening strolls with stunning light.
Beach Volleyball & Social Vibes
Volleyball courts
Join a game of beach volleyball or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere. It's a great place to connect with locals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Prime Views
Protect Your Valuables
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Mag Mile
Walkable from Michigan Avenue; accessible by bus routes 22, 36, 151.
☀️ Rent Sunbeds & Umbrellas
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, though can be pricey ($66+). [^Review]
💧 Waterproof Your Essentials
Use waterproof pouches for keys and cards when swimming.
🧘♀️ Sunrise Yoga & Pilates
Join free sunrise yoga or Pilates sessions on select mornings. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Mag Mile
Walkable from Michigan Avenue; accessible by bus routes 22, 36, 151.
☀️ Rent Sunbeds & Umbrellas
Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, though can be pricey ($66+). [^Review]
💧 Waterproof Your Essentials
Use waterproof pouches for keys and cards when swimming.
🧘♀️ Sunrise Yoga & Pilates
Join free sunrise yoga or Pilates sessions on select mornings.
🌅 Sunset Views are Magical
Enjoy breathtaking sunset views over the lake and city skyline.
🎶 Lively Summer Atmosphere
Experience beach volleyball, music, and a vibrant summer scene. [^Review]
🛕 Unique Steep Path
Be prepared for a steep path down to the water in some areas.
🧊 Cold Plunge Sauna Coming
A new lakeside sauna is opening soon for cold plunges!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oak Street Beach is highly praised for its stunning Chicago skyline views and refreshing Lake Michigan waters, offering a vibrant summer atmosphere with activities like beach volleyball. While some find it can get crowded and litter is occasionally present, the overall experience is considered a fantastic urban escape.
"Loved this beach. We came from Europe visiting Chicago and loved the atmosphere at this beach. We visited it a couple times during out stay (even saw the Thunderbirds practising for the airshow). The buildings in the background makes this place amazing. During the summer the water was cool and refreshing."
Mystica
"Very popular, almost clean water, nice music, beach volley, bars and reachable by foot and also by bike"
Riccardo Spadoni
"Oak street beach is perfect hangout spot with one of the best skyline views of chicago. As an international student, I have been there twice, once at night as well, and it feels safe. The vibes are so good that you feel like sitting there for hours. It’s the best escape from all the chaos within the city!"
Haniya Bilawal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oak Street Beach is easily accessible. If you're on Michigan Avenue, it's walkable. Public transport options include bus routes 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, and 151 Sheridan, as well as the Clark/Division Red Line.
Parking can be challenging. SpotHero is recommended for finding parking options near the Mag Mile.
Yes, biking is a popular way to reach Oak Street Beach, with bike paths along the lakefront.
Follow the checkpoints along Michigan Avenue; it's a straightforward route with clear signage.
It's located right on the Mag Mile, near the Drake Hotel and Hancock Building, making it quite visible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Oak Street Beach is free to enter and enjoy.
The beach is generally open from dawn until dusk. Swimming is permitted when lifeguards are on duty during the summer season.
No tickets are required for general beach access.
Yes, Oak Street Beach hosts events like sunrise yoga, Pilates, and sometimes features in air shows.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for city beaches to allow personal food and non-alcoholic beverages. Check local regulations if unsure.
🎫 ☀️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, enjoy the skyline views, and participate in beach yoga or Pilates.
The water quality is generally good, described as clean and refreshing, though occasional trash can be found. [^Review]
Yes, lifeguards are on duty during the summer season when swimming is permitted. [^Description]
The views of the Chicago skyline, including the John Hancock Center, are spectacular and a major draw.
It can get very popular and crowded, especially on summer weekends. Weekday mornings offer a more relaxed experience. [^Review]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, beach bars and nearby options on Michigan Avenue are usually available. [^Review]
Bringing your own food is generally allowed at city beaches, making it a great spot for a picnic with a view.
The Magnificent Mile offers a vast array of restaurants, cafes, and bars within walking distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire shoreline offers stunning skyline backdrops. The area near the Drake Hotel and Hancock Building is particularly iconic.
Sunrise and sunset provide beautiful golden hour light for photography. Midday offers clear views of the city.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near public spaces like beaches. Check FAA and local regulations.
Capture wide shots of the skyline, close-ups of beach activities, and candid moments of people enjoying the lake.
The steep path down to the water offers a unique perspective, and the beach is a prime spot during air shows. [^Review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Date Nights
+1 The vibrant atmosphere makes it a lively place to spend an evening, and its central location means you can easily transition to dinner or drinks on the Magnificent Mile afterward. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Oak Street Beach
+1Travelers have noted that while the beach is central, there can be a steep path leading down to the water in certain sections, which is worth being aware of.
Activities and Vibe
Beyond swimming and sunbathing, Oak Street Beach is a hub for wellness activities. Many visitors enjoy sunrise yoga and Pilates sessions held right on the sand, offering a unique way to start the day with a view.
+2 The beach also provides a fantastic setting for simply unwinding, people-watching, and enjoying the vibrant energy of Chicago in the summer. Photography Opportunities
[^Review] The area around the Drake Hotel and the John Hancock Building offers particularly striking compositions. For the best light, aim for sunrise or sunset. The golden hour hues cast a magical glow over the city and the lake, creating dramatic and beautiful shots.
+1 Midday provides clear, sharp views of the architecture. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique steep path leading to the water, or the vibrant scenes during beach volleyball games or special events like air shows. 
Social
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