20 Top-Rated Beaches in Illinois (2024)
Not all beaches are with Oceans, and the Prairie State proves it the best. Illinois is blessed with the beautiful portion of Lake Michigan, which alone provides it with 63 miles of Shoreline. While 22 miles of this Shoreline is within the Chicago city, the rest is well spread all across the Prairie State. Apart from Lake Michigan, several human made lakes, reservoirs and other internal factors boast an array of beaches within Illinois.
From beaches with party vibes to beaches with a family-friendly atmosphere, options in Illinois will never come to an end. Although Illinois is preached for its corn and its prairies, nevertheless it has some worth visiting beaches. From hundreds of public and private beaches, here we have the 20 top-rated Illinois beaches you must visit. We have compiled the list depending upon their popularity and worthiness. For more details, have a look:
20 Top-Rated Beaches in Illinois
1. Illinois Beach State Park
The most popular Beach in Lake County, the Illinois Beach State Park, is a must-visit. It is within the northern part of the State and is one of the most beautiful beachfronts stretches in the Midwest. Entry to the Beach is from the northside parking area. While the north region of the Beach is extremely crowded, the southern region can take you for some alone time. From swimming to playing around, the Illinois beach state park is a perfect family vibe.
2. Lake Bluff Sunrise Beach
Though the Lake Bluff Sunrise Beach is a pretty small beach, reaching here is worth all efforts. Located in Lake Bluff, it provides two swimming beaches, both open for the public during the summer months. The northernmost Beach offers visitors to rent dog swimming tags and swim along with their dogs. While residents can access the entire area for free, non-residents have to purchase a day pass. A day pass will not only provide you beach access but complimentary chairs, a picnic table and several other usable amenities.
3. Howard Beach Park
Howard Beach Park is a beautiful beachfront along with a small public park. It is more of a crowded and busier site, but if your vibes match, you must definitely head here. Both the park and Beach are open to the public seven days a week from 6 am to 7 pm, except for National holidays. Visitors are allowed to swim from Memorial Day through Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty. The rest of the while, you can chill in the green spaces or watch the views around.
4. Lighthouse Beach, Evanston
Adjacent to Northwestern University is a stunning stretch of sand dotted Lighthouse Beach. It is by far one of the top-rated beaches in Illinois and is a must-visit for every beach enthusiast. The beach houses eyeshot of a beautiful, historic lighthouse, rolling green lawns and scenic views. Unless you are an Evanston resident, you will require a daily or seasonal pass to access the Lighthouse beach. Here you can swim, sunbathe, picnic or sit down and watch the glorious sunset.
5. Clark Street Beach
The Clark Street Beach is another public beach in Evanston that you must visit in Illinois. It is one of the cleanest beaches with clear water and crystal sand. Visitors can step down for swimming, though only during permitted days. The Beach is operational from 6 am to 7:30 pm and is also accessible for people with disabilities. Just outside the Beach, there’s a picnic area and a volleyball court. Except for the residents of Evanston, everyone else requires to buy a daily or seasonal pass to access the Beach.
6. Montrose Beach, Chicago
A popular public beach in Chicago, Montrose Beach is within the terminus of Montrose Avenue. It is one of the suitable sites for peaceful beach walks or dog walks. During the season, when lifeguards are on duty, visitors can swim at Montrose Beach. Along with that, visitors can also rent bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboats to enjoy their time. Locals of Chicago often consider visiting here during evening hours to watch the occasional Navy Pier fireworks. Another thing that adds to the popularity of Montrose Beach is its apt location within Lincoln Park. Sitting within the largest urban park of Chicago, it is one of the most visited beaches in Illinois.
7. Eldon Hazlet state recreation area
The Eldon Hazlet state recreation area opens up ways to the Shoreline along Carlyle Lake. The region is home to a soft, sandy swimming beach perfect for fishing and boating as well. The Park opens from Monday to Friday and so is the access to the Beach. It is also a popular spot amongst sailors, all thanks to surrounding terrain and great winds. If any day the Beach is overcrowded for swimming, visitors can access the nearby swimming pool to take a dip. Or, in case you want to enjoy the night hour glory, consider staying here longer or camp overnight.
8. North Avenue Beach
Another extremely popular Chicago Beach, the North Avenue Beach, is something you cannot miss in Illinois. Like the Montrose beach, it too is located within Lincoln Park. North Avenue Beach is best known for its celebrative vibes and party scenes. Visitors can access open-air sports facilities, bars, grills, beach houses and whatnot. While the Beach is open for swimming, there are endless other water sports to indulge in. Occasionally, the Sun and Moon Beach Yoga organize outdoor beach Yoga drawing in a considerable crowd. Even though it is the busiest beach in the city, this quirkiest spot is still a must-visit.
9. Clinton Lake State Recreation Area
Besides Lake Michigan, if any other lake holds great values in Illinois, it definitely has to be Clinton Lake. And to support them, though, the Clinton Lake State Recreation Area opens up ways to enjoy and immerse into the best holiday vibes. This 9,300-acre park provides access to a 1000-foot sand beach area. Even though it is not an extensive beach, the truly tropical vibe here makes it all. While one can chill, swim and soak under the sun, the best activity here is fishing. With outstanding conditions, you can catch crappie, walleye, catfish, bass fish and several others.
10. Calumet Beach
Located within the Calumet Park in Chicago, Calumet Beach is a lovely public beach to explore. While Chicagoans are already familiar with its popularity, for outsiders, it still is a hidden gem. From Memorial Day throughout Labour Day, the Beach is open for swimming under the lifeguard’s supervision. While the rest of the time, visitors can sunbathe or chill in the park around. The Beach also provides accessibility to physically disabled and mobility concerned individuals. Public amenities, including restrooms, showers, and concession stands, are provided as well.
11. Lake Shelbyville Beaches
More than a beach day, Lake Shelbyville offers an adventure on its own. Lake Shelbyville is basically an 11,100-acre reservoir created by the Kaskaskia River’s dam. The lake provides access to plenty of publicly accessible beaches. Lone point access, Lithia springs access, and Wolf creek state park provide the best access to the lakefront. From swimming enthusiasts to anglers and wildlife watchers, everyone will absolutely love the site. Lake Shelbyville is also a well-known boating destination and is also popular for its overnight camping sights.
12. Crab Orchard Beach
Located in the southern end of Illinois, Crab Orchard Beach is a must-visit. Though often overlooked, it is a hidden beach gem in Illinois that has a unique vibe on its own. The entire Crab Orchard reservoir is spread over 6,965-acre surrounded all the way with lush green woodlands. For visitors who are looking out to spend some time amidst nature in peace, it is by far the best-known place. The Beach offers a few swimming areas and boating zones. Once done with that, there are several hiking trails and wildlife to observe nearby.
13. Oak Street Beach, Chicago
Located in North Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street Beach is one of the top-rated beaches in Illinois. It is 0.3 miles from downtown Chicago and one of the cleanest city beaches. It is where you can watch the beautiful Chicago Skyline and capture one of the most pleasant sunrises. Oak Street Beach is quite popular in summers, not just for the water activities but the beachfront sporting courts as well. From amateur to professional volleyball games, the Beach remains one of the hottest Chicago spots throughout the summer months.
14. South Sandusky Beach
South Sandusky Beach on the Rend Lake is the most popular Beach in Southern Illinois. It houses everything from shaded picnic sites to buoyed swim areas, large sand areas, restroom & showers and walkways down to the water. Even though the Beach is not much wide, but the lake and park vibes on either side enhance its charm. Rend Lake welcomes nearly 3 million visitors every year; thus, the beaches here remain crowded mostly. Though accessing the Beach is free, visitors have to pay a small parking amount.
15. Osterman Beach
Another lovely Chicago Beach, the Osterman Beach, is also known as Ardmore Beach and Hollywood Beach. The highlight here is a 2,750-square-foot silver LEED-certified house one-of-a-kind in Chicago. Swimming at Osterman is allowed from Memorial Day through Labour Day, which is guarded well by trained lifeguards. While weeks here are quite peaceful, weekends can get extremely rushed. Also, Osterman is unofficially the LGBTQ+ beach of Chicago.
16. Ohio Street Beach
Chicago’s best site for open-water swimming, the Ohio Street Beach, is a must-visit in Illinois. It is located close to the Jane Addams Memorial Park in the Streeter Ville neighbourhood and adjacent to Lincoln Park. The Beach is accessible via the Lakefront Trail that goes 18.5 miles long, offering a beautiful walking/ jogging stretch. Swimming enthusiasts can access the lake here and can swim in shallow open waters half a mile north. During the season, lifeguards are always on duty keeping the swimming environment safe and secure.
17. Waukegan Municipal Beach
Waukegan Municipal Beach is a one-mile-long sandy beach alongside the gorgeous 400-acre lakefront region. It offers multiple modes of recreation, including fishing, sunbathing, swimming, kiteboarding, and sailing. There’s also one 1,000-slip marina along with sand soccer and volleyball fields. The Beach is open from 6 am to 9 pm all through the year. Visitors, especially swimmers, should stay cautious as there are no lifeguards. Summer evenings here are served with mobile food vendors, live music performances, ensuring guaranteed fun.
18. Rainbow Beach
A huge 61 acres public space, the Rainbow beach is located in the South Chicago neighbourhood. Originally the area was developed into two separate beaches though later, it consolidated into a single beach. The Beach got its name 42nd Rainbow Division of the U.S. Army that fought during WWII. While Chicagoans mark it as their favourite swimming spot, there’s something else this Beach is famous for. This vibe is difficult to find easily in Illinois, from shining white sand to the crystal clear aqua-green water.
19. 57th Street Beach
Another popular Chicagoan beach, 57th Street Beach, is located within Jackson Park. It is a historic beach housing in one of the earliest parks of Chicago in Illinois. For long-distance swimmers, it is a great spot open daily from 11 am to 7 pm. Though like most of the west beaches, it too allows swimming from Memorial Day to labour day. The Beach also offers an unprecedented view of the Chicago skyline. By evening several street food sellers mark their spot here selling the tastiest Mexican snacks.
20. Margaret T. Burroughs Beach
Also known as the 31st Street Beach, Margaret T. Burroughs Beach is the last Illinois beach on our list. The Beach offers incredible views of the Chicago skyline from the south. It also is popular for swimming, beach sports and sandy walks. You can grab one of the best views here during spring. It is when the entire park turns into hues of red, orange and yellow, while the Beach looks like an extravagant oil painting. Other amenities here include a public fishing dock, a green roof picnic area, and an ADA-accessible playground.
