Milwaukee County, WI · Great Lakes

Bradford Beach (Milwaukee)

2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Milwaukee's flagship Lake Michigan beach — a half-mile of sand below the East Side bluffs. The Dock at Bradford Beach (tiki bar), volleyball, and the Hoan Bridge silhouette to the south.

Eats & Drinks 113 Rentals 15 Charters & Tours 12

Today's Conditions

Decent day for photography.

51°F air · 54°F water

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Sunny, with a high near 51. Southwest wind around 10 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 39. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.

Weather

51°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
Sunny skies — clear conditions

Water

54°F water — cold — wetsuit or stay dry

44 /100

36 Swim

42 Sunbathe

66 Walk

68 Photo

Best for photography today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

51°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

10 mph

Rain

This Afternoon

Air Quality

16 Good

PM2.5 (fine particles) · Milwaukee-Ozaukee

UV Peak

2 Low

Peaks 11 AM · burn in ~100m

Burn-free before 10 AM & after 12 PM

Tomorrow

58°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

54°F

Too cold to swim

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:33 AM

Sunset

4:36 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Nov 7

51°

Sunny

Sun Nov 8

58°

Sunny

Mon Nov 9

57°

Mostly Sunny

Tue Nov 10

57°

Sunny

Wed Nov 11

53°

Partly Sunny

11%

Thu Nov 12

47°

Chance Light Rain

32%

Fri Nov 13

45°

Slight Chance Light Snow then Slight Chance Light Rain

24%

What to Bring Today

critical Wetsuit (if swimming at all) Water is 54°F — dangerously cold
recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 51°F outside

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

Paid lot at Lincoln Memorial Drive; free street parking on the bluff above.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited (service dogs only). Nearest off-leash dog parks: Estabrook Park, Granville Park.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53211

Amenities

lifeguards (seasonal)restroomsshowerstiki barvolleyballrestaurants nearby

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Bradford Beach (Milwaukee) today?

Bradford Beach (Milwaukee) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. Seasonal lifeguards patrol the swim area in summer — follow their flags. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Bradford Beach (Milwaukee) dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited (service dogs only). Nearest off-leash dog parks: Estabrook Park, Granville Park.

Is there an entry fee at Bradford Beach (Milwaukee)?

Entry to Bradford Beach (Milwaukee) is free.

Are there lifeguards at Bradford Beach (Milwaukee)?

Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Bradford Beach (Milwaukee) during the summer swim season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day). Outside that window, swim at your own risk.

What amenities are at Bradford Beach (Milwaukee)?

Amenities at Bradford Beach (Milwaukee) include lifeguards (seasonal), restrooms, showers, tiki bar, volleyball, restaurants nearby.

When is the water warmest at Bradford Beach (Milwaukee)?

Great Lakes water temperatures peak in late July and August at roughly 68-74°F near shore — cool compared to the ocean. Best swimming window is mid-July to late August.

Where is Bradford Beach (Milwaukee) located?

Bradford Beach (Milwaukee) is in Milwaukee County, WI, at 2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53211.