Cook County, IL · Great Lakes

North Avenue Beach (Chicago)

Chicago's flagship beach — a half-mile of sand just south of Lincoln Park, the ocean-liner-shaped beach house with a rooftop restaurant, and the city's most active beach volleyball scene. Sand stays warm; lake water in July hits the low 70s. The Lakefront Trail runs along it.

Eats & Drinks 237 Rentals 34 Stay 9 Charters & Tours 9 Shops 6

Today's Conditions

Ideal for photography.

78°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Cloudy, with a high near 78. West southwest wind around 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Weather

78°F air — ideal beach weather
Cloud cover — overcast reduces uv exposure but the vibe too

77 /100

great

73 Sunbathe

81 Walk

86 Photo

Best for photography today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

78°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

10 mph

WSW

Rain

This Afternoon

UV Peak

5 Moderate

Peaks 02 PM · burn in ~40m

Burn-free before 12 PM & after 03 PM

Tomorrow

74°F

Mostly Cloudy

Water

Water Temp

—

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:24 AM

Sunset

7:11 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Sep 9

78°

Cloudy

Thu Sep 10

74°

Mostly Cloudy

Fri Sep 11

75°

Sunny

Sat Sep 12

82°

Mostly Sunny

13%

Sun Sep 13

75°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

15%

Mon Sep 14

84°

Chance Rain Showers

30%

Tue Sep 15

77°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

47%

What to Bring Today

recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind

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

Beach Info

Parking

Paid lot at North Ave & Inner Lake Shore Dr; CTA Bus 151 stops at Stockton & North Ave.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited.

Entry Fee

Free

Address

1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

Amenities

lifeguardsrestroomsshowersrestaurantvolleyballbike pathkayak rentals

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at North Avenue Beach (Chicago) today?

North Avenue Beach (Chicago) 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 North Avenue Beach (Chicago) dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited.

Is there an entry fee at North Avenue Beach (Chicago)?

Entry to North Avenue Beach (Chicago) is free.

Are there lifeguards at North Avenue Beach (Chicago)?

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

What amenities are at North Avenue Beach (Chicago)?

Amenities at North Avenue Beach (Chicago) include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, restaurant, volleyball, bike path, kayak rentals.

When is the water warmest at North Avenue Beach (Chicago)?

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 North Avenue Beach (Chicago) located?

North Avenue Beach (Chicago) is in Cook County, IL, at 1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60614.