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

Decent day for photography.

51°F air

Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon

Mostly sunny. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 49 in the afternoon. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 44. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Weather

51°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
Sunny skies — mostly sunny

53 /100

42 Sunbathe

66 Walk

68 Photo

Best for photography today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

51°F

Mostly Cloudy

Wind

5 to 10 mph

WSW

Rain

This Afternoon

Air Quality

23 Good

PM2.5 (fine particles) · Chicago

UV Peak

2 Low

Peaks 10 AM · burn in ~100m

Burn-free before 09 AM & after 11 AM

Tomorrow

59°F

Sunny

Water

Water Temp

—

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:30 AM

Sunset

4:38 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Nov 7

51°

Mostly Sunny

Sun Nov 8

59°

Sunny

Mon Nov 9

58°

Mostly Sunny

Tue Nov 10

60°

Sunny

Wed Nov 11

57°

Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain

19%

Thu Nov 12

50°

Rain Likely

55%

Fri Nov 13

47°

Chance Rain

39%

What to Bring Today

recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 51°F outside

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.