51°
Mostly Sunny
0%
53
Cook County, IL · Great Lakes
Oak Street Beach (Chicago)
Oak St & Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
The most famous of Chicago's 26 lakefront beaches — at the foot of the Gold Coast where Lake Shore Drive bends west. Wide sand, the iconic Chicago skyline rising directly behind, and the Lakefront Trail bike path running through. Cafe Oak Street has weekend bar service summer-long.
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 wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 43. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.
Weather
- 51°F air — too cold to enjoy the beach
- Sunny skies — mostly sunny
53 /100
ok
42 Sunbathe
66 Walk
68 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
51°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
5 to 10 mph
W
Rain
0%
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
58°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
58°
Sunny
0%
57
58°
Mostly Sunny
0%
60
60°
Sunny
0%
65
56°
Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain
19%
51
50°
Chance Rain
54%
11
47°
Chance Rain
38%
16
What to Bring Today
- recommended Layers / windbreaker Only 51°F outside
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Paid garages off Michigan Ave. Easier: CTA Red Line to Chicago/State, then walk east 5 blocks.
Dogs
Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches. Designated dog beach at Montrose.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
Oak St & Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Oak Street Beach (Chicago) today?
Oak Street 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 Oak Street Beach (Chicago) dog-friendly?
Dogs prohibited on Chicago beaches. Designated dog beach at Montrose.
Is there an entry fee at Oak Street Beach (Chicago)?
Entry to Oak Street Beach (Chicago) is free.
Are there lifeguards at Oak Street Beach (Chicago)?
Yes. Seasonal lifeguards patrol Oak Street 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 Oak Street Beach (Chicago)?
Amenities at Oak Street Beach (Chicago) include lifeguards, restrooms, showers, cafe, bike path, volleyball.
When is the water warmest at Oak Street 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 Oak Street Beach (Chicago) located?
Oak Street Beach (Chicago) is in Cook County, IL, at Oak St & Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS