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.

Eats & Drinks 729 Stay 105 Rentals 70 Shops 15 Charters & Tours 12

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

72 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

76°

Sunny

Sat Sep 12

82°

Mostly Sunny

13%

Sun Sep 13

75°

Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

15%

Mon Sep 14

83°

Chance Rain Showers

29%

Tue Sep 15

77°

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

46%

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 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

lifeguardsrestroomsshowerscafebike pathvolleyball

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.