78°
Sunny
0%
85
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
Ideal for a beach walk.
78°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Sunny, with a high near 78. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 69. North northwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Weather
- 78°F air — ideal beach weather
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
84 /100
great
82 Sunbathe
87 Walk
82 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
78°F
Clear
Wind
5 to 10 mph
NE
Rain
0%
Today
UV Peak
9 Very High
High 11 AM–03 PM · burn in ~22m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 06 PM
Tomorrow
82°F
Sunny
Water
Water Temp
—
Water Quality
Clean
59 CCE/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 10mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:25 AM
Sunset
9:25 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
82°
Sunny
0%
86
87°
Sunny
0%
84
86°
Sunny
2%
83
84°
Sunny
8%
83
84°
Mostly Sunny
13%
78
85°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
24%
46
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 9 — very high
- 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
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