31st Street Beach — Attraction in Chicago

31st Street Beach, officially named Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, is a vibrant lakefront destination located in Burnham Park on Chicago’s South Side. Renamed in 2015 to honor the esteemed artist, educator, and founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History, Margaret T. Burroughs, the beach offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance.

Highlights:

Scenic Views: The beach provides stunning vistas of the Chicago skyline, making it a favorite spot for photography and relaxation.

Amenities: Visitors can enjoy a beach house equipped with restrooms and concessions, an ADA-accessible playground, and a green-roof picnic area situated above an indoor parking garage.

31st Street Harbor: Adjacent to the beach, this modern harbor features 1,000 boat slips accommodating vessels from 35 to 70 feet, a public fishing dock, community room, and harbor store.

Recreational Activities: The area is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and participating in events like the annual Junior Lifeguard Chicago Area Tug-o-War.

Accessibility: Easily reachable via Lake Shore Drive, the beach is connected to the Chicago Lakefront Trail, offering opportunities for biking and jogging.

Whether you're seeking a relaxing day by the water, engaging in recreational activities, or exploring Chicago's cultural landmarks, 31st Street Beach offers a welcoming environment for...

This beach is so much fun but while there with friends and younger siblings one of the staff members was picking on my sibling and being extremely rude to him when he didn’t hear her because of how loud it was. And when I told her he didn’t hear she tried to make it seem as though he wasn’t paying her any mind when he honestly didn’t know? All he did was go too far and even then my friends and I were watching him. There were kids of a lighter complexion and she never spoke to them the way she did with my brother. Once my friends mom came to see what was up she tried to twist the story and make it seem as though we weren’t looking out for him and that I wasn’t there to know the story even though my friends and I were down at the beach the entire time with occasional breaks to go check on our parents. But even then it was quick and my friends still watched the younger ones. And when a lifeguard of our complexion came out they never once spoke to my brother the way she did and never had a problem with him because he was doing what he was supposed to do. I don’t know what her problem is but she needs to realize it’s not her place to speak to someone’s kid like that because she’s not their parent, simply some random...

Best beach in chicago in my Opinion. Has a decent balance between a family and party vibe, and is ABSOLUTELY a party beach on the weekends/late nights. Diverse people out here, it’s feels very comfortable and safe to me (some of the north side beaches feel like they are just for white people/men to me) and I’ve had nothing but a great time every time I go. The pier tavern nearby is decent- overpriced fries n bar snacks but not too crazy. It’s more of a neighbourhood spot than a beach spot if you know what I mean. There’s often live music playing, or something really cool Blasting house music on good speakers, so don’t bother bringing your little Bluetooth speaker. I’ve never heard anything less than good vibes when I’m there.

Also a paletea man comes by with milk and water based choices for $3 each - cash- and is always...