North Avenue Beach — Attraction in Chicago

North Avenue Beach is easily one of the highlights of Chicago’s lakefront. The views are incredible—Lake Michigan on one side and the city skyline on the other. Whether you're into beach volleyball, jogging, paddleboarding, or just relaxing on the sand, there’s something for everyone. The vibe is lively but not chaotic, and it’s a great place to spend a summer afternoon with friends or family.

There are food outlet and rental spots nearby, and the beach is generally clean and well-maintained. The walking and biking paths along the lake are a bonus, offering scenic routes that connect to other parts of the city. It’s also a great spot for photos, especially during sunset when the skyline lights start to glow.

Now for the downside: the public restrooms. They’re in pretty bad shape. very poor cleanliness, and a lack of basic maintenance make them hard to use, especially during peak hours. It’s surprising given how popular the beach is. If the city invested in better restroom facilities, it would make a huge difference in the overall experience.

Despite that, North Avenue Beach remains a favorite. It’s accessible, fun, and offers one of the best urban beach experiences in the Midwest. Just plan ahead if you think you’ll need a restroom break—either use facilities elsewhere or be prepared for a less-than-pleasant experience.

Would I come back? Absolutely. But I’d love to see the city step up and fix what’s clearly a...

Chicago has 26 miles of beaches, yes you heard it right, 26 miles of beaches. when you hear Chicago, you imagine the Chicago skyline with the river, and tall buildings, downtown but it also has a fab beach just north of the Mag mile (Michigan Avenue).

North Avenue Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots in Chicago. it is a great one for families. Looking onto the water at North Avenue, this beach has it all. To the right is the city view we all know and love, The sandy beach has volleyball courts (like 100s of courts), plenty of space for visitors to stretch out, and multiple things to do nearby.

It is a nice spot perfect for relaxing, biking, and running. the beach features a unique and popular beach house which has something for everyone and is permanently docked along this popular beach

view from here is amazing and it's other side of the Chicago skyline (opposite to what you see from the Museum campus). John Hancock building dominates this skyline

The parking fee is too much though. For 2 hours or less- it was $21 2-4 Hours = $28

Time: 7...

AIR AND WATER SHOW NEVER DISAPPOINTS!

Great weather contributed to clear views of planes pushed to their limits by the pilots. Crowded with over a million people, I was amazed at how orderly, clean and comfortable the grounds were. Chicago Hotdogs were near by with several popups adjacent to them . People arrived with picnic baskets, blankets and a variety of food. You'll find visitors from many countries, states, and neighborhoods of Chicago. Ages range from 3 to 80+ years old.

Completely handicapped accessible. Take the bus, parking can be difficult. Best views from rooftops or centered close to North Beach. Acts are unbelievable, skilled, and you MUST wait for The Blue Angels or The Thunderbirds performance at the end of the show.

Mark your calendar for next year. The show runs Saturday and Sunday. Planes compete a practiced flight during the day on Friday. The program is televised. Saturday night ends with fireworks...