Montrose Beach — Attraction in Lake View Township

Review of Montrose Beach in Chicago

Montrose Beach in Chicago is hands down one of the best spots to enjoy summer. It's huge, so you’ve got plenty of space to set up your beach gear up without feeling crammed next to other people. You can actually stretch out and relax without being bothered. You'll even have enough room to build a sand castle big enough to move into! (Although not recommended as sand is not a very sustainable material for a home lol)

A cool feature of this beach is that it’s split into two sections. The main beach is great for just about anything – sunbathing, swimming, hanging out with friends,you name it. Then there's Montrose Dog Beach, a fenced area where dogs can run around off-leash. It's awesome for dog owners. Just make sure your dog isn’t aggressive because if they are, you're going to have a bad time.

The beach has an on-site restaurant and bar with outdoor seating and live entertainment. I haven’t tried it yet, but it always looks packed and lively, so it’s probably worth checking out.

There’s always something happening at Montrose Beach. You'll find djs playing for beach parties, musicians, artists all kinds of things, which is great even if you’re just hanging out people watching. There's plenty of space for Frisbee, volleyball, or soccer too! No fires or alcohol are allowed on the beach, but let’s be real – although I dont suggest or condone it, if you’re discreet about it, you can have a couple drinks and no one will hassle you. Just don’t be obvious about it or over do it; because if the Chicago Police see it; they WILL make you dump it, and WILL write you a ticket. Trust me on that from experience. It could even lead to arrest in some circumstances.

Public bathrooms and showers are available, and parking isn’t usually a problem. The beach officially closes at 11 PM, but they don’t rush you out. I’ve stayed past midnight chatting with friends by the car, and as long as you’re not causing trouble, or being super loud the cops and staff won’t usually hassle you. There's a sign promoting free wifi access and the whole area does have a free beach wifi that comes up but it would not connect for me so I'm not sure if it works. So if you need wifi for your music or anything else maybe bring an alternative device that doesn't require wifi.

Montrose Beach attracts a diverse crowd, making it a fun place to people-watch. There are Divvy bikes and other rental options if you want to mix things up and ride one of the many walking/bike paths stretching all over the beach.

Overall, Montrose Beach is a fantastic spot to enjoy Chicago's summer. Whether you’re with friends, family, or your dog, you’ll have a good time. Don't forget a beach towel and all your beach getaway items it's not fun to just sit in sand lol Definitely check it out if you're finding some of the other major beaches in the city...

Nestled along the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan, Montrose Beach in Chicago is a true gem and a haven for nature lovers, beachgoers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Montrose Beach boasts a vast expanse of golden sand that stretches for miles, providing ample space for sunbathing, picnics, and beach games. The beauty of this beach lies not only in its size but also in its well-maintained cleanliness. The Chicago Park District does an excellent job of keeping the beach and its surrounding areas pristine, making it an inviting destination for families and visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of Montrose Beach is the magnificent view of Lake Michigan. The seemingly endless horizon of clear blue water creates a tranquil and picturesque setting, perfect for unwinding and forgetting the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you're strolling along the shoreline or simply sitting back and watching the waves, the serene atmosphere is sure to put your mind at ease.

For active beachgoers, Montrose Beach offers a range of recreational activities. Volleyball nets are scattered across the sand, inviting groups of friends and strangers alike to join in friendly matches. The lake itself is a great spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, though it's essential to check for weather advisories and water conditions for safety.

Montrose Beach is also known for its bird-watching opportunities. The adjacent Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary is a haven for migratory birds, making it a fantastic spot for bird enthusiasts to observe various species in their natural habitat.

However, like any popular destination, Montrose Beach can get crowded during peak seasons and weekends. Finding a spot close to the water can be a challenge, so arriving early is advisable. Additionally, the parking situation can be tricky, so consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services if possible.

The beach amenities are quite satisfactory, with clean restrooms, outdoor showers to rinse off sand, and multiple food vendors selling snacks and refreshments. However, some visitors might find the food and drinks a bit overpriced, so bringing your own picnic can be a more budget-friendly option.

In conclusion, Montrose Beach in Chicago is a wonderful escape that allows locals and visitors alike to enjoy the best of what the city has to offer — a beautiful lakefront, recreational activities, and a serene environment. Despite the occasional crowd, the overall experience is delightful, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to embrace the natural beauty and relaxation of Lake...

One of my favorite beaches in all of Chicago and one of my favorite beaches in the country at that! Montrose beach is the perfect getaway within the city. Its within the Uptown area of Chicago and not far from Edgewater. So there's lots of cool eats, restaurants, bars and other cool attractions to see and do if you want to do something before or after Montrose.

The beach can be pretty very active during the summer time and that's probably the best time to go if you're looking to socialize and potentially meet people. The beach is quite spacious and the sand is very fine, nice, never really gets so hot.

The water is wonderful and always looks even better after a day of heavy rain. There's times that I have swam in this water and it looks like I'm in the Caribbean. Its hard to beat this beach during the summer. If its too packed though, there's two other beaches nearby which are just as nice (Foster and Kathy Osterman beaches).

The one negative is that during the summer, since it does get more lively you sometimes do find some bozos who come here. Granted, this is almost any beach you'll go to anywhere in the world but giving that Montrose is a little more compact, it can be annoying to be near some bozos. But again, its spacious enough where you can do that.

Overall, Montrose is one of the best beaches in Chicago and gets a big fat high recommendation from me!

PROS:

-Beautiful water -Sand is just perfect -Big enough to have space -Good vibes during the summer -Close to Uptown with lots of great eats and bars nearby

CONS:

-Its not all the time but you can expect some bozos sometimes but its easy to avoid and isn't the norm -Sometimes can be packed...