The Best Beach in the U.S. Is Only 1 Hour from Chicago—Here's What to Know About This Hidden Gem

As summer arrives and international travel becomes increasingly expensive, it’s the perfect time to rediscover the charm of nearby destinations . It seems everybody is opting for beautiful local [beaches](https://secretchicago.com/beaches-in-chicago/) rather than crowded coastlines. A survey conducted by Frugal Flyer, which involved 3,002 locals , aimed to identify the best hidden beach across the U.S. Remarkably, a beach near Chicago was voted as one of the best. Sunrise Beach, Lake Bluff, was voted #54 overall among the best “hidden gem” beaches in the U.S. What to know about Sunrise Beach ------------------------------------ Sunrise Beach offers a stunning sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan. There are always two lifeguarded swimming beaches, two covered areas with fireplaces, charcoal grills, restroom facilities, complimentary games, and beach chairs, as well as Kayak rentals. Entry to the beach is free to Park District Residents with a pass, and non-residents can access the beach for a daily fee of $10 per person. The top 1o beaches in the U.S. ------------------------------ 1. Awahua Beach, Hawaii 2. Pa’ako Cove, Hawaii 3. Gray’s Beach, Hawaii 4. Secret Beach, Oregon 5. Shell Key Preserve, Florida 6. Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach), Hawaii 7. Wildcat Beach, California 8. Carmel Meadows Beach, California 9. Gray Whale Cove Beach, California 10. Crystal Lake, Vermont You can read the full list here. Source: https://secretchicago.com/sunrise-beach-lake-bluff-best-beach-in-us/