Some of Chicago's most popular Lake Michigan beaches are listed here, but be sure to visit the Chicago Park District for more! Note that some beaches require getting from one side of Lake Shore Drive to the other—always use only designated crossings, bridges or passages to get across Lake Shore Drive.
Montrose beach
Located along the lakefront between approximately northeast of Montrose Harbor north to Lawrence, with pedestrian access from Lawrence, Wilson or Montrose Avenues
- Served by buses 78 (during summer, with service direct to beach), 81 and 146
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Oak Street beach
Located at Oak Street and Lake Michigan near the Gold Coast/Streeterville neighborhoods
- From the Red Line, exit at Clark/Division and walk east along E. Division Street until reaching Lakefront Trail, then walk south until you reach the beach, or, exit at Chicago and walk north to Oak Street and east to northeast corner of Michigan/Oak (use underpasses to beach)
- Also served by buses 3, 10, 66, 76, 146, 147, 151 and 157 (weekdays only)
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North Avenue beach
Located at North Ave and Lake Michigan
- Served by buses 22, 36, 72, 73, 151 and 156
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Foster beach
Located on Foster Avenue and Lake Michigan, in Lincoln Park
- From the Red Line, exit at Bryn Mawr and walk about 15 minutes east to lake and then south to Beach.
- Also served by buses 92, 146, 147 and 151
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Hollywood/Ardmore/Kathy Osterman beaches
Located in the northernmost tip of Lincoln Park
- From the Red Line, exit at Bryn Mawr and walk east until reaching Lakefront Trail, then walk north until reaching the beach
- Also served by buses 84, 147 and 151
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Loyola beach
Located in East Rogers Park community
- From the Red Line, exit at Morse or Loyola and walk east until reaching the beach
- Also served by buses 96 (weekdays only), 147 and 155
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57th Street beach
Located in Jackson Park, on 57th St. and Lake Michigan
- Served by buses 6, 10 and 55 (at the Museum of Science & Industry)
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12th Street beach
Located on Northerly Island on 12th Street at Lake Michigan, adjacent to the Adler Planetarium
- Served by buses 130 and 146
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Rainbow beach
Located in the South Chicago neighborhood
- Served by buses 6, 71, 75 and 79
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Calumet Park beach
Located within Calumet Park, between E 98th St and E 102 St, just east of S. Crilly Dr.
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Ohio Street beach (near Navy Pier)
Located just north of Jane Addams Memorial Park between E Ontario and E Ohio St
- From Red Line, exit at Grand and walk east until reaching the water (approx. 20 minute walk)
- Also served by buses 29, 65, 66 and 124
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