North Avenue Beach
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone:
- Directions:
- Bus: 72 to Lake Shore Drive; 22, 36 151, 156, to North Avenue
- Hours:
- Daily: dawn to dusk
Editorial Review for North Avenue Beach – by Citysearch Editors
The Experience
A cacophony of boomboxes, screaming kids and multilingual chatter fills the air, as North Avenue Beach bursts at the seams between Memorial Day and Labor Day. An even mix of extended families, couples and groups of singles occupy nearly every inch of open sand, as vendors hawk everything from sunglasses to bottled water. Cyclists, in-line skaters and joggers weave in between bikini-clad sunbathers scampering across the bike path, swarming to and from the beach via the Lincoln Park footbridge that crosses over Lake Shore Drive.
The Appeal
In addition to the stretch of sand that affords views of the Chicago skyline, the area offers breakwaters for fishing, beach volleyball, grassy strips for barbecues and a boat-shaped beach house. There's even a roller-hockey rink and an open-air fitness center for cross trainers working on their abs and their tans.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasForget about packing all that bulky equipment. The beach house has concessions as well as bike, chair and volleyball equipment rental. Call (312) 742-7529 for information.
Know Before You GoLifeguards are only on duty during the summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
User Reviews for North Avenue Beach
07/20/2007 Posted by malimby
So many people wish they could have access to a beach like North Avenue. Yeah, parking can be horrible if your looking to park right on the beach itself. What's the matter? Afraid of a little walk? Ever hear of public transportation? Someone dropping you off and picking you up? Parking away from the beach and walking offers you a view of a neighnorhood and community many could only wish to live in. As for those who complain about the life guards. Not everyone is an expert, confident swimmer. And those who are, are not beyond encountering danger in the water. Hundreds and hundreds of people visit North Avenue Beach on any given beautiful day. The life guards do not have eyes in back of their heads. What will it take for you to appreciate what they do? A tragedy? We are contained so they can do their job to the fullest. So give them a break. Bring your own food or enjoy some great food at the boathouse. Bring your chair or rent one. Ride in on your bike or rent one. Just go there with the anticipation of an enjoyable day. You are sure to have one and will come back time and time again. I am a life long resident of chicago and have seen North Avenue beach change many times over. Right now it has reached it's apex. It definitly has something for everyone. If you can't enjoy yourself there then I don't know what you are looking for. Dee mazur
Pros: Scenery, food, rentals, music, activities, attentive life guards.
Cons: parking only if your looking to get close.
07/10/2006 Posted by jjohnson85
North Avenue Beach is a wonderful place to have a good time. The beach has a great view of the Chicago skyline and many different activities to partake in. But as I am writing this, I'd like to respond to the previous review. Although the lifeguards at North Avenue Beach may seem annoying to you, aldicks, their job is to keep the patrons in the water in front of their boat. I'm sure you are an Olympic swimmer, and probably think this rule does not apply to you. In my expirience as a lifeguard at North Avenue, I noticed that the majority of people who came to the beach could not swim. I'm asking you to please think about this. If the lifeguards were to allow patrons past their boats, there would be drownings. I'm sure you go to the beach with your yuppie friends and your cooler and your volleyball and think you own the place. Next time you are at North Avenue, respect the lifeguards, because they are sitting in their "little rowboats", baking in the sun, and putting up with your silly yuppie antics.
Pros: scenic views
Cons: parking
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