As summer draws to a close and Chicagoland residents gather to celebrate National Beach Day as well as Labor Day weekend, we encourage you to take advantage of our beautiful lakefront! From picturesque beaches along the shore, to boat rentals and tours across Lake Michigan, and everything in-between, Chicagoland’s waters have something to offer everyone.

BEACHES

North Avenue Beach

Thanks to its spacious sands, cool beachfront bars, and convenient location near other top attractions, North Avenue Beach is one of Chicago’s most popular beaches for locals and visitors alike.

jet ski rental • bike rental • beachfront yoga • volleyball

Oak Street Beach

Oak Street Beach is in close proximity to downtown and The Magnificent Mile, meaning that visitors will get an up-close view of many iconic city buildings while enjoying the sands.

bike rental • chair rental • volleyball tournaments

Lighthouse Beach

This beach is named after the nearby historic Grosse Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1873 and serves as an iconic Evanston landmark. Lighthouse beach features a nearby park for picnicking and other family activities, and there is free parking near the beach.

playground • free parking • historic tours

Tower Road Beach

This beach was recently renovated as part of the Winnetka Waterfront 2030 plan. With new walkways to give visitors a comfortable and unique route through the treetops with views of the lake, as well as the addition of beautiful native vegetation, this beach is the perfect spot for a picturesque afternoon.

beach house • pier fishing • playground

Lake Forest Beach

Visitors to the nearby 29 acre park can enjoy the large beach and grass areas. Open year round, amenities include sheltered pavilions, a fishing pier, boat launching ramp and storage area, walking paths and a concession stand open during the summer months.

playground • sheltered pavilions • fishing pier

Glencoe Beach

Glencoe Beach is ideal for group and family outings, work picnics, or summer camp groups. Amenities include a splash pad, beach house lockers and showers as well as paddle board, kayak, and sailboat rentals, and volleyball courts with complementary volleyballs.

volleyball courts • splash pad • kayak rental

Loyola Beach

Shallow waters and a playground make Loyola Beach a family favorite for north Chicagoans. The beach is also just a walk away from the Glenwood Avenue Arts District which offers a variety of art and entertainment spots as well as well as shops and restaurants.

gymnasium • volleyball • baseball and softball • walking trail

12th Street Beach

This unique beach is situated on the eastern edge of Northerly Island, a man-made peninsula that stretches along the lakefront. It’s also a spot known for its spectacular panoramic views of the lake and city.

prairie reserve • food and drink • concerts • museums

LAKEFRONT TRAIL

The 18-mile-long trail along the coast of Lake Michigan offers the perfect opportunity for biking or walking tours of the lakefront and all its attractions, as well as breathtaking views of the city skyline along the way. From Ardmore avenue to 71st Street, here are just a few of the many notable spots and attractions you can find along the Lakefront Trail:

The Lakefront Restaurant

2401 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

Enjoy a meal along Lake Michigan at this American restaurant at Theater on the Lake. You’ll find classic offerings like fish and chips and a cheeseburger, and families can keep littles happy with the kids’ menu.

Urban Kayaks on the Lakefront

110 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

Urban Kayaks opens up for aquatic adventures during the summer with one of its location on the trail. Two-person kayaks are available for children under 15 to ride with a parent or guardian.

CHICAGO RIVERWALK

The Chicago Riverwalk is open to enjoy all Labor Day weekend long and is the perfect spot to hop on a boat tour, admire the surrounding architecture, and enjoy a drink with waterfront views. The popular waterfront restaurants and bars are open for just a little longer, so make your reservations now.

City Winery

This outdoor wine garden has it all — wine on tap, artisanal cheese plates, beer, cocktails, a full menu, and sweeping views of the Chicago River. At City Winery at the Chicago Riverwalk, you can sip on a glass of Riverwalk white, specialty cocktails, and local draft beers.

Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise aboard Chicago’s First Lady

Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture aboard the only Chicago River cruise partnered with the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC). Chicago’s First Lady Cruises offers visitors an engaging 90-minute experience with a compelling and detailed narrative of Chicago's numerous architectural styles and the stories of the legendary figures who designed and built our city.

LAKE CRUISES

Chicagoland hosts a plethora of boat tours and sightseeing and entertainment cruises for all types of lake lovers. Here are a few of our favorite Lake Michigan cruises that will allow you to get a whole new perspective on the Chicago lakefront this weekend.

Odyssey Lake Michigan Dinner Cruise

Odyssey Lake Michigan presents guests with the opportunity to try one of Chicago’s most unique dining experiences on the water. Enjoy Odyssey Lake Michigan’s distinctive atmosphere, engaging DJ entertainment and a delicious menu as you watch the sun set on the city.

Signature Brunch Cruise

Experience the city’s most unique floating event venue for morning brunch with chef-prepared menus, full bar options, and entertainment customized to fit your needs—all with picturesque views from City Cruises’ climate-controlled interior and open-air outdoor decks.

Chicago Sunset Cruise

Awe-inspiring with a casual vibe, watch the sun slowly set behind Chicago’s architectural backdrop. This lake cruise is light on narration and heavy on incredible and spectacular, and also includes a full-service bar with wine, local beer, and craft cocktails, as well as an assortment of snacks, all for purchase.

Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour

This fun and unique experience combines an exciting speedboat ride along the shoreline with informative and amusing descriptions of the world famous Chicago skyline. Racing across the water from Navy Pier to the Magnificent Mile and back, this thrilling and informative ride is one you won’t want to miss.

BOAT RENTALS

Free Spirit Yacht Cruises

Offering an array of yacht rental packages, Free Spirit Yacht Cruises is perfect for hosting small and large gatherings on the water complete with private DJ and drink services, as well as exclusive Chicago historical tours.

Island Party Boats

With available rentals for small groups, charters for large groups, and ticketed cruises, Island Party Boats offers boat rentals that include a captain, drink service, and even a waterslide.

Chicago Electric Boat Company

Charter an eco-friendly ride on the water with Chicago Electric Boat Company’s comfortable and easy-to-drive electric boat and yacht rentals. With one-of-a-kind options like cycle boats and retro boats, your experience is sure to be unique!

Northwestern University Hobie Catamarans

Northwestern University’s Sailing Center offers a variety of water-based activities to visitors, including their unique and exhilarating catamaran rentals. Choose between the Sailing Center’s two Hobie Getaway and four Hobie Wave catamarans for your multi-hull adventure. Rentals can be reserved in advance and walk-ups are always welcome.