7 Best Beaches in Chicago, From Edgewater to Hyde Park
Briefly

Chicago boasts some of the best beaches in the U.S., with sandy freshwater shores along Lake Michigan that attract crowds during the summer. With 26 miles of park district land, these beaches are free year-round for both residents and tourists. The city’s ideal location allows easy access to its beaches, enhancing the summer experience. Facilities include volleyball courts, fire pits, water sports, and eateries. The community's commitment to public access has preserved these beautiful spots for over a century, affirming Chicago's identity as a great coastal city.
The city sits at the edge of the third-largest Great Lake, earning Chicago its Third Coast nickname. And 26 miles of lakeside land is owned by the park district.
Plentiful access to sandy freshwater beaches is a staple of Chicago summers, when everyone flocks east to play and picnic along Lake Michigan.
A beach is never more than a short walk from downtown, and public transit options flow in the direction of sand and sun from most neighborhoods.
Chicago's community ethos is one of the reasons its beautiful freshwater "coast" has been public for over a hundred years.
Read at Conde Nast Traveler
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