Best Beaches in Chicago

Real videos of Beaches in Chicago — 12 places, filmed by creators on the ground.

Ranked venues

Hollywood The Gay Beach
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InclusiveLivelyCasualCommunity eventsVolleyball courtsLake views
About the venue
Hollywood The Gay Beach is an informal beach area located in Edgewater, Illinois, primarily frequented by the LGBTQ+ community. The beachfront is known for its welcoming atmosphere and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Amenities include volleyball courts and picnic areas, making it a great relaxation spot during warm weather. Though lacking formal signage, it is a popular location for social gatherings and events.
What the videos show
The video showcases a beach scene with a panoramic view of the ocean under a clear blue sky. Several people are enjoying various activities near the water's edge. The camera pans right, revealing more of the beach and eventually showing buildings in the background.
@ChiEatsRainbow
Oak Street Beach Food + Drink
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$$FestiveCasualBeachySeasonal fareLake viewsSummer gatherings
About the venue
Oak Street Beach Food + Drink, located at 1001 N Lake Shore Dr in Chicago, provides a festive dining experience right on the beach. This venue features a laid-back atmosphere with a menu focused on seasonal fare, highlighting fresh seafood and salads. Patrons can enjoy their meals with stunning views of Lake Michigan and easy access to the beach. It's a popular spot for summer gatherings, ideal for friends and families looking to enjoy a casual day by the water.
What the videos show
The video captures a serene beach scene with people engaging in various activities such as walking, playing, and swimming. The camera pans across the beach, showcasing the interactions among the individuals and the overall relaxing environment.
1001 N Lake Shore Dr
@samasem
@samasem
Montrose Harbor
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ScenicRecreationalCommunity-focusedBoating activitiesPicnic areasWalking paths
About the venue
Montrose Harbor in Chicago features a picturesque harbor with boating and recreational opportunities along the waterfront. The harbor includes several amenities such as picnic areas, walking paths, and bike rentals, making it ideal for community gatherings and outdoor activities. Opened more than a decade ago, it's a favorite spot for locals looking to enjoy the outdoors, especially during warmer months. The stunning skyline views add to the appeal.
What the videos show
The video captures a lively beach scene with numerous people enjoying the water and sunbathing. The camera pans across the beach, showcasing various groups of people and inflatable toys. The city skyline is visible in the background, and the sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the scene.
601 W Montrose Ave
@blondeeatsworld
Oak Street Beach Vollyball
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EnergeticOutdoorCommunityLake viewDrop-in playOrganized leagues
About the venue
Oak Street Beach Volleyball in Chicago offers well-maintained courts right on the shore of Lake Michigan, making it a popular destination for beach volleyball enthusiasts. The facility allows for casual drop-in play as well as organized leagues, catering to players of all skill levels. With picturesque views of the skyline and accessible amenities, it’s a great spot for both competitive games and recreational outings. The lively atmosphere attracts a mix of locals and tourists during the summer months.
What the videos show
The video captures a beach scene with children playing near the water's edge and people enjoying the sunny day. The camera pans to reveal a cityscape with tall buildings and a pier, and shows individuals walking along the beach and setting up chairs and umbrellas.
OAK St
@samasem
@sdickfoss
Reggie's On The Beach
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$$BeachyLaid-backVibrantOutdoor seatingGrilled favoritesLive music
About the venue
Reggie's On The Beach at 6259 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, features a beachside bar and grill atmosphere with scenic views of Lake Michigan. Known for its relaxed vibe, this venue offers outdoor seating with sunsets often attracting locals and visitors alike. The menu includes a variety of grilled favorites and beach cocktails designed for summer enjoyment. Live music enhances the laid-back atmosphere on weekends.
What the videos show
The video captures a serene beach scene at sunset, featuring a clear sky with gradient hues, a calm ocean, and several sailboats with white sails in the distance. The camera is positioned behind a wooden railing, which remains partially visible in the foreground, and pans smoothly to the right, revealing the expansive shoreline and maritime activity. The audio begins with a brief, emotionally charged exchange: '100, 100, mommy, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah' at the start, suggesting a personal, possibly intimate moment between a child and a parent, possibly during a beach outing. The visual and audio elements together imply a family moment in a natural, scenic environment, though no explicit actions beyond the camera movement and the spoken words are shown. The overall tone is peaceful and reflective, emphasizing natural beauty and quiet familial connection.
6259 Lake Shore Drive
@acadventures
@acadventures
Oleo Cancun Playa All Inclusive Boutique Resort
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TropicalLuxuryWelcomingPrivate beachAll-inclusiveWater sports
About the venue
Oleo Cancun Playa All Inclusive Boutique Resort is located on Boulevard Kukulcan in Cancun, Mexico, providing private beach access and a range of amenities for an exceptional vacation experience. The resort features elegantly decorated rooms, multiple dining options, and various activities including water sports and entertainment. With an emphasis on personalized service, it caters to couples and families seeking relaxation and adventure in a tropical setting.
What the videos show
The video showcases a beach scene with white sand and turquoise water. The camera pans across the beach, revealing two tall white buildings and people walking along the shore.
Boulevard Kukulcan Km 19
@emilyeatsveg
Ohio Street Beach
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AccessibleCommunityLivelyFamily-friendlyAmenitiesLifeguards
About the venue
Ohio Street Beach is a popular urban beach located at 400 N Lake Shore Dr in Chicago. This well-maintained area allows visitors to enjoy swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing during the summer months. It's equipped with amenities such as lifeguards on duty and restrooms, making it a safe choice for families. The beach's proximity to downtown Chicago ensures a mix of tourists and locals looking to escape the city's hustle.
What the videos show
The video captures a serene beach scene where two children wade into shallow water near the shore, and a city skyline is visible in the distance. The camera pans to show two people standing waist-deep in the water as another person runs towards them from the shore. Further out, several boats can be seen. An elderly man stands alone on the sandy beach looking out over the water, while in the background, other individuals enjoy various activities such as swimming and sunbathing.
400 N Lake Shore Dr
@Torimaddis
Whispers at Oak Street Beach
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BeachyLaid-backCasualLake viewsOutdoor patioTacos
About the venue
Whispers at Oak Street Beach features a casual beachfront dining experience with stunning views of Lake Michigan. The outdoor patio is popular during summer months for sipping cocktails and enjoying light bites like tacos and sliders. This spot is frequented by locals and tourists who want to relax by the water after sunbathing. The ambiance is laid-back, making it ideal for social gatherings.
What the videos show
The video captures a beach scene with people walking around, including a man looking at his phone, two women carrying towels, and another woman with glasses holding a tote bag. The camera pans right, showing various pedestrians passing through the frame.
1001 N Lake Shore Dr
@acadventures
@blondeeatsworld
Castaways Bar & Grill
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$$CasualWaterfrontLivelyWaterfront viewsDiverse menuOutdoor seating
About the venue
Castaways Bar & Grill, located on N Lake Shore Dr in Chicago, Illinois, is known for its waterfront views and casual dining experience. The restaurant features a diverse menu with seafood options, burgers, and salads, making it a versatile choice for various diners. Outdoor seating is popular during the summer months, enhancing the experience with views of the lake. Known for its lively atmosphere, it's a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
What the videos show
The video showcases a vibrant beach scene with a close-up of two plastic cups filled with colorful drinks. The left cup contains a yellow drink garnished with chili powder and lime, while the right cup has a pinkish-red slushy-like beverage. Both cups have straws inserted into them. In the background, people are enjoying various activities such as walking, playing volleyball, and cycling. A pier extends into the ocean, adding to the scenic view. The video captures the lively atmosphere at Castaways Beach Club.
1603 N Lake Shore Dr
@acadventures
@santosC..
Navy Pier
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VibrantTouristyScenicFerris wheelBoat toursSeasonal festivals
About the venue
Navy Pier in Chicago is an iconic waterfront destination with stunning lake views, home to various entertainment options since its opening in 1916. The pier features attractions like the Ferris wheel, boat tours, and seasonal festivals that draw visitors year-round. Multiple dining options and shops line the promenade, catering to both tourists and locals exploring the area. Guided tours are often available, giving insights into the pier's rich history and vibrant culture.
What the videos show
The video captures a serene beach scene during sunset. A man is running ahead of the camera along a paved walkway next to a body of water. Several people are walking towards the beach area where some boats can be seen floating near the shore. Others are enjoying the water's edge, swimming further out into the sea.
600 E Grand Ave
@dandanmg
Lakefront Park
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ScenicRecreationalCommunity-friendlyWalking trailsEvent spacePicnic areas
About the venue
Lakefront Park in Chicago spans 400 acres along the lakefront, providing an extensive green space for outdoor activities and community events. Visitors enjoy scenic views of Lake Michigan, along with walking trails, picnic areas, and recreational facilities. The park hosts various events throughout the year, including music festivals and sports leagues, attracting a diverse crowd. The expansive layout offers ample space for relaxation, exercise, and leisurely walks.
What the videos show
The video captures a woman walking from the water towards the shore at a beach. She interacts with the sand and water, eventually standing up and smiling at the camera. The scene depicts people swimming and playing in the water, creating a lively beach atmosphere.
400 S Lake Shore Dr
@sdickfoss
Soho House
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ElegantExclusiveCreativeRooftop poolCowshed spaArt-filled rooms
About the venue
Soho House Chicago, located in the Meatpacking District, is housed in a renovated umbrella factory and features 40 bedrooms and an expansive rooftop pool. Opened in 2014, this exclusive members-only club offers a range of dining options, including a rooftop restaurant and a ground-floor brasserie. The interiors are adorned with eclectic artwork and mid-century furnishings, creating a unique atmosphere. Members enjoy access to the Cowshed spa and screening room, making it a sanctuary for creatives and influencers.
What the videos show
The video captures a group of four young women energetically dancing on a sandy beach under a clear blue sky. One woman, wearing a pink floral jumpsuit, is prominently featured. The women occasionally look off-screen and embrace each other, maintaining their lively movements throughout.
113-125 N Green St
@camscals
@camscals