North Avenue Beach is Chicago's most popular and social lakefront beach, with a boat-shaped beach house, volleyball courts, kayak rentals, and skyline views. It is free and open 6am-11pm; lifeguarded swimming runs 11am-7pm during beach season (roughly May 22-Sept 7, 2026). Come early on hot summer weekends for space.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon-Sun 6:00am-11:00pm (lifeguarded swim 11:00am-7:00pm in season) |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | CTA Bus 72 to North Ave, then walk east; or Red/Brown to Sedgwick |
| Time needed | Half day |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings in July-August; weekends fill by late morning |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.9/10- Value9.0
- iconic8.0
- Freshness9.2
- excellence8.0
- Crowd level5.5
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility6.5
Frequently asked questions
- How do you get to North Avenue Beach?
- Take the 72 (North Ave) bus east to the lakefront, or the Red or Brown Line to Sedgwick and walk about 15 minutes. Biking the Lakefront Trail is popular too. Parking is limited and metered, so transit or bike is easier on hot days.
- How much is volleyball court rental?
- Court rental runs about $15 per hour, or $35 for advance registration more than seven days out. Call the Chicago Park District number to book. On summer weekends the courts are busy, so reserving ahead is smart if you want a guaranteed spot.
- Is North Avenue Beach good for families?
- Yes. It is a wide, sandy beach with lifeguards during season, calm designated swim areas, a beach house with restrooms and food, and easy access. It gets lively and crowded, so families who want quiet may prefer smaller beaches farther north.
- Is North Avenue Beach free?
- Yes, like all Chicago public beaches it is free to enter and enjoy from 6am to 11pm. You only pay for extras like kayak or volleyball court rentals, food at the beach house, or metered parking nearby.
- Is North Avenue Beach crowded?
- On sunny summer weekends, very. It is the city's social beach scene, packed with volleyball, music, and sunbathers by late morning. Come on a weekday, or early on weekends, if you want room to spread out.
- When can you swim at North Avenue Beach?
- Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty, from 11am to 7pm during the official beach season. In 2026 that season runs roughly May 22 through Labor Day on September 7. Outside those hours and dates, swimming is not allowed.
- Can you rent kayaks or paddleboards there?
- Yes, Kayak Chicago operates rentals at North Avenue Beach in the warm months, and paddling out for a skyline view is a highlight. Availability is seasonal and weather-dependent, so check conditions and hours before heading over.
- What is there to do at North Avenue Beach?
- Swim, sunbathe, play sand volleyball (courts rentable by the hour), rent kayaks, grab food and drinks at the beach house, and stroll the Lakefront Trail. The skyline views south toward downtown are some of the best in the city.
Nearby in Ask Chicago
- Old Town Ale HouseBar0.76 km · 10 min walk
- 3 Arts Club Cafe at RH ChicagoCafé0.8 km · 10 min walk
- Lincoln Park ZooAttraction1.11 km · 14 min walk
- Oak Street BeachBeach1.11 km · 14 min walk
- Peggy Notebaert Nature MuseumMuseum1.7 km · 21 min walk
Where to stay near North Avenue Beach
Compare hotels & stays on Booking.com · doesn’t affect the Friend Score