There are over 30 beaches in Chicago and some of them can get very crowed in the Summer months so don't expect to find a nice secluded spot of sand. North Avenue and Oak Street Beaches are very popular with the locals wanting to escape the heat and humidity of the big city.

Most of the beaches are free and are open from 9am to 9.30pm in the warmer months between May and September.

Foster Avenue Beach
Located near the northern tip of Lincoln Park, this is a good, clean beach.

Fullerton Avenue Beach
There is a theatre on the lake here that screens evening shows during the Summer months

Loyola Park
This popular park is also line by a long stretch of beach and is popular with families, walkers and joggers.

Montrose Beach
There is a fishing pier here and plenty of sand to frolic on.

North Avenue Beach
Known to be Chicago's most popular beach, here you can play volleyball, swim or dine at the cafes and restaurants here.

North Shore Beach Park
This is a neighborhood beach that is quieter than most of the other more popular beaches.

Oak Street Beach
If beaches can be listed as upmarket then this one would make the list.

Rogers Avenue Beach
There is a beach and park here, making it a good place to swim or just relax with a picnic.