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NORTH AVENUE BEACH
The Dog Beach Traveling with a pup? You have a lot of beach options. Montrose Beach is one of the very few official off-leash dog beaches in the city. The dog area is on the north end of the beach and fenced in, so you don’t have to worry about them running off. The other main dog beach is at Belmont Harbor, but it gets pretty crowded and caters to small dogs. There’s another smaller-in-size dog-friendly spot at Foster Beach. The Volleyball Beach If you’re looking for a true coastal vibe in the Midwest, head to North Avenue Beach. It’s by far the most crowded beach in the city and is well-known for the expanse of volleyball nets used by bar leagues, local teams and anyone looking to hit a ball around. The beach house here is fun, too — it’s shaped like a boat and has concessions, showers and rentals. The Beach With the View 31st Street Beach (officially known as Margaret T. Burroughs Beach) has probably the best view of downtown that you’ll find along the lakefront. It’s also a great spot for watersports, since it’s the homebase for Chicago Water Sports Rentals. Go on. Try the jet skis. Plus, you can fish at the public fishing dock here. A closer but no less delightful view of downtown can be had at 12th Street Beach, located on Northerly Island by the museum campus.
The Historic Beach In 1908, Rainbow Beach officially opened under the name Rocky Ledge Beach, and was one of the rare spots at the time with electric lighting. It’s bigger and smoother now with lots of sand and the Rainbow Beach Victory Garden, which is one of the oldest public gardens in Chicago. At the north edge of the beach, stroll the 10 acres of dunes looking for native plants and animals. You’ll also want to visit 57th Street Beach — it’s part of Jackson Park, which was the site of the 1893 World’s Fair — and 63rd Street Beach, with a historic beach house and interactive water features for the kids. The Bougie Beach Oak Street Beach is nestled right into the curve of Lake Shore Drive, on the edge of the Gold Coast and Streeterville neighborhoods — two of the most posh and expensive areas of Chicago. Expect to find rentable cabanas, upscale beach food and swimsuits that probably cost more than your rent. All that being said, it is gorgeous and definitely worth a stop. Ohio Street Beach falls into this category, too, but it’s right next to Navy Pier and has more of a touristy vibe.
RAINBOW BEACH SUMMER PHOTO: ALEJANDRO REYES
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