So, I was looking for a place to get away from the city for a bit, and someone asked me, “Hey, what’s the nearest ocean beach to Chicago?” Well, I did a little digging and guess what? It’s not even an ocean beach. Chicago’s beaches are all freshwater, part of Lake Michigan. Yeah, I know, surprising, right?
I started by checking out some info online. It turns out that Chicago is a long way from any ocean, like 900 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. But it’s got these amazing beaches right on Lake Michigan. I found out there are a bunch of them right in the city, like Oak Street Beach and North Avenue Beach. Pretty cool, huh?
Next, I looked into how to get to these beaches. Turns out, you can drive to most of them in under an hour. I hopped in my car and decided to check out North Avenue Beach first since someone told me it is a hot spot in Chicago. It was a quick drive, and boom, I was there.
When I arrived, I saw that the beach was pretty big, with lots of people playing volleyball, swimming, and just chilling out. The best part? It’s totally free to get in. But keep in mind, lifeguards are only on duty from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.
I spent the whole afternoon there, soaking up the sun and watching the waves. It really felt like an ocean beach, even though it’s a lake. The water was clear, and the sand was soft. It’s the perfect spot for a quick escape from the city grind.
My Adventure Summary
- Found out: Chicago’s beaches are on Lake Michigan, not the ocean.
- Checked out: North Avenue Beach, which is right in the city.
- Drove: Less than an hour to get there from downtown.
- Enjoyed: Free entry, clear water, and soft sand. Perfect for relaxing.
- Learned: Beach season runs from late May to early September, and that’s when the lifeguards are around.
So, if you’re in Chicago and looking for a beach day, you don’t have to go far. Lake Michigan has some awesome spots that are just as good as any ocean beach. Trust me, it’s worth checking out!
