Beach & Island

12th Street Beach

📍 12th St Beach, Northerly Island, Chicago, IL, USA

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4.2/ 5.0

★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location: USA, Chicago
Category: Beach & Island
Duration: 1-2 hours
Opening Hours: Beach Jun-Sep 11:00-19:00 with lifeguards
Ticket Price: Free; nearby street parking free
Address: 12th St Beach, Northerly Island, Chicago, IL, USA
Coordinates: 41.8638, -87.6075

Introduction

12th Street Beach is located on Chicago's Lake Michigan shoreline, a relatively peaceful city beach on the South Side. Compared to the famous North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach, 12th Street Beach has fewer tourists and is favored by locals, a hidden spot for tranquil lakefront time. The beach is covered with fine white sand with summer lifeguarded areas and shallow family swimming zones. Lake Michigan water is clear enough to see the sandy bottom, with comfortable summer swimming temperatures. Behind the beach is a narrow lakefront greenway and bike path for cycling and jogging. The Chicago skyline and famous Chicago Light are visible, and dusk paints the lake gold and red. Without volleyball courts and food stands, it offers pure lakefront relaxation.

✨ Highlights

Peaceful Local Beach

Fewer tourists than famous North Side beaches, favored by locals, a hidden tranquil spot.

Clear Lake Water

Lake Michigan is clear enough to see the sandy bottom, with comfortable summer swimming temperatures.

Lakefront Bike Path

Narrow lakefront greenway and bike path behind the beach for cycling and jogging.

Skyline and Lighthouse

Views of Chicago skyline and famous Chicago Light; dusk paints the lake gold and red.

Pure Relaxation

No volleyball or food stand noise, just pure lakefront relaxation for reading and sunbathing.

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time to Visit：Jul-Aug peak; weekdays quietest; evening for sunset

→Address：1200 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

→Opening Hours：Beach Jun-Sep 11:00-19:00 with lifeguards

→Ticket Information：Free; nearby street parking free

→Transportation：CTA bus or bike along the lakefront bike path

💡 Tips

• Cycling the Chicago lakefront bike path is the most pleasant way to arrive with scenic views.

• No facilities; bring a book and picnic for pure lakefront relaxation.

• Though shallow and calm, Lake Michigan has drop-offs and currents; stay in lifeguarded areas.

• Dusk paints the lake gold and red with Chicago skyline views, ideal for photography.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of 12th Street Beach?

Beach Jun-Sep 11:00-19:00 with lifeguards

How much is the admission for 12th Street Beach?

Free; nearby street parking free

Any practical tips for visiting 12th Street Beach?

Cycling the Chicago lakefront bike path is the most pleasant way to arrive with scenic views. No facilities; bring a book and picnic for pure lakefront relaxation.