Oak Street Beach: What To Do, See, And Eat

Are you looking for a relaxing and fun way to enjoy Chicago? If so, you should check out Oak Street Beach, one of the best beaches in the Midwest.

Oak Street Beach is a public park located on the shore of Lake Michigan, just north of downtown Chicago. It offers stunning skyline views, palm trees, boats, and murals. It also has plenty of activities, from sunbathing and swimming to volleyball and biking. And if you get hungry, you can find delicious food options nearby, from food vendors and Beachstro to restaurants and cafes.

This article will show you what to do, see, and eat at Oak Street Beach and how to make the most of your visit. Whether a local or a visitor, you will find something to love about this hidden oasis in the Windy City. So, let’s get started!

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How to reach there from Chicago?

There are several ways to get to Oak Street Beach from Chicago, depending on your preferred mode of transportation.

By Subway:

You can take the Red Line from Harrison to Chicago-Red and walk for about 10 minutes to the beach. The subway fare is $2.50, and the trip takes about 7 minutes.

By Bus:

You can take the 151 bus from Washington & State to Michigan & Oak and walk for about 5 minutes to the beach. The bus fare is $2.25, and the trip takes approximately 13 minutes.

By Ferry:

You can take the Chicago Water Taxi from Riverwalk or Ogilvie/Union to Michigan Avenue and walk for about 15 minutes to the beach. The ferry fare is $6, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

By Taxi:

Take a taxi from anywhere in Chicago to Oak Street Beach. The taxi fare is around $10-$12, and the trip takes about 3-4 minutes.

By Foot:

You can walk from anywhere in Chicago to Oak Street Beach. The distance is about 2 miles, and the walk takes approximately 40 minutes.

What to do at Oak Street Beach

There are many things to do at Oak Street Beach, depending on your preferences and interests.

Sunbathe, swim, or play in the sand. You can enjoy the sun, the water, and the palm trees that are imported every year. Just remember to bring sunscreen, water, and a towel.

Play volleyball or other games. Several volleyball nets, chess tables, and Frisbees are available for beachgoers. You can join a friendly game or start your own.

Bike, jog, or rollerblade along the lakefront trail. The paved path offers a scenic view of the skyline and the lake. You can rent a bike from one of the nearby vendors or bring your own.

Dine with a view. You can find various options at Oak Street Beach, from food vendors and Beachstro to nearby restaurants and cafes. You can enjoy a snack, a meal, or a drink while admiring the scenery.

Explore the art and culture. You can admire the beach’s murals and landmarks, such as the Drake Hotel and the Hancock Building. You can also glimpse the boats and yachts that sail by.

What to See at Oak Street Beach

There are many things to see at Oak Street Beach, depending on your preferences and interests.

Here are some of the most famous sights:

Skyline view: You can admire the impressive view of the Chicago skyline from the beach, especially the Drake Hotel and the Hancock Building. The contrast between the city and the lake is stunning.

Palm trees: The city imports palm trees and plants them along the beach yearly, creating a tropical vibe. Enjoy the shade and the breeze from these exotic trees.

Boats: You can watch the boats and yachts that sail by the beach, adding to the scenery and the fun. You might even spot some celebrities or politicians on board.

Murals: You can appreciate the art and culture of the beach by looking at the murals that adorn the walls and structures. Some are designed to raise awareness of beach health and water quality.

Landmarks: You can explore the history and architecture of the beach by visiting some of the landmarks that are nearby, such as the Chess Pavilion, the Oak Street Beach Clock Tower, and the Cardinal’s Mansion.

What to Eat at Oak Street Beach

There are many things to eat at Oak Street Beach, depending on your preferences and interests.

Here are some of the most popular food options:

Food vendors:

There are different food vendors along the beach, offering snacks, drinks, ice cream, and more. Enjoy a quick bite or a refreshing treat while relaxing on the sand or watching the waves.

Beachstro:

This seasonal restaurant and bar on the beach offers American cuisine and cocktails. You can dine with a view of the lake and the skyline and enjoy live music and entertainment. The menu features burgers, salads, sandwiches, seafood, and more.

Nearby restaurants and cafes:

If you want more options, you can explore the nearby restaurants and cafes within walking distance from the beach. You can find Italian, French, Mediterranean, Indian, and other cuisines, coffee, tea, and pastries. Some famous places are Whispers at Oak Street Beach, Le Colonial, Fig & Olive, and Rosebud Steakhouse.

Volleyball at Oak Street Beach

Volleyball is one of the most liked activities at the beach, as it attracts casual and competitive players. Several volleyball nets are available for beachgoers, and you can join a friendly game or start your own.

You can also watch some of the best beach volleyball players in the world compete at the AVP Chicago Open, part of the AVP’s Gold Series and one of the most important tournaments on the tour schedule.

The AVP Chicago Open is held every year on Labor Day weekend, and it offers a chance to see the teams that will be trying to win gold in the Olympics next summer. The volleyball scene at Oak Street Beach is fun, exciting, and diverse, showcasing the sport’s skill and spirit.

What to Pack for Oak Street Beach

Here are some of the items you may want to include based on your preferences and interests:

Swimsuits: Choose comfortable and stylish swimsuits for sunbathing and swimming in the lake.
Cover-ups: Bring light and breezy cover-ups to protect yourself from the sun and wind.
Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from glare and UV rays with sunglasses.
Hats: Keep your head cool and shaded with a hat, such as a baseball cap, a straw hat, or a visor.
Sandals: Wear sandals or flip-flops to walk on the sand and the pavement easily and comfortably.
Water shoes: If you plan to swim or play in the water, water shoes can protect your feet from rocks and debris.
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen generously and frequently to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
Water: Stay hydrated and refreshed with plenty of water, especially on hot and humid days.
Towel: Dry off and lay on a soft, cozy towel after swimming or sunbathing.
Waterproof phone case: Keep your phone safe and dry with a waterproof phone case that allows you to take photos.

FAQs

Oak Street Beach is a public park and beach located on the shore of Lake Michigan, just north of downtown Chicago. It is one of the most popular beaches in the city, offering stunning views of the skyline, palm trees, boats, and murals. It also has plenty of activities, from sunbathing and swimming to volleyball and biking.

There are several ways to get to Oak Street Beach, depending on your preferred mode of transportation. You can take the subway, the bus, the ferry, the taxi, or walk from anywhere in Chicago. The distance is about 2 miles, and the travel time varies from 3 to 40 minutes.

There are many things to do at Oak Street Beach, depending on your preferences and interests. You can enjoy the sun, the water, and the palm trees, play volleyball or other games, bike, jog, or rollerblade along the lakefront trail, dine with a view, or explore the art and culture of the beach.

There are many things to see at Oak Street Beach, depending on your preferences and interests. You can admire the impressive view of the Chicago skyline, the palm trees, the boats, and the murals, or visit some of the nearby landmarks, such as the Chess Pavilion, the Oak Street Beach Clock Tower, and the Cardinal’s Mansion.

Conclusion

Whether you are a local or a visitor, Oak Street Beach is a beautiful place to visit in Chicago. It offers a relaxing and fun experience, with plenty of things to do, see, and eat. You can enjoy the sun, the water, the palm trees, the volleyball, the food, the art, and the culture of the beach.

Oak Street Beach is a hidden oasis in the Windy City that you don’t want to miss.