Sometimes all you want to do is pack your beach gear in a car and be a beach bum all day. Here are some of the known and not-so-known beaches at short driving distance from Chicago.
Stirring water turrets at Silver Beach
In order of driving distance from Chicago:
1. Gilson Beach, Wilmette
Distance: 20 mins from Chicago Downtown.
Facilities: Lifeguards (summer only), food store (Fat Shallot), shower, bathrooms.
Entry Fee: 17$ per non-Wilmette resident, 11$ per resident
Dogs Allowed: Yes, only on adjacent Gilson Dog Beach, but you need to have the City of Wilmette dog pass.
Parking Lot GPS: Here
Official Link: Here
Detailed Blog: Here.
The beaches are very well maintained, the hefty fee is a pinch though.
Tip: You could merge Gilson Beach with the coveted Bahai Temple, it is a short walk from the beach.
2. West Beach, Portage (Indiana)
Distance: 50 mins from Chicago Downtown.
Facilities: Lifeguards (summer only), food and several concession stores, shower, bathrooms.
Entry Fee: 25$/car NPS fee (valid for a week). See more.
Dogs Allowed: Yes, away from the lifeguard area!
Parking Lot GPS: Here
Official Link: Here
West Beach, as it looks from the entry boardwalk
An hour’s drive from Chicago area gets you to one of the most noteworthy and well-equipped beaches around the area. The hiking options below are a huge bonus – Dune Succession Trail has a boardwalk where you can sight Chicago skyline as well on.
All hikes at Dune Succession:
Dune Succession – (Loop 1): 0.9 miles.
West Beach (Loop 2): 1.2 miles. (Recommended)
Long Lake (Loop 3): 2.2 miles.
3. New Buffalo Beach, Michigan
Distance: 1 hour, 13 mins from Chicago Downtown.
Facilities: Lifeguards (summer only), refreshment store, bathrooms, Kayak rentals.
Entry Fee: None.
Dogs Allowed: No.
Parking Lot GPS: Here
Official Link: Here
Courtesy, City of New Buffalo
4. Silver Beach, St. Joseph (Michigan)
Distance: 1 hour, 40 mins from Chicago Downtown.
Facilities: Lifeguard (summer only), concession store, shower, restrooms, Kayak rentals, Volleyball courts, grills.
Entry Fee: None.
Dogs Allowed: No.
Parking Lot GPS: Here
Official Link: Here
Live Came Link: Here.
Evening hues at Silver Beach
If there was ever a prize for THE most well-equipped beach around the area, Silver Beach would be right there to grab it.
The water turrets on the beach splash pad are extremely popular among kids and adults alike – if you haven’t experienced them, you are missing something – gallons of water hitting you from HUGE turrets – scintillating stuff!
Tip: The beach is insanely popular among beach goers in summer. Beware of the parking blues.
5. South Beach, South Haven (Michigan)
Distance: 2 hours from Chicago Downtown.
Facilities: Lifeguard (summer only), concession store, shower, restrooms, historic lighthouse, Kayak and paddleboat rentals.
Entry Fee: None.
Dogs Allowed: Yes, but no water access, at leash at all times.
Parking Lot GPS: Here
Official Link: Here
Live Came Link: Here
6. Oval Beach, Saugatuck (MI)
Distance: 2 hours, 20 mins from Downtown
Facilities: No lifeguard, concession store, bathrooms, near-by dunes.
Entry Fee: None.
Dogs Allowed: No.
Parking Lot GPS: Here
Official Link: Here
A combo of picturesque shoreline and rolling dunes makes Oval Beach proud recipient of many awards – Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 25 Beaches in the World, National Geographic Traveler’s Top Freshwater Beaches in the USA, and MTV’s Top 5 Beaches in the USA.
Saugatuck-Douglas twin township has essential vibes of coastal towns with a flurry of touristy things on offer. We took a stroll in the downtown Saugatuck area and enjoyed ‘Uncommon Coffeehouse’.
That’s it! Hope this helps you plan your next beach road trip.
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