Timeline
09:00
Arrive at Oak Street Beach early. The concrete paths are perfect for a quiet walk or skate before the beach volleyball games and sunbathers fill the space. Use the pedestrian underpass to cross under Lake Shore Drive.
09:30
Walk 2 minutes SSE to the Oak Street Beach Café for a coffee and a light snack. It is the closest spot to grab a drink without leaving the beach area.
10:00
Stroll 3 minutes SE to Oak Street Beach Food + Drink. Although the beach restaurant is pricey, this nearby spot offers a more reasonable alternative for a full lunch or hearty snack while staying close to the anchor.
10:30
Return to Oak Street Beach for a final view of the lake and the city skyline. The beach is open from dawn to dusk, so you have plenty of time to linger.
Local tip
The beach is busiest in the afternoon. To avoid the crowds, stick to the morning hours. Do not eat lunch at the overpriced restaurant on the beach itself; use the nearby options instead.
Check before you go
- Oak Street Beach is open from dawn to dusk during the summer.
- Oak Street Beach Café and Oak Street Beach Food + Drink are located within a few minutes walk of the beach.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Chicago (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).