Flights to Chicago

There probably isn't a more popular and celebrated beach in Chicago than North Avenue Beach, which spans the lakefront parallel to scenic Lake Shore Drive. In the summertime, this is the place to see and be seen and to soak up some much-needed sun. Though only about a mile long, North Avenue Beach packs a punch and offers awesome beach experiences seemingly out of proportion with its small space. But this is an urban beach, after all, and it makes excellent use of the real estate.

This prime Chicago beach is where people come to get a good workout, make new friends and take advantage of the fleeting summer sun. The opportunities for water sports activities, beachfront sports and games and lakefront recreation are seemingly endless. Rent kayaks or canoes and see the shore anew, or take a bike ride up and down the miles-long public lakefront trail. Get there early in the morning and try some outdoor yoga, or beat the crowds to the waves and try some wakeboarding or paddle-boarding.

North Avenue Beach's "hot summer in the city" ambiance is helped along by the action at Castaways Bar and Grill, a blue-and-white, ocean-liner-style restaurant whose rooftop cafe offers beachgoers casual fare like sandwiches and salads. In a hurry? Just grab a burger or an ice cream from the first-level cafe, where dozens of tipsy beachgoers congregate and mingle.

A word to the wise: Though there is paid parking available at North Avenue Beach, the chances of actually snagging a space are slim. Try public transit instead, as many bus lines service this area, and the "El" rapid transit system will get you fairly close as well. From here, you're within walking distance (or a short cab ride) to some of the best attractions, dining and shopping in the Windy City. Take a break from the sand and explore.

Chicago may not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a beach trip, but in the warm summer months, there's hardly an urban beach that can compare to Oak Street Beach. With the magnificent Chicago skyline as a backdrop, this sandy gem blends relaxing lake views with the exciting pulse of one of the most dynamic cities in the United States.

Don't be fooled by the beach's location — you can partake in many of the same activities that you can at resort beaches in more tropical areas. Rent chairs and bask in the glorious summer sun, or rent equipment and join other beachgoers in a fun afternoon of water sports on Lake Michigan. Volleyball is a favorite pastime here, along with jogging or biking the lakefront trail. Check out the beach-centric mural that spans a wall along the trail, created by artist Jeff Zimmerman in 2011.

Most hungry visitors to Oak Street Beach head to the lively beachfront cafe of the same name. Here, you can chow down on tasty appetizers, tacos, salads and burgers, and wash your meal down with a frozen cocktail or a beer from the tap. The dining area is even dotted with a few imported palm trees, adding to the feeling that you've escaped the Midwest to somewhere exotic.

Of course, an overwhelming range of culinary options awaits you in the surrounding Gold Coast and Streeterville neighborhoods, and in downtown Chicago in general. This city has a reputation as a foodie's paradise — don't miss your chance to experience it.

As in most major cities, parking is notoriously bad in Chicago, so coming by car is not advised. Instead, take advantage of public transit to get you here — the 22 Clark bus or the CTA Red Line can do the job quickly and inexpensively. Another option is to find parking south or north of downtown, rent bikes, and pedal down the lakefront trail to Oak Street Beach. You'll pass other popular beaches on the way, and get a postcard-perfect view of the Windy City skyline.