Description
General information about the beach
Ohio Street Beach is a small, cosy beach in the Streeterville area, popular for swimming thanks to its calm water. It has a café, showers, and equipment rentals, as well as excellent views of the city skyline.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
beige
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
300 m
Frequently asked questions
Ohio Street Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +20.5°C, warms up to +24.6°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Ohio Street Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — glassy. Average wave height — 0.0 m.
Ohio Street Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Ohio Street Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — beige. Texture — fine. Beach length — 300 metres.
Ohio Street Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in June, July. It ends in August, September. The best month for a holiday is July. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Ohio Street Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. There are no rip currents — swimming is safe. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Ohio Street Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: bacteria, toxic algae. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Ohio Street Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Ohio Street Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Ohio Street Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Caffè Oliva, Navy Pier Restaurants. Cuisines available: Local, European. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Ohio Street Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash.
Ohio Street Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Morning before 11:00 has fewer people and calmer water. Evening — beautiful sunsets.
Ohio Street Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming only when lifeguards are on duty (11:00–19:00).
Ohio Street Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Ohio Street Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children and lovers of calm swimming with skyline views. Not suitable for those seeking a large sandy beach.
Ohio Street Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Ohio Street Beach is the only beach in Chicago facing north. This creates exceptionally calm and shallow water, ideal for long-distance swimming.
Ohio Street Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Calm and shallow water, Ideal for long-distance swimming, Scenic views of the Chicago skyline, Developed infrastructure, Close to Navy Pier, Free entry. Cons: Very small beach, Can get crowded, Paid parking, Limited space for seclusion, Dogs prohibited in season, No kids playground.
Ohio Street Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Navy Pier, Jane Addams Memorial Park, Chicago Children-s Museum. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Ohio Street Beach: how do I get to the city of Chicago?
The beach is located near the city of Chicago. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Chicago.