63rd Street Beach
A vibrant Chicago beach offering beautiful lake views, family-friendly amenities like Reggie's, and a lively atmosphere with local vendors and barbecu...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
63rd Street Beach
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Chicago beach offering beautiful lake views, family-friendly amenities like Reggie's, and a lively atmosphere with local vendors and barbecue spots.
"A wonderful beach that has a little bit of everything!"
🚗 Parking Prep
Parking can be paid; arrive early or explore street parking. :car:
🍔 Food & Fun
Reggie's offers food, drinks, and a playground. Great for families! :hamburger:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Reggie's on the Beach
Adjacent to the beach
Enjoy food, drinks, music, and a playground right by the lake. Perfect for families!
Barbecue Haven
Designated areas
Popular for fish fries and gatherings, bring your grill for a classic beach day.
Scenic Lakefront Views
Entire beach
Beautiful lake views perfect for a relaxing stroll or a refreshing run.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Embrace the Local Vibe
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Prep
Parking can be paid; arrive early or explore street parking. :car:
🍔 Food & Fun
Reggie's offers food, drinks, and a playground. Great for families!
☀️ Beach Day Essentials
Pack a cooler, towels, and chairs for a perfect day by the lake.
🏃♀️ Active Adventures
Ideal for 5k runs with a cool, breezy experience. :runner:
Beautiful day at 63rd St. Beach. Barley anyone there on Memorial Day. Such an underrated spot!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Prep
Parking can be paid; arrive early or explore street parking. :car:
🍔 Food & Fun
Reggie's offers food, drinks, and a playground. Great for families!
☀️ Beach Day Essentials
Pack a cooler, towels, and chairs for a perfect day by the lake.
🏃♀️ Active Adventures
Ideal for 5k runs with a cool, breezy experience. :runner:
🎉 Local Gatherings
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of local barbecues and vendors. :fire:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise 63rd Street Beach for its beautiful lake views, ample parking, and lively atmosphere, enhanced by local businesses and an on-site bar with a kitchen. It's a great spot for barbecues and family gatherings, with clean restrooms adding to the convenience. Some visitors noted a shift to paid parking in areas that were previously free.
"This beach is a fantastic spot to spend the day! The views are absolutely beautiful, and there’s plenty of parking, which makes visiting super convenient. It’s also a great place to barbecue, making it perfect for gatherings with friends or family. The washrooms are well-kept and clean, which is always a big plus. What really adds to the experience are the small businesses and vendors set up along the beach, giving it a lively and welcoming atmosphere. On top of that, there’s an awesome bar with a delicious kitchen, so you can enjoy great food and drinks while taking in the scenery. A wonderful beach that has a little bit of everything!"
Albert Sedaev
"Fantastic I did my barbecue fish fry out there, and people were able to go down to the beach as well. we didn't particularly care for the sectioned off area for independent business pay for parking that this company was allowed to do. Which meant everyone had to park across the street and walk over to the beach. Now the entire parking lot is a pay to park when it use to be free"
Donna Patterson
"Very nice wharf"
Magilas Salvacion
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
63rd Street Beach is located at 6300 S. Lake Shore Drive. Public transportation options include CTA buses that stop nearby. Driving is also an option, but be aware of potential parking fees and availability, especially on busy days.
Generally, the area around 63rd Street Beach and east of Cottage Grove is considered safe for visitors. It's a popular spot for locals and families.
Parking is available at the beach, but it has transitioned to a paid system. Some visitors recall it being free in the past. Be prepared for potential fees and consider arriving early for better spots or exploring nearby street parking.
Yes, CTA buses serve the area around 63rd Street Beach, making it accessible via public transportation. Check the CTA website for specific routes and schedules.
While specific accessibility details are not detailed in the provided content, many Chicago beaches aim for accessibility. It's recommended to check the official Chicago Park District website for the most up-to-date information on accessible facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to 63rd Street Beach itself is typically free. However, parking in the designated lots may incur fees.
Beach hours usually align with general park hours, often from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities like restrooms or concessions may have different operating times. It's best to check the Chicago Park District website for the most current information.
No, tickets are not required for general entry to 63rd Street Beach. It's a public park space.
Visitors often bring coolers with food and drinks, and barbecuing is a popular activity. However, it's always wise to check the Chicago Park District's specific rules regarding alcohol and glass containers.
The keywords mention '63rd street beach house wedding' and '63rd street beach wedding,' suggesting that event permits might be available for weddings or other private events at or near the beach. You would need to contact the Chicago Park District for specific details and booking information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, barbecue, have picnics, and enjoy the lakefront views. Reggie's on the Beach offers food, drinks, and music, plus a playground for kids. It's also a great spot for running.
Yes, well-kept and clean washrooms are available at 63rd Street Beach, which is a significant plus for visitors.
Small businesses and vendors are often set up along the beach, contributing to a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Absolutely! With amenities like Reggie's on the Beach offering food, drinks, and a playground, it's a fantastic family-friendly destination.
Yes, barbecuing is a popular activity at 63rd Street Beach, making it ideal for gatherings and cookouts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Reggie's on the Beach, located right at the beach, offers a delicious kitchen with a variety of food options. Visitors have also enjoyed barbecuing their own meals, like fish fries.
Yes, there is an awesome bar at 63rd Street Beach, part of Reggie's, where you can enjoy great drinks.
It's common for visitors to bring coolers with their own food and beverages. However, always check local regulations regarding alcohol and glass containers.
While not explicitly mentioned as designated picnic areas, the beach is a popular spot for picnics and barbecues, with ample space to spread out.
Reviews suggest Reggie's has a delicious kitchen, making it a convenient and enjoyable dining option right on the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire stretch of the beach offers beautiful lakefront views, making it picturesque. The pier area and the skyline in the distance can also make for great shots.
The west-facing views over the lake can be stunning during sunset, offering beautiful light for photography.
Drone usage in Chicago parks is subject to strict regulations. It's essential to check the Chicago Park District and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in this area.
Lifestyle photography, family portraits, and scenic shots capturing the lake and city skyline are popular. The lively atmosphere also lends itself to candid shots.
The combination of the beach, the nearby architecture, and the vibrant local activity provides unique opportunities for diverse photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The beach is also a popular spot for barbecues and picnics, making it easy to cater to picky eaters and enjoy a relaxed meal together. 🏃♀️ Active Individuals & Runners
🎉 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 63rd Street Beach Experience
One of the standout features is Reggie's on the Beach, a popular spot that combines a bar, a kitchen with delicious food, and a playground, making it an ideal destination for families.
Visitors also appreciate the ample parking, though it's important to note that it has become a paid service. Beyond the amenities, the beautiful lake views are a constant draw, providing a serene backdrop for relaxation or a refreshing dip in the water. Whether you're looking for a family outing, a casual barbecue, or a scenic run, 63rd Street Beach offers a quintessential Chicago lakeside experience.
History and Context of 63rd Street Beach
The beach's name, '63rd Street Beach,' has even sparked some playful confusion, with visitors initially misinterpreting it as a street number rather than a beach designation.
Its role as a gathering place for the local community, evident in the barbecues and vendor presence, underscores its importance as a public space that fosters social connection and recreation. The beach continues to be a cherished spot for Chicagoans seeking sun, sand, and community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit