Loyola Beach
A serene, family-friendly beach on Lake Michigan, offering a natural escape with a great playground and free access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Loyola Beach
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, family-friendly beach on Lake Michigan, offering a natural escape with a great playground and free access.
"A hidden secret of a beach that demonstrates what treasures there are to find once one travels outside the central area of the city."
Free Chicago Beach Access
Enjoy this beautiful Lake Michigan beach without an entry fee!
Family Fun Zone
Playground, restrooms, and snack stands make it ideal for a full day with kids.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Family-Friendly Playground
Adjacent to the beach
A fantastic playground with structures for all ages, making it a perfect spot for families.
Tranquil Lakefront Escape
Along Lake Michigan
Experience a less urban, more natural beach vibe with dune grasses and the calming sound of waves.
Charming Snack Shack
Near the playground
A cute spot to grab refreshments, adding to the relaxed atmosphere of this hidden gem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Loyola Beach
Swim Smart: Flag Status is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Chicago Beach Access
Enjoy this beautiful Lake Michigan beach without an entry fee!
Family Fun Zone
Playground, restrooms, and snack stands make it ideal for a full day with kids.
Sunrise Serenity
Catch the magical golden hour light on the water for a truly special experience.
Parking Availability
Metered parking is available nearby, though CTA is also an option.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Chicago Beach Access
Enjoy this beautiful Lake Michigan beach without an entry fee!
Family Fun Zone
Playground, restrooms, and snack stands make it ideal for a full day with kids.
Sunrise Serenity
Catch the magical golden hour light on the water for a truly special experience.
Parking Availability
Metered parking is available nearby, though CTA is also an option.
Check Swim Flags
Always verify the flag status before swimming for safety. Lifeguards start at 11 AM.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Loyola Beach is praised as a clean, beautiful, and tranquil spot on Lake Michigan, offering a more natural and less crowded experience than other city beaches. Visitors highlight its family-friendly amenities, including a great playground and convenient facilities, making it a hidden gem for a peaceful day by the water. Some minor concerns include the cleanliness of restrooms and the need to check swim flags for safety.
"Dang, this place is lovely, the beach is mostly clean, only a few pieces of trash.
Definitely check the flag status before arriving if you plan to swim.
The lifeguards start at 11am therefore it’s not recommended that you swim before then but it is fine."
Natasha Al-Rafie
"A hidden secret of a beach that demonstrates what treasures there are to find once one travels outside the central area of the city. The area feels remarkable non urban: the cries of the gulls, the dune grasses, the sand pushed and swayed by the movements of the tides. I was reminded greatly of a scenic beach I visited in Long Island many summers past. I recommend coming here at sunrise, as the golden glow of the sun on the horizon soaks the rippling water in gleaming, crystalline light. There's a quiet kind of magic about this place."
Joshua Fagan
"The sand, water and grasses were so beautiful. It is a lovely area to enjoy nature. At the time I was there. It was foggy by the lake but it added a natural beauty to the experience. I was there at a quiet time- weekday about 3 PM"
Mary McCarty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Loyola Beach is conveniently located near the university's campus. You can walk to the beach from campus, as it sits right on Lake Michigan. Popular access points include Loyola Beach and Columbia Beach. The CTA Red Line to Morse station is also a viable option, followed by a short walk.
Yes, there is metered parking available right next to the beach, making it accessible for those driving.
Absolutely! The CTA Red Line to the Morse station is a convenient way to reach Loyola Beach. From there, it's a short walk to the sand.
Loyola Beach is located at 1230 W Greenleaf Ave, Chicago, IL 60626. It's a well-known spot, especially for locals and families.
For a scenic and easy journey, consider walking from the Loyola University campus if you're nearby. Otherwise, the CTA Red Line or metered parking are good options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Loyola Beach, like all Chicago beaches, offers free entry to the public.
While the beach itself is accessible, lifeguards are typically on duty from 11 AM. Swimming before this time is not recommended.
There's no need to book tickets in advance as Loyola Beach is free to access.
The main consideration is checking the flag status for swimming safety. Otherwise, it's open for public enjoyment.
The beach is generally accessible, but swimming is only recommended during lifeguard hours, which usually start at 11 AM.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Loyola Beach offers restrooms, a playground, snack stands, and picnic areas, making it a comfortable spot for families and day-trippers.
Yes, it's a great spot for swimming in Lake Michigan, but always check the flag status for safety and swim during lifeguard hours.
Yes, there are typical beach bathrooms available in a building, though some reviews suggest they could be cleaner.
Indeed! Loyola Beach features a fantastic playground with structures suitable for both older and younger children.
Compared to some other Chicago beaches, Loyola Beach is often described as more chill and less crowded, especially on weekdays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cute snack shack located near the playground where you can grab refreshments.
Absolutely! Loyola Beach has picnic areas, so packing your own food and drinks is a great option.
While specific menus aren't detailed, the snack shack offers refreshments to complement your beach day.
Yes, being near the Rogers Park neighborhood means you'll find various dining options a short walk away from the beach.
Packing your own food is budget-friendly and offers more variety, but the snack shack is convenient for quick bites.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers a magical golden glow on the water, creating stunning, crystalline light. Late afternoons also provide beautiful lighting.
The shoreline with its dune grasses, the rippling water, and the sunrise/sunset views are particularly picturesque.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the Chicago Park District for current rules regarding drones in park areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.
The natural, less urban feel of the beach, especially during foggy conditions or at sunrise, offers a unique photographic experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The beach is generally less crowded and more relaxed than other Chicago beaches, making it ideal for a stress-free outing. 🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and drinks for the picnic areas further reduces costs, making it an excellent way to experience Chicago's lakefront on a dime. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun at Loyola Beach
+1 Beyond the playground, the beach offers clean restrooms, picnic areas, and a convenient snack shack, making it easy to spend an entire day here without needing to leave. The beach itself is often described as more chill and less crowded than some of the more central Chicago beaches, providing a more relaxed environment for families to enjoy. Parents appreciate the free access to this beautiful stretch of Lake Michigan, which is a significant advantage in a city where many attractions come with a price tag.
The presence of metered parking directly adjacent to the beach is another practical benefit for families, though arriving early is advised on busy days. For those opting for public transport, the CTA Red Line to Morse station is a straightforward option, followed by a short walk. The combination of natural beauty and family-focused facilities makes Loyola Beach a highly recommended spot for a day out with kids. The Natural Beauty of Loyola Beach
For photographers and nature lovers, the beach is particularly magical at sunrise. The golden light casting a shimmering, crystalline glow on the water creates a breathtaking scene.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit