Bradford Beach
Milwaukee's vibrant urban beach offering sandy shores, lively events, volleyball, and stunning Lake Michigan views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Bradford Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Milwaukee's vibrant urban beach offering sandy shores, lively events, volleyball, and stunning Lake Michigan views.
"A true Milwaukee gem that offers a perfect escape right on the shores of Lake Michigan!"
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for early morning or weekdays to secure a spot. :car:
Pack for a Full Day
Bring sunscreen, towels, snacks, and beach toys for a comfortable and fun-filled day. :beach_umbrella:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Shoreline
Sink your toes into soft, golden sand perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing by Lake Michigan.
Volleyball Courts Galore
Join in on a game or watch skilled players on numerous sand volleyball courts scattered across the beach.
Lakefront Dining & Drinks
Enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing drink at the beach bars and grills, offering great views and a lively atmosphere.
Family Fun Zone
A playground near the concession building makes it a great spot for families with younger children to enjoy.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for early morning or weekdays to secure a spot. :car:
Pack for a Full Day
Bring sunscreen, towels, snacks, and beach toys for a comfortable and fun-filled day. :beach_umbrella:
Check for Events
Bradford Beach hosts festivals and raves, check schedules for live music and art. 
Family-Friendly Vibes
Despite a lively scene, it's welcoming for families with a playground and shallow waters. :child:
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for early morning or weekdays to secure a spot. :car:
Pack for a Full Day
Bring sunscreen, towels, snacks, and beach toys for a comfortable and fun-filled day. :beach_umbrella:
Check for Events
Bradford Beach hosts festivals and raves, check schedules for live music and art.
Family-Friendly Vibes
Despite a lively scene, it's welcoming for families with a playground and shallow waters. :child:
Pet-Friendly Areas
Enjoy the beach with your furry friends in designated pet-friendly zones. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bradford Beach is a highly-rated Milwaukee gem, praised for its expansive sandy shores, numerous volleyball courts, and lively atmosphere with beach bars. Visitors appreciate the family-friendly environment, free entry, and beautiful Lake Michigan views. Some find parking challenging during peak times.
"Great beach with nice sand and picnic tables, also has a bar and grill at the entrance with a large selection of food for a good price and a large area with tables and chairs for eating outside, showers and bathrooms up at the concession/bar/Grill building, nice playground for kids near the grill building, at least four different areas with picnic tables spread out down the beach, pet friendly, and a very large area for a room and privacy if you don’t want to be next to people. Large parking area also. A peninsula far to the left and a pier far to the right with it looks like a good area. You could possibly try fishing, I saw a couple people with fishing poles, walking down the beach. Also seen a guy with a metal detector walking around searching for treasures. :) hope this helps! Great time and great people and even had a guy pull up with a side-by-side and give us a ride so we didn’t have to carry all of our stuff down the beach, which was a huge help and offered him a tip, but he refused and later we saw him driving more people around. Have fun and stay safe. Hope this helps. :) ☀️☀️🌅"
Marshall Bumstead
"Bradford Beach is becoming a very popular beach on the Fresh Coast, and its popularity has helped drive its reputation as one of the best beaches in America. This city-based beach is a very clean, accommodating, and community-driven location. That is, there is a ton of space across the water front for parking and congregating, and the beach includes a vast amount of volleyball [sand] courts, bathrooms, and tiki bars. The addition of the beach bars have made Bradford Beach and fun destination spot for Great Lake beaches, and you can easily sit at the bar, under the sun, and only inches away from the purest body of water on the planet. Finally, the sand is fine-grain, the waters are blue, and the city's skyline, a backdrop to the entire scene, is beaming with life! This is a great beach, and there are so many beach-lifers who migrate to this Wisconsin site for the summer festivities and for an exciting experience on Lake Michigan."
Gregory Melanson
"This was a beautiful beach. Lots of room. There are tons of volleyball courts. They have public restaurants close by. (They were well used but not dirty. They had a couple of tiki bars and a snack shack as well."
Loriann Wheatley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bradford Beach is located at 2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee. You can drive and park in the large lot, though it fills up quickly. Public transport options are also available, with several bus routes stopping nearby.
Yes, there is a large parking area available. However, it can get crowded, especially on weekends and during events. Arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! The Lakefront Trail runs along Bradford Beach, making it a scenic and accessible destination for cyclists.
While the beach itself is sandy, pathways and access points are generally well-maintained, offering reasonable accessibility. Specific accessibility details may vary.
Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours can help you avoid traffic congestion. Consider using ride-sharing services if parking is a concern.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bradford Beach is free to enter and enjoy. There are no admission fees required to access the beach and its amenities.
Bradford Beach is generally open year-round, but lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer months. Specific event hours may vary.
Some events, like festivals and raves, may require tickets for entry. It's best to check event listings and purchase tickets in advance if needed.
Generally, you can bring your own food, drinks, and beach gear. However, check for any specific event rules or park regulations regarding large items or alcohol.
Picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. While there are many spread out, arriving early is advisable for prime spots.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, play volleyball, have picnics, build sandcastles, and enjoy the lake views. Many events and festivals also take place here.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty during the summer season to ensure visitor safety.
The water is generally clean and refreshing, with depths not exceeding six feet in most areas, making it suitable for swimming and family fun.
Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, a playground, volleyball courts, and nearby concessions/bars.
Yes, Bradford Beach is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your dog to enjoy the sandy shores.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a bar and grill at the entrance with a good selection of food, plus tiki bars and a snack shack.
Picnic tables are available, and many visitors enjoy barbecues. Ensure you follow any park guidelines for grilling.
The grill offers a large selection of food items suitable for a beach day, catering to various tastes.
Specific dietary options may vary. It's advisable to check the menu at the concession stand or bring your own food if you have strict dietary needs.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is permitted, allowing for a more budget-friendly experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Milwaukee skyline, and vibrant beach activities. Sunset views are particularly picturesque.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or during events. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be great for capturing lively beach scenes.
The Milwaukee skyline provides a dramatic backdrop. You can also find public art installations along the lakefront.
Yes, capturing the energy of festivals and events is encouraged, but be mindful of performers' privacy and any event-specific photo policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While it can get busy, especially on weekends, the atmosphere is generally welcoming. Consider visiting on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience. The concession stands offer food options, but bringing your own snacks is also a good idea.
💰 Budget Travelers
You can save money by packing your own food and drinks, as there are many picnic tables available. Parking is also free, though it can be competitive. Consider public transport or biking to avoid any parking hassles. Enjoying the sun, sand, and swimming costs nothing, making it a perfect free activity.
🏐 Sports Enthusiasts
Beyond volleyball, the expansive beach is perfect for frisbee, beach soccer, or simply enjoying an active day by the lake. The lively atmosphere often encourages participation and friendly competition.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Bradford Beach Events
to cultural celebrations like the 'Migent Latin Beach Festival', there's always something happening. These events transform the beach into a dynamic party atmosphere, drawing large crowds and offering unique entertainment. It's worth checking local event listings before your visit to see if any special happenings coincide with your trip. Beyond music and art, the beach also hosts community runs and wellness events, showcasing its role as a versatile public space.
The presence of beach bars and grills further enhances the festive vibe, allowing visitors to enjoy food and drinks with a view. Family-Friendly Fun at Bradford Beach
Beyond the playground and safe swimming areas, the beach offers ample space for building sandcastles and enjoying picnics. The presence of picnic tables and the option to bring your own food makes it easy to spend a full day here without breaking the bank.
Bradford Beach: A Community Hub
It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, fostering a vibrant and social atmosphere. The numerous volleyball courts are a testament to the beach's active community spirit, often filled with players and spectators.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit