Chicago is home to 27 beaches and 50 outdoor pools. Everyone has their go-tos, naturally, but consider hitting some potentially underrated spots this summer.
Best Place to Sip a Margarita: Solana on the Robey Rooftop
Solana, on the sixth-floor rooftop of the Robey hotel, technically has the only pool in Wicker Park. It’s not big, but hey, it’s a pool! And the frozen margaritas are solid.
- Nearby: Bucktown’s Holstein Pool is set to open soon.
Best Place for Kids to Splash: Whealan Pool Aquatic Center in Edgebrook
Tucked away in quiet Edgebrook, Whealan is essentially the ultimate splash pad. There’s also a full pool with a slide.
- Not far: Skokie has a large water playground — but that’s not free.
- In Chicago: Fifteen water playgrounds are open.
Best View: Rainbow Beach in South Shore
Everyone knows the skyline is better from the South Side, and no beach has a more beautiful view than Rainbow. It’s also arguably the city’s most historic beach, the site of Civil Rights wade-ins.
Best Place for a Chill Beach Day: Hartigan Beach Park in Rogers Park
Somewhat surprisingly, this beach has a lot of shade! It’s the perfect place to stretch out for the day if you want to alternate between sand and water, reading … or splitting a six-pack.
A lovely view at Promontory Point. (Jacoby Cochran / City Cast Chicago)
Least Hidden Gem: Promontory Point
While not exactly “hidden,” I don’t think all Chicagoans have experienced the power of Promontory Point. Join the cleanup this Sunday!
Best Place to Jump Off the Ledge: Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary in Uptown
A biased pick, since I’ve been leaping off here my entire life. Bonus: The curve around the sanctuary is a simple meeting point that’s not (usually) too crowded.
- But Beware: Lake Michigan water levels are lowering. Never dive!
Best Place for Dancing: Pier 31 Restaurant in Bronzeville
Open seven days a week, this pierside restaurant features a different style of music and dancing every day all summer long. House music is Thursdays!
Best Place to Get Away: South Shore Nature Sanctuary
Right along South Shore beach and near the South Shore Cultural Center, this six-acre-plus sanctuary includes dune, wetland, woodland, prairie — and more — types of habitat. Make a day of it!
Most Unique Body of Water: Humboldt Park Beach
We’ve covered the return of swan boats to Humboldt Park Lagoon — but don’t forget you can also swim at the park’s manmade beach. It’s Chicago’s only inland beach.
- But beware: Red-winged black birds are dive-bombing!
