Lake Michigan photo locations
Lake Michigan is often referred to as the “Third Coast". Standing on the Chicago shoreline looking across, it looks very much like the ocean, with choppy water and endless horizon. This, and many other reasons, makes Chicago an ideal shooting location.
The beaches on the Chicago shoreline can look like the West Coast and those in Michigan and Northern Indiana--a beautiful respite from the city--look like the idyllic East Coast. The sand is soft and off-white, with high sand dunes covered in green beach grass.
The City of Chicago annually imports fresh sand to replenish the city beaches, although much of the city waterfront is parks, stone embankments, marinas, residential developments in the north and industrial sites in the south. Here is a list of a few of the most popular Lake Michigan beaches in Chicago:
Best People Watching - Oak Street Beach Whether it's rollerblading, playing beach volleyball or soaking in some rays, Oak Street Beach is steps away from the Magnificent Mile.
1000 N. Lake Shore Drive at Oak Street.
Largest - Loyola Leone Beach - At 8 blocks long, Loyola Leone Beach is the largest in Chicago. Kid friendly with a play lot and stroller beach mats, this beach has baseball fields, basketball courts and a large bike rack nearby.
7032 N. Sheridan Dr.
Dog Friendliest - Belmont Harbor - Belmont Harbor underwent a major renovation in 2004, and now boasts a bike, walking and running path along with ample parking. Belmont Harbor is also home to Chicago's Yacht Club and the city's unofficial "dog beach" -- a fenced in beach area.
s3200 N. Lake Shore Drive at Belmont.
Most Athletic - North Avenue Beach - Chicago's answer to Venice Beach, this beach has a Crunch Fitness mini-gym and a biking and running path. North Avenue Beach hosts professional volleyball tournaments and the Chicago Air & Water Show. It is also the busiest beach in Chicago.
1600 N. Lake Shore Drive at North Avenue.
Best View of Skyline - Evanston Beaches - Directly north of Chicago, Evanston is home to five beautiful beaches that offer great southern views of the Chicago skyline.
Between Campus Dr. and Dempster on Sheridan Drive, Evanston.