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63rd St Beach and Pier
Categories: Active Life Swimming Pools Active Life Beaches Swimming Pools, Beaches [Edit]
6300 S Lake Shore DrChicago, IL 60686
Neighborhood: Woodlawn
(312) 742-4847
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
7 reviews for 63rd St Beach and Pier
7 reviews in English
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Review from Elizabeth W.
Des Plaines, IL
8/15/2010
Anyone who says North Avenue Beach is the best beach in the city has obviously never been here. This beach is cleaner, has a gorgeous beach house dating from 1919, offers opportunities for beachcombing (shells and sea glass aplenty), is usually less crowded, is not trashed after the air and water show, and has small events from time to time for those who do not actually care for swimming but like beaches nonetheless.
Its proximity to a lovely historic park is a plus. The ability to park your car a reasonable distance from the beach is a plus. The fact that in 1913, a swimmer here took a stand against excessive modesty and bared her skin, leading to her arrest, means that coming to this beach is standing solidarity with lovers of bikinis and other revealing swim garb all over the world.
Also, this is not one of those wading beaches where lifeguards toot at you for getting far enough from the shore to cover your shoulders. It's actually swimable, but walking along the shore with the water lapping at your toes while you gaze out over the open lake is wonderful all on its own.
Honestly, I don't come here enough, and I think I'm not the only one who overlooks this lovely place too often. This beach is as nice as an Evanston beach, but free. If you somehow find yourself directly in the center of Chicago, hankering for a swim, and not sure whether to go north or south, head on down and skip the hustle and bustle of Oak Street Beach or the daily fee at South Avenue Beach. You won't regret it.Listed in: Take A Hike!, Hit the beach!
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Review from Summer O.
Orem, UT
7/9/2011
Based off the glowing reviews on here we decided to visit this beach a few weeks ago.
PROS
* The sand is great for making sand castles with the kids
* There are lifeguards a plenty
* Depth of entry is super shallow and gradual so again, great for kids
* Super close parking
* Not at all crowded. We had a ton of beach to ourselves.
* Tons and tons and TONS of seashells er, lakeshells to examine, collect, etc.
CONS
* TONS of shells washed up in a thick line on the beach. They really hurt to have to walk across to enter the water
* I was very disappointed with the amount of trash floating in the shallows. Plastic bags and other unidentifiable stuff. It wasn't an exorbitant amount but it was enough to be off putting and very surprising considering other reviewers said this beach was so clean.
In all this was a nice, uncrowded, pretty beach but I think we'll try to find one that is much cleaner next time. -
Review from Aurore L.
4/18/2010 8 photos
So now that Promontory Point has become a 'destination' - thanks to a few ROTDs and a fantastic setting - what about going even more south?!?
Dudes, take your mind out of the gutter (not THAT south) and head towards 63rd street beach.
You won't regret it.
And you won't be mugged, attacked, crucified or burned at stake either.
I guarantee it (much like the Men's Wearhouse commercial, except my voice is not as deep, thank God)
It's certainly one of the loveliest places in the city, and one of the oldest too. Remember the World Fair in 1893? Well those guys did a hell of a job down here and the end result is still standing for you to marvel upon. The Museum of Science and Industry is of course the most famous remnant of the era but Jackson Park, its lagoons, its marinas, its birds (including a colony of wild parakeets, yes sir), its Japanese garden is a gem to be discovered.
Really.
As for the beach itself....imagine a little bay, with soft sand and a nic, gentle surf. And first and foremost, a wonderful bathing pavilion - wonder of Classical Revival style built in 1914 and totally restored in 2000. Open to the winds it's a wonderful place to cool down during a hot summer day. The views are gorgeous and you can freshen up at the water feature in the back if you don't 'do the lake'.
So. Lovely.
Additional perks:
- free parking
- grills
- ADA accessible (there's a ramp that leads to the water, two thumbs up)
- restrooms
- this summer, home of the city's only true food truck, Chicago All Fired Up. If you want fried fish and shrimp, fried chicken and ribs when you are soaking up the sun or walking on the trail, you've got it.
I mean....seriously?!?
You are almost not in Chicago anymore.Listed in: Incognito, If you want to play the…, Natural Beauties
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Review from Chrissy N.
Chicago, IL
7/2/2009
Oh- what? No real reason to hit the south side? What- the lakeshore is best up on the north side? You have SO MISSED Hyde Park if you think that there is any other neighborhood with a lovelier lakefront. Parks- fountains- beach- swimming- lakefront paths- lagoons- nature- bird watching- gardens- fishing- basketball courts- tennis courts- croquette parks- sand volleyball- boccie- marinas- marina bars. If you want to do ANY of these things- you better come to the lake front in Hyde Park and Woodlawn between 55th St and 63rd St.
My friend Mary and I have been doing our summer walking around the lakefront, and not only is it very clean, very few people hogging the bike path, and unobstructed lake view and city views, but it seems every time we head out to a new area- we always say "Oh my gawd- this is so pretty- I'm bringing my camera next time!!" Never a problem with safety (but we also only go in the daytime/ early evening).
If you have not explored this section of lakefront, it is high time. You really are missing one of the nicest areas of the city. Scratch that. You are really missing one of the nicest areas in the Midwest. -
Review from Trice A.
Chicago, IL
8/12/2011
I went on a wednesday with my family I was really reluctant because of its sixty third street location is a real urban area. I was just concern with safety at a public beach southward but I was wrong. We picked a great day not too hot and not too cold the sand was soft and not all rocky like 31st. The water was beautiful and the beach was full of familes wanting a nice peaceful time like my self . It also saw about three lifeguards that I noticed on duty calling all the shots so every one would be safe. Its was pretty clean I was able to walk shoe free but around the water egde I saw shells so I walked cautiously . I saw a couple dogs which I dont agree being in the water and near me but the owners were respectable with have kids with us so I love . We did see a crowd of peolpe in the parking lot showing their bikes and cars off but we headed home so no drama !
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Review from Anastasia K.
Chicago, IL
8/26/2008
The 63rd Street Beach is a truly a gem on Chicago's southern lakefront, and the beachhouse is one of the most beautiful public facilities that exists in the city. The whole area including the beach is really clean and open and inviting. The surrounding neighborhoods are a little sketchy, so if you do public transportation, go in a group. If you drive, there are generously sized parking lots and you should be able to find a spot with no problem.
If you are tired of fighting the crowds at North Avenue Beach and are looking for a little more peace, head down south. You will NOT be disappointed. -
Review from Danielle P.
Chicago, IL
1/23/2010
I have been to many lakefront beaches on the North and South sides and unquestionably, the 63rd Street beach is my absolute favorite. And, this is NOT because I live on the Southside either. Really.
You never know what event you will find taking place at this beach in the summer. My husband and I walk our dog there and we have been fortunate to catch many outdoor festivals, concerts and other events every time.
The surrounding neighborhoods are not "sketchy" as indicated by another reviewer. I go all hours of the day and night and have never had any problem whatsoever.
Take the time to visit this place - you will NOT be disappointed.
