Montrose Beach

Montrose Beach featuring a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views
Montrose Beach featuring a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views
Montrose Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views
Montrose Beach featuring a park and a coastal town as well as a small group of people
Montrose Beach showing general coastal views and a park as well as a couple


Soak up the sun with views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan at this city beach known for its fun sports and extensive amenities.

Linger on the banks of Lake Michigan at picturesque Montrose Beach, where you can be a lazy sun-seeker or a fitness fanatic. Spend your day kayaking along the edge of the lake and swimming in the calm water or simply lay down a towel and relax on one of the city’s finest beaches. As one of the most popular beaches in Lincoln Park, it’s also one of the best serviced, with restaurants, sporting stores and playing fields nearby.

Montrose Beach is well equipped to serve its numerous patrons who come to spend a day by glistening Lake Michigan. Restrooms, showers and concessions stands face the beach.

Seek out rental outlets to pick up a kayak and paddles or to book a spot playing volleyball on the sand.

Distance swimming is also popular here, especially in summer, with a dedicated area near Tower 4 on the beach.

Head to the north end of the shoreline to meet some of the beach’s four-legged patrons. Dogs are welcome in this section, where they enjoy playing in the waves.

Explore the dunes to the south of the beach. Bring your binoculars to look for the migratory birds that flock here outside of summer. The natural area is also home to several species of endangered plants. This tranquil, green corner of the park feels a world away from the buzzing beach area.

Wander around the surrounding area of Lincoln Park. Several sports fields line the edge of the beach here. A scenic harbor area sits directly to the south of the beach.

Spend your evening in a restaurant that faces the lake, enjoying deep-dish pizza or a tasty cocktail after a day by the lake.

Montrose Beach is located outside the Uptown neighborhood, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of Downtown Chicago. Metered parking is available for anyone driving to the beach, while buses and metro trains also run to nearby streets. Come in the summer, when lifeguards patrol the shoreline, to enjoy swimming.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Popular places to visit


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Things to do near Montrose Beach

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Montrose Beach, visit the Harry Potter Shop Chicago, Chicago Place Mall, and 900 North Michigan Shops, all around 8.0km away. If you're up for a drive, explore further shopping options in the city for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Enjoy a lively evening at Lincoln Hall, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere while listening to live music. For sports enthusiasts, Wrigley Field offers an exhilarating experience, and at Riviera Theatre, you can indulge in cultural performances that evoke romance and family enjoyment.

Adventure

At Montrose Beach, you can enjoy thrilling activities at Sky High Sports Niles, an exciting arcade adventure zone located 14.5km away, or visit the Centennial Wheel, a stunning amusement ride 8.0km from the beach. Don't miss the Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze, another fantastic arcade adventure zone also 8.0km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Montrose Beach is vibrant and inviting. For a lively evening, visit Dave & Buster's, a charming drinking pub offering entertainment vibes. Alternatively, Kingston Mines and Blues on Halstead provide a romantic nightclub atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the city's lively energy.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Montrose Beach

Montrose Beach in Chicago, Illinois, offers a delightful blend of urban parks, sandy beaches, and striking skyscrapers, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking culture and a beach experience. Visitors can enjoy the sun-kissed shores and explore the best beaches in the city, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere that Montrose Beach has to offer. Whether you're looking to relax or indulge in local attractions, this area promises a memorable getaway.

  • Water Tower Place: Experience the vibrant city atmosphere at Water Tower Place, a striking skyscraper located 8.0km from Montrose Beach. Here, you can indulge in shopping, dining, and enjoy stunning views of Chicago’s skyline, making it a perfect urban retreat.
  • The Salt Shed: Just 6.4km away, The Salt Shed offers a unique blend of business and culture. This event venue hosts various conferences and gatherings, making it an intriguing spot for networking and enjoying creative events in a distinctive setting.
  • Oak Street Beach: Just 6.4km from Montrose Beach, Oak Street Beach provides a picturesque escape with its sandy shores and lively atmosphere. Relax by the water or engage in beach activities while soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Best time to go to Montrose Beach

The best time to visit Montrose Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Montrose Beach falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Montrose Beach falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Montrose Beach

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Montrose Beach.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically December to February) for more affordable package holidays to Montrose Beach.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.