Life's A Beach in Lake County 2022
By: Nick Borowitz 06/10/2022
Life's a
beach here in Lake County. Some might say that we're spoiled since we are the Land of Lakes.
What do you get when you have so many lakes like we do? Beaches!
We put this simple guide together for the summer season to make finding a beach a simple task. Whether you want to bring the family and kids for the day, or just find a spot to kick back and read a book, keep on reading to a find shoreline that fits your needs.
Quiet, serene and safe, North Point Marina offers the relaxation you expect and the nurturing you need in a natural and lush recreational setting.
- A quiet and serene beach area resting on Lake Michigan.
- Public washrooms.
- Beach fishing.
- Home to a large marina with over 1,500 boat slips.
- Bike, kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals.
Open select days weather permitting from May 27 - September 5, call ahead first. Monday-Sunday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission. North Point Marina, 701 N. Point Dr. Winthrop Harbor.
This beach stretches from the border of Wisconsin for six-and-a-half miles down to the southern edge of the Illinois Beach State Park area.
- Six-and-a-half miles of Lake Michigan shore line.
- No lifeguards on duty.
- Ample parking and bathrooms with showers.
- Fishing from shore permitted.
- While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office.
- At least one adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
- Pets must be kept on leash at all times and clean up after them.
- Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
- North Point Marina is located five miles north of the Zion beach.
Open select days weather permitting from between May 27 - September 5, call ahead first. Monday-Sunday; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Free admission. Park Office, 1 Lake Front Dr., Zion.
The Waukegan Municipal Beach features one mile of sand along with some of the only remaining natural dunes in the area.
- One mile of Lake Michigan shoreline.
- Recreational activities include swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and sand volleyball.
- No lifeguards on duty at this facility.
- No pets allowed.
- Marina offers 1,000 slips for the recreational fisher, competitive boat racer, beginning kiteboarder and everyone in between.
- Waukegan band performs in their summer concert series every Tuesday over the summer at the Stiner Pavilion.
Open select days weather permitting all year, call ahead first. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Free admission, $10 parking on the weekends and holidays for vehicles without a Waukegan city sticker. Waukegan Municipal Beach, 201 Sea Horse Dr., Waukegan.
Diamond Lake Beach is located on 100 acres. It includes a natural lake, sand beach, grassy areas, and a shaded picnic grove.
- Daily Pass, Resident: $5; Non-resident: $10
- Season Pass, Resident: $25; Non-resident: $35
- Four or more Season Pass, Resident: $20; Non-resident: $25
- Senior (ages 55+) Season Pass, Resident: $20; Non-resident: $25
- All-Access Outdoor Aquatics Pass offers unlimited access to Barefoot Bay, Diamond Lake Beach and Spray Park.
- All-Access Outdoor Aquatics Pass, Resident: $85, Non-resident: $125
- All-Access Outdoor Aquatics Pass, four or more Resident: $65, Non-resident: $100
- All-Access Outdoor Aquatics Pass Senior (ages 55+) Resident: $65, Non-resident: $100
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Diamond Lake Beach offers a playground, picnic tables, volleyball nets, changing room, lawn chairs and grills.
- Paddleboats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent between $3-$5 per hour.
- Diamond Lake Beach features free special events throughout the season for everyone to enjoy.
Open select days weather permitting from May 27 - September 5, noon-5 p.m. On Monday and Wednesday-Sunday through August 7, closed on Tuesdays. Call ahead first. Admission/Pass: $5 - $125. Diamond Lake Beach, 1016 Diamond Lake Rd., Mundelein.
Turtle Beach Marina has the largest beach on the Chain, ideal for beach-faring experiences, dining options and general leisure.
- Located on the Channel Lake of the Chain O’ Lakes.
- Offers the beach-front Channel Lake Beach Bar, have a brew and enjoy the view.
- Equipped with a marine and repair services, boat launch, 55 slips and repair.
- Recreational activities include swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.
- No lifeguards on duty.
Open select days weather permitting from May 27 - September 5, call ahead first. 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday-Friday. Free beach admission, $10 parking. Turtle Beach Marina, 42273 N. Woodbine Ave., Antioch.
Paulus Park and Sprayground offers a beach that has picnic area and multiple opportunities for fun in the water and in the sand.
- 400 feet of sandy beach front.
- Indoor showers, restrooms and changing areas.
- Sand volleyball court, playground and horseshoes.
- Covered pavilions and skate park.
- The park provides a sprayground water play area, picnic tables and grills.
- Beach pass per person is $40 for residents, $65 for nonresidents.
- Families up to 7 beach pass is $75 for residents and $125 for nonresidents.
- Regular Summer Hours Weekdays & Weekends; June 6-August 7: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Post Season Weekday Hours; August 8-12: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Open select days weather permitting from June 6 - September 5, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Call ahead first. Admission/Pass: $6 - $125. Paulus Park and Sprayground, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.
The Sunset Pavilion in Breezewald Park serves a variety of craft beers, gelato and small bites, wines and has some of the best sunsets in Lake Zurich.
- Serves a variety of treats, sweets and finger foods.
- Has fire-side dining and bar window service.
- Ideal for a gathering spot with friends on the wekends.
- Parking in Breezewald lot, the parking lot behind Craving Gyros and the lot behind Dipiero's. On-street parking available on first come, first serve.
- Breezewald Beach is available only to Lake Zurich residents with photo ID.
Open select days weather permitting from May 10 - TBD in October, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Sunday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sundays after Labor Day, closes at 8 p.m. Call ahead first. Sunset Pavilion, 125 N. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.
Nestled inside Spring Lake Park, this beach is cozy and offers a more quiet experience thanks to its secluded nature.
- Access to Spring Lake Beach is free for all residents and non-residents for the 2022 season.
- Flotation devices are permitted at Spring Lake Beach.
- There will be no lifeguards on duty at any time, swim at your own risk.
Open select days weather permitting from May 29 - September 6, Sunrise - sunset. Monday-Sunday. Call ahead first. Free admission. Spring Lake Park, 49 Oxford Dr., Lincolnshire.
If you want quiet, calm and a serene beach, Like Minear is a private body of water with a long history of citizens stepping in to keep it shining.
- Individual membership $115
- Family membership $185,
- Senior membership $90,
- 10 visits for $100 (refill for $50) and fishing pass $65 plus membership.
- All licensed fishermen are welcome to fish from shore during the beach’s open hours. Fishing before and after beach hours is only permitted with an extended beach license. You must have an extended license to bring your own boat.
- Fishing allowed from the shore or by boat. Fish species include crappie, bass, bluegill, walleye, catfish and northern pike. Lake Minear is a catch and release lake.
- Lake Minear offers volleyball, full-service concessions, special events, free WI-FI, fishing, swimming lessons and party rentals.
Open select days weather permitting from May 27 - September 6, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Call ahead first. Admission: $90 - $185. Lake Miner Beach, 600 W. Oak Spring Rd., Libertyville.
Fish Lake Beach offers the experience of swimming on a beach, in nature, right over in Volo. Get the big forest feels a few towns over.
- Open to the public weekdays only.
- Row boats, paddleboats and paddleboards are available for rent; $5-$10 per hour or double kayak/rowboat rental at $15 per day.
- From June 7-August 13, there will be a lifeguard on duty from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., daily.
- Mini golf: $1 per round.
- Campground offers playgrounds, free parking, picnic tables, grills, basketball hoops (near the beach) and a volleyball net.
- Fishing admission between $6-$10.
- Catch & keep fishing. Limits include three bass per day (under 14 in, release bass over 14 in), three catfish per day, five bluegills per day, five crappies per day, five yellow perch per day and unlimited carp.
Open weekdays only to the public, June 1 - September 1, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call ahead first. Admission: $6 per person (Under 3 free). Fish Lake Beach Resort, 32223 N. US Highway 12, Volo.
Rosewood beach is nationally awarded and that features a nature cove for ecological and nature programs, guarded swimming beach, and a recreation beach.
- Rosewood Beach Swimming Pass is required for each individual to access the swimming and recreation coves during swimming hours.
- Resident Season Pass is free with proof of residency; Non-resident season pass is $100 for head of household and $25 for each additional household member.
- Non-resident daily pass is $10 per person.
- The beach features a natural cove, concessions, restrooms and more.
- Recreational activities include swimming and stand up paddle boarding.
- After school, early childhood and public programs available at various times.
- Lakefront Parking Decal is required for all vehicles at all lakefront parking lots.
- Resident Season Parking decal is $30 per vehicle.
- Non-resident season parking decal is $285 per vehicle, Non-resident daily parking fee is $15 hourly or $40 for 4-hour parking.
- Picnic rentals available.
Open select days weather permitting from May 27 - September 6; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Daily. Monday-Sunday. Call ahead first. Admission: $10 - 285, daily. Rosewood Beach, 883 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Sunrise Beach offers picturesque views and the opportunity to kick back and take in some sun.
- Use of beach is free for Park District residents.
- Recreational activities include swimming and kayak rental.
- Restrooms and two shelters with charcoal grills for summer beach feasts.
- Complimentary beach chairs, play equipment and games.
- Swimming only available when lifeguards are on duty during open hours.
- Beach pass will include both name and photo of the holder.
- Non-resident: Child (2-14 years old) $10 - Adult (15-64 years old) $15 - Senior (65 years+) $12
- Active Military: Child (2-14 years old) $5 - Adult (15-64 years old) $7 - Senior (65+ years) $6
Open select days weather permitting from May 27 - September 5, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Call ahead first. Monday-Sunday. Admission: $5 - $15. Rosewood Beach, 455 Sunrise Ave., Lake Bluff.
Bangs Lake in Wauconda is a natural glacial lake and a popular travel destination for the Chicagoland area.
- Recreational activities include Baggo boards, games, sun bathing and swimming.
- Amenities include concessions, board walk, and WIBIT inflatable floating play area.
- Swimming only available when lifeguards are on duty during open hours.
- Parking is first come, first serve.
- No outside food or drink; glass and alcohol are not permitted.
- No kayak, paddle boarding or entrance from water permitted.
- Phil's Beach is a short walk to Lindy's Landing Restaurant & Marina.
- Resident daily fee: $7, Non-resident: $9
- Individual Resident Season Pass: $31, Non-resident: $40
- Resident Family Fee: $100, Non-resident: $130
- Resident Twilight Fee (After 5 p.m.) $2, Non-resident: $3
- 3 years and younger/ Seniors 62 years and up: Free
Open select days weather permitting from June 4 - September 6, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Call ahead first. Admission: $7 - $130. Phil's Beach, 328 N. Main St., Wauconda.
Fort Sheridan is a forest preserve with a view for a reason. Trails run along the shore line of Lake Michigan and offers stunning views and photo opportunities.
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1-mile Hutchinson Trail runs from Sheridan Road along Hutchinson Ravine to Lake Michigan, and features interpretive exhibits and viewing stations along the route.
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0.2-mile Lake Overlook Trail runs from the Gilgare Lane parking lot along the top of the bluff to the pond and lake overlook.
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0.75-mile Parade Grounds Trail runs from the Gilgare Lane parking lot to the Parade Grounds (National Historic Landmark), and features interpretive exhibits and views of the surrounding Fort Historic District.
- For on-going park safety and maintenance, swimming, wading and boating are not permitted at the moment.
Open select days weather permitting all year, 6:30 a.m. - sunset. Monday-Sunday. Call ahead first. Free admission. Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, Sheridan and Old Elm Roads, Ft. Sheridan.
Openlands Lakeshore Preserve is currently closed to the public at this time. There are on-going shoreline cleanup and safety inspections.
To plan a season full of experiences, visit our summer guide. To see what is happening this weekend near you, click here.
