On Chicago’s South Side, 63rd Street Beach sits within Jackson Park and pairs lake swimming and sandy shoreline with a historic beach house. The 1919 Classical Revival-style pavilion has ground-floor galleries, open balconies and interactive water fountains, with a spray pool and playground nearby for children. You can also use the kayak launch, look for shells and beach glass, or stop at Reggies on the Beach for food, drinks and, at times, live music. It’s a good choice for a beach day with family or friends.
The beach house and water features
The beach’s landmark pavilion is a Classical Revival-style building erected in 1919 and completed in 2000. Its design includes open balconies and galleries on the ground floor. The historic structure has modern facilities, and its interactive fountains give children a place to splash outside the lake.
A spray pool and playground add more options for families. On the sand, you can swim, sunbathe or look for shells and beach glass. Showers and concessions are also available.
Activities around the shoreline
A kayak launch provides access to the water, and buoys mark a route for distance swimming. Bike rentals are available, too. Reggies on the Beach has a deck bar and restaurant, with cabana and water-sports rentals; live music is sometimes part of the beach scene. Its seasonal schedule can affect what is open during your visit.
The beach is at the southern end of Jackson Park. The wider park area has hiking trails, sports fields, boat slips, Japanese gardens and the Museum of Science and Industry. For another nearby waterfront stop, the South Shore Cultural Center has a beach as well as a golf course and nature sanctuary.
Häufige Fragen
Where is 63rd Street Beach?
It is in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, in the Woodlawn area.
What can children do at the beach?
Children can play at the playground and splash in the interactive fountains and spray pool by the beach house.
Can you launch a kayak at 63rd Street Beach?
Yes. The beach has a kayak launch, and buoys mark a distance-swimming route.
Is there food at 63rd Street Beach?
Reggies on the Beach has a bar and restaurant by the water, along with concessions in the beach area. Reggies operates seasonally.
