Oak Street Beach, Public beach in Gold Coast, Chicago, US.
Oak Street Beach is a public sandy beach in Chicago positioned along Lake Michigan's shoreline. The space features volleyball courts, restrooms, and a beachfront café, with the city's skyline forming the backdrop to the water.
The location was once a public cemetery in the 1800s before being transformed into part of the waterfront park system. A protective breakwater was built in the 1870s to defend the shoreline against the lake.
A large-scale mural along the waterfront addresses water quality and environmental protection through public art. The artwork reflects the community's connection to the lake and ongoing efforts to keep the space healthy for everyone.
The beach is well-equipped and accessible from central Chicago with nearby parking options. Early mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded, making it easier to find space to settle in.
The beach includes a designated lane for distance swimmers who want to practice longer routes parallel to the shore. This section runs separately from the main swimming areas, giving serious swimmers room to work without interruption.
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