Fun and Sun for Your Four-Legged Friend: Chicago’s Best Dog-Friendly Beaches
If you have a dog, finding outdoor fun for the whole family can be a challenge. This is especially true when you want to spend the day on the shores of Lake Michigan. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful beaches in Chicago that make room for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Whether you want to play in the sand or go for a swim, check out these dog-friendly beaches.
Montrose Dog Beach
A popular stop for pet owners is Montrose Dog Beach in Chicago. Located at 60 W. Lawrence Street, this dog-friendly beach is open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm. As one of the largest beaches in Chicago, it’s easy to see why it’s also one of the most popular options for dog owners. The beach requires a registration tag, but allows off-leash pets. Each person can bring up to three dogs and the beach features clean-up stations for the convenience of owners.
Belmont Harbor Dog Beach
The easiest way to find this Chicago dog beach is by going to the intersection of Belmont and Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. As a city beach, this area maintains the standard 6:00 am to 11:00 pm hours of operation. They require a registration tag for each dog, which comes with a one-time $10 fee. The beach is fully surrounded by a fence and offers free parking Monday through Sunday. It’s a smaller beach with fewer visitors.
Tobey Prinz Beach Park
Found at 1050 West Pratt Avenue, this dog-friendly beach in Chicago is a little more restrictive. It’s open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm and does not require a registration tag for each dog. However, the beach doesn’t allow off-leash roaming. This is primarily because the smaller beach can get crowded during peak hours. The surrounding shops and restaurants make this a convenient location for a family outing.
Evanston Dog Beach
As another popular dog beach in the Chicago area, this one in Evanston requires visitors to plan ahead and fill out an application. The 1631 Sheridan Road beach requires an annual $50 membership fee and charges an additional $10 for each dog. It’s open from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm each night. While this beach is seasonal and slightly outside of Chicago, its close proximity to a nearby dog park (“Pooch Park”) makes it popular among pet owners.
Foster Avenue Dog Beach
This area offers a fenced area for dogs and doesn’t require a registration or fee. Once inside the fenced area, pet owners can let their dogs play off-leash. The dog-friendly area is about an acre and isn’t as popular as other dog-friendly beaches in Chicago. Owners are encouraged to bring their own clean-up bags, water, and other essentials since the amenities are limited.
Moraine Dog Beach and Park
A short drive north of Chicago, visitors will find this beach at 2501 Sheridan Road in Highland Park. It’s a 13-acre recreational area on the shores of Lake Michigan. In addition to a designated dog park, the area has grassy, tree-lined areas ideal for picnics and gatherings. Parking requires a decal, so be sure to obtain your permit in advance. Otherwise, the park is free to use and open from April through November.
Check the Rules Ahead of Time
Even though these beaches welcome dogs, be sure to check the beach’s rules before you pack up your car or truck. Some beaches require registration tags for each pet while other beaches restrict the areas where dogs are welcome. Checking the specific rules in advance can help you comply with the beach’s policies while ensuring your dog’s day at the beach will go uninterrupted.
