Chicago, Illinois, United States of America

Oak Street

Oak Street beach is situated on the coast of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and has been in existence since the late 1800s. Today, it is renowned as one of the city's most beautiful beaches and is popular with both local residents and visitors alike.

Oak Street beach is also a preferred surfing location, known for its relaxed and low-key atmosphere. As a safety measure, swimmers are permitted during guarded hours.

Experience the charm of Oak Street Beach and explore places to stay nearby, where you can enjoy the relaxed and low-key atmosphere.

So emblematic is this place that it has received mention in commercials and been featured in songs by notable artists like Chance The Rapper.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beautiful, clean beach close to the city that provides a peaceful escape with walking paths and a boardwalk restaurant. Visitors enjoy the views, small sand beach, and opportunities for activities like volleyball, but some complain about the crowds on weekends and the restrictions on alcoholic beverages.

Where to Stay near Oak Street?

Visitors to Oak Street Beach often stay in the nearby Gold Coast neighborhood, known for its historic charm and luxury accommodations within walking distance of the beach. Many also choose to stay in the vibrant River North area, which offers a wide range of dining and entertainment options and is just a short distance from the beach.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Oak Street?

Latitude: 41.9030118 / Longitude: -87.6228392

Oak Street is located in Chicago. The following map of Oak Street shows the exact location.

Oak Street: Weather Today

📅 Sunday, August 2, 2026
Today at Oak Street is a mixed bag, making it a decent but somewhat brisk day for a beach outing. You can expect plenty of bright intervals between the drifting clouds, though the air will feel quite fresh with a high of 22.1 °C. The breeze is quite lively today, which might make lounging on the sand a bit chilly once you step out of the water. With a UV Index of 6.8, remember to protect your skin during the midday hours. The lake has some noticeable movement today with waves reaching 1.0 m, which could add a bit of excitement for those near the shoreline. Since the water remains cool, keep that in mind if you were planning on taking a dip. Overall, it is a lovely day for a walk or some light activity by the water.
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Air

Low / High19.3°C/22.1°C
Feels Like (High)24°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature
Wave Height1.0 m
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Rain

Rain Chance5%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:45/20:07
Sunshine Hours12.0 hrs
UV Index6.8
Cloud Cover37%
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Wind

Speed27.8 km/h
Gusts47.2 km/h
DirectionN