When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
31st Street Beach
Why 31st Street Beach is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
31st Street Beach, also known as Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, is a hidden gem located on Chicago's South Side along the shores of Lake Michigan in the Douglas neighborhood. This 29.75-acre urban beach offers a refreshing and spacious retreat from the city's bustle, with wide sandy shores and stunning views of the Chicago skyline to the north. Unlike more crowded North Side beaches, 31st Street Beach provides a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families, friends, and solo visitors seeking sunbathing, swimming, and scenic walks. The beach is notable for its cultural significance, named after artist and educator Margaret T. Burroughs, reflecting Chicago’s rich heritage. Amenities include a beach house with concessions and restrooms, an ADA-accessible playground, picnic areas with green roofs, and proximity to the 31st Street Harbor marina, which features boating facilities and a public fishing dock. Visitors can easily reach the beach via car, bike, or public transit with CTA bus routes 3, 4, and 35 serving the area. 31st Street Beach combines natural beauty with urban convenience, making it an ideal spot to unwind or socialize while enjoying magnificent waterside views.
Here's what people think of 31st Street Beach
As of recent, 31st Street Beach holds a 4.6-star rating based on 2468 reviews.
User reviews of 31st Street Beach and the adjacent 31st Street Harbor emphasize the beach's peaceful and friendly atmosphere along with spectacular views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Positive feedback highlights the beach's spaciousness, cleanliness, and family-friendly vibe, as well as amenities like clean modern restrooms, picnic areas, and accessible playgrounds. Visitors enjoy the live music events hosted on the pier, which add a lively, communal spirit to the beach experience. Many appreciate the quieter, less congested environment compared to other Chicago beaches. On the harbor side, boaters praise the well-maintained docks, good amenities like power, water, and Wi-Fi, and the beautiful setting. However, some negative remarks focus on limited and costly parking, occasional traffic management frustrations, and at times unmotivated marina staff. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus is that 31st Street Beach offers a unique and enjoyable urban beach experience with plenty of natural charm and opportunities for relaxation and recreation in the heart of the city.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Dulce Ramos
Salsa night on Tuesdays!! Class at 6:00pm for one hour. They teach the baby salsa step and some turns. It was fun and FREE! ON Thursdays they play Chicago House music. If you have time to get there early, I recommend you pack a picnic and bring your towel and hang out on the beach and then join the party when it starts!! THE SUNSET WAS GORGEOUS . There is parking nearby. About a 7-minute walk. ENJOY!!!
Noah Bennett
I really enjoy 31st Street Beach! Unlike many of the Northside beaches, this one feels cleaner, more relaxed, and not nearly as crowded. It’s a great spot for a picnic on the sand, and I had a wonderful time walking along the shore while taking in the scenery and snapping some beautiful photos. The views of the lakeshore and downtown skyline are absolutely stunning. On top of that, the area has so much to offer—there’s a restaurant, skate park, playground, and plenty of green space to explore. The seating area by the lake is a perfect bonus, making it easy to sit back and enjoy the waterfront. A hidden gem that’s well worth visiting!
Kimberly Quintana
It’s a beautiful beach, but finding parking the day I went was impossible. The parking lots nearest were closed down and I asked an officer where could I park and I was directed to a street a 5 minute drive (~30 minute walk) away. Besides that, the beach is beautiful and the burger I had there was very good.
NagaSai Chowdary
The beach wasn’t too crowded, which made it even more enjoyable. There were also plenty of activities, making it a great spot for relaxation. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun day with family and friends, this beach is a fantastic choice. Can’t wait to visit again!
M B
Beach is nice and it wasn’t too packed for a Saturday. I wish the city cleaned it up a bit more, there was so much trash coming in from the lake. I know they can’t address everything but if they had some bags and gloves at a station by the lifeguards I’d be happy to pitch in.
How to reach 31st Street Beach
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Why 31st Street Beach may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at 31st Street Beach with your friends?
31st Street Beach offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse amenities that make it an ideal rallying point for friends looking to spend quality time together. Situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan with stunning views of the Chicago skyline, the beach presents a serene yet lively setting where groups can relax, socialize, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re a local seeking a refreshing escape or tourists wanting to experience Chicago’s lakefront charm, this popular spot caters to all. Its welcoming and laid-back environment encourages connection, allowing friends to bond over picnics, strolls along the water, or simply basking in the sun. The beach’s broad sandy stretches provide ample space for everyone to settle in comfortably, and the presence of beachside concessions and restrooms adds to the convenience of spending an extended day together. Added to that, regular live music events on the pier during summer evenings create an exciting social atmosphere where friends can enjoy good tunes under the open sky. With a solid 4.6-star rating from nearly 2,500 reviews, 31st Street Beach clearly stands out as a favored gathering spot that blends natural tranquility with urban energy, making it perfect for all types of meetups.
What activities can groups enjoy at 31st Street Beach?
31st Street Beach offers a rich variety of activities that cater perfectly to groups of friends or family, ensuring everyone has something fun and engaging to do. The most popular activity is swimming, permitted during the beach season from Memorial Day to Labor Day between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty. This makes the waters of Lake Michigan not only inviting but also safe for all ages. The beach’s wide shoreline and clean, light brown sand are perfect for sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, or simply chilling with a cooler full of snacks. For those who prefer exploring or a scenic walk, the adjacent 31st Street Harbor offers a boardwalk area where you can admire moored boats and enjoy a relaxed stroll. The harbor itself features 1,000 floating slips for boats ranging from 35 to 70 feet, and even facilities for very large vessels up to 200 feet, so boat enthusiasts in your group will have plenty to admire. Families traveling with children will appreciate the ADA-accessible playground nearby, which includes water features—a fun spot for kids to cool off and play safely. For anglers, there is a public fishing dock that allows for a peaceful pastime right on the water. Additionally, the green roof picnic area above the indoor parking garage provides shaded seating with great views, ideal for enjoying group meals or hosting casual celebrations by the lake.
Why is 31st Street Beach perfect for a group meetup?
The design and amenities of 31st Street Beach make it exceptionally well-suited for groups looking to meet up and enjoy a day or evening out. First, the expansive sandy beach ensures there is enough room to spread out, accommodate different activities, and maintain comfortable personal space. Whether your group wants to play a game of frisbee, set up a volleyball net, or simply lounge and chat, the space supports it all comfortably. The nearby beach house offers concessions and restrooms, which means no group outing is disrupted by the lack of basic facilities. Accessibility is another highlight: an ADA-compliant playground and well-maintained pathways mean that group members of all ages and mobility levels can participate fully in the experience. The beach's long operating hours, from early morning until late at night, provide flexible planning options for meetups—whether a daytime picnic or a moonlit gathering by the lake. Moreover, the live music events held on Thursdays during summer add a unique and festive vibe to the venue, perfect for groups who enjoy music and social scenes. The juxtaposition of tranquil natural surroundings and proximity to Chicago’s bustling urban energy means that after a day at the beach, groups can easily transition to dining or entertainment options nearby, extending their meetup into a memorable city adventure.
What makes the atmosphere at 31st Street Beach inviting for social gatherings?
31st Street Beach exudes a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere that is ideal for social interactions and relaxation. It attracts a diverse crowd, including families, local residents, tourists, and groups of friends, making it a lively yet friendly environment where everyone feels comfortable. The natural beauty of Lake Michigan’s expansive waters paired with spectacular views of the Chicago skyline creates an inspiring backdrop that enhances the mood of any gathering. Whether you're soaking up the sun on the sandy shore, sharing stories around a picnic blanket, or joining a casual volleyball game, this beach encourages a sense of community and connection. The rhythmic sound of gentle lake waves combined with the fresh, open-air setting helps visitors unwind and recharge from city life’s hustle. Even the Thursday night live music on the pier fosters a casual but upbeat vibe where socializing flows naturally, giving friends an opportunity to mingle with others and enjoy the urban beach scene. This blend of peaceful nature and energetic social activity balances perfectly, making each visit special and engaging.
How convenient is access and parking at 31st Street Beach for group visitors?
Access to 31st Street Beach is straightforward, with its location right on South Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, making it easily reachable by car or public transit. For groups traveling by car, there is an indoor parking garage adjacent to the beach and harbor area which not only offers sheltered parking but also features a green roof picnic area that enhances the visitor experience. The garage's location improves safety and convenience, especially important when coordinating group arrivals or departures. However, parking can be limited especially during popular weekend events like the live music nights, so early arrival or carpooling is recommended to secure spots and minimize hassle. The harbor’s nearby community room and harbor store add layers of convenience for boaters or visitors needing quick supplies, while the broad sidewalks and well-marked pathways facilitate smooth movements for groups, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. Overall, the accessibility features combined with practical parking options help make group meetups at 31st Street Beach practical and stress-free.
What seasonal considerations should groups keep in mind when planning a meetup at 31st Street Beach?
Since 31st Street Beach’s swimming season runs specifically from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, groups planning a summer beach meetup will have the full advantage of lifeguard-supervised swim zones open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. outside of that period, swimming is not permitted for safety reasons, so gatherings in spring and fall may lean more on beachside activities, picnics, and harbor exploration rather than water play. The beach itself remains open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round, offering opportunities for sunrise strolls or evening get-togethers, but outdoor weather conditions should be considered especially outside summer. The best time to enjoy the full range of beach amenities and live events is during warm-weather months when concessions and playground water features are active. Winter months, while quieter, see the harbor used for boat storage in the indoor garages but the beach itself is less suited for typical meetups due to cold weather. Planning your visit during summer not only ensures pleasant weather but also guarantees full availability of lifeguards, concessions, playgrounds, and cultural events, maximizing the overall experience.
31st Street Beach stands out as an exceptional destination for rallying friends or family due to its stunning lakefront setting, extensive amenities, and social atmosphere. Whether your ideal meetup includes swimming, picnicking, playing games, or enjoying live music, this beach accommodates all with ease and charm. Its accessibility, facilities, and natural beauty combine to create a welcoming environment that is both relaxing and vibrant—perfect for creating unforgettable moments with your loved ones.