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

📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
Today is a poor day for a beach visit to Oak Street. With heavy, persistent rain and substantial accumulation expected throughout the day, the shoreline will be wet, uncomfortable, and generally unpleasant for any outdoor activities. Strong winds are whipping across the water, creating rough conditions that make staying near the shore uninviting and potentially hazardous. The sky is completely blanketed in thick clouds, leaving no room for sunshine, and the air temperature is peaking at 24.2 °C. Given the intense weather, it is best to stay indoors and keep away from the water until conditions improve significantly. Please prioritize your safety and avoid the beach entirely until this storm system passes.
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Air

Low / High17.7°C/24.2°C
Feels Like (High)28.2°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature
Wave Height0.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance82%
Rainfall47.5 mm
Rain Duration6 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:34/18:52
Sunshine Hours1.3 hrs
UV Index0.65
Cloud Cover96%
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Wind

Speed34.8 km/h
Gusts49.7 km/h
DirectionE