One of the most appealing things about North Shore living is our fabulous proximity to the lake. Summer is best enjoyed by the water and we’re so fortunate to have it in our backyard! I know sometimes the beach landscape can feel confusing, so am giving you a guide to all of the beaches from Wilmette to Lake Bluff. Admittedly I am not as well versed on Evanston beaches, but you can see the complete list here.

Wilmette
Gillson Beach  – Of all the NS beaches, I’d say Gillson is the most expansive with the easiest access for the public. Also home to a dog beach and the Fat Shallot snack shop. Don’t miss the awesome playground too!
Langdon Beach – Currently closed due to erosion, but you can still enjoy lakefront views from Langdon Park.
Elmwood Dunes Preserve – Nearly an acre of lakefront property sanctuary for those looking for a quiet space to enjoy nature with a tiny sliver of beach too.

Kenilworth
Kenilworth Beach – A petite beach that requires a pass with a beautiful terrace that is open to the public.

Winnetka
Tower Road Beach – The hub of the Winnetka beaches with plenty of room to swim and play on the beach playground. There is a Tower Road Beach food truck series happening throughout the summer on Saturdays!
Lloyd Beach & Boat Launch – Available for non-motorized and motorized boating and storage. Swimming is not permitted.
Elder Lane Beach – Available for swimming and non-motorized boating (kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, etc.) with a fun park located at the top of beach entry.
Maple Street Beach – Maple Street Beach is available for swimming. No boats, paddleboards, kayaks, Jet Skis, or vessels of any kind are allowed at Maple
Centennial Beach – The dog beach, a perfect place for your four-footed friend to go for a swim!

Glencoe
Glencoe Beach – Glencoe’s main beach complete with a snack stand, playground, volleyball courts and sun shelters. Paddleboard, kayak, sailboat, chairs, and umbrellas are also available to ren!
Perlman Boating Beach – Adjacent to Glencoe Beach, the Perlman Boating Beach offers sailing for all ages and boat storage.

Highland Park
Rosewood Beach – Nestled against wooded bluffs is Rosewood beach and you can enjoy concessions from Judy’s Pizza.
Moraine Beach – A neighborhood park for walks, picnicking, and an outdoor sculpture area in the upper park. A ravine path from the upper park provides access to the beach with dog beach access (closed at the moment).
Millard Beach – Millard Park and Beach is a neighborhood a non-swimming beach area with over 1,000 feet of Lake Michigan shore and bluff. The upper park hosts a historic garden that overlooks the lake and beach area. Ravine restoration has enhanced the habitat for trout spawning and other native wildlife and ecology.
Park Ave Boating Facility – Currently under construction the Park Avenue Boating Facility is for sailors, paddleboarders, fishermen, powerboaters, and leisure visitors.

Lake Forest
Forest Park Beach –  29 acre park with large beach and grass areas. Amenities include sheltered pavilions, a fishing pier, boat launching ramp and storage area, walking paths and a concession stand open during the summer months.

Lake Bluff
Sunrise Park & Beach – Home to a dog beach, two swimming beaches, and a boating beach for all Lake Bluff residents.