How to get to a downtown beach and where to park (Ohio: taxis, live)

[From Wisconsin]

My wife and I have a weekend place in River North near Grand and Orleans. We would like to go to one of the beaches on the lake and wonder which one and where to park. How early in the morning would you need to get there in order to park? Do you have to have a parking pass or a beach pass? Advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Aleking]

I couldn't imagine driving to a near north beach from River North.

[jsk1983]

Why do you need to park if your coming from relatively close? Can't you just take a cab or transit?

[From Wisconsin]

Ok. Fair enough. What bus and where do you pick up a taxi from when you want to go home?

And, what beach would you recommend?

[ERS-One]

Well, Oak Street Beach is the main one, but there is a nice small one just steps north of Navy Pier, which is where Grand Ave. ends. So you can just take the Grand bus. As far as taxis, there are usually dozens that circle around the drive in front of Navy Pier. Easy peasy.

Oak Street beach is about 3/4-1 mile north of the pier. It's a nice walk along the lake. Or you could take the Grand bus to Michigan Ave, and take a bus up Michigan to Oak St.

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by From Wisconsin

Ok. Fair enough. What bus and where do you pick up a taxi from when you want to go home?

And, what beach would you recommend?

11th street beach by the Planetarium has paid parking. Its a quieter beach by Northerly Island. Still, as its by the Museum Campus, it would be best to get there early in order to be able to grab a parking spot.

Ohio beach is next to Navy Pier, its a smaller beach and receives more shadows from the buildings next to the beach. The water is shallower and calmer due to a barrier, which makes this the spot where most people swim (particularly if training for the triathlon).

Oak St is one of the more famous beaches, you go under the pedestrian underpass and you're at Michigan and Oak - so you'll get a cab in seconds. There's a bistro and some volleyball, its a bit younger but not as crazy as North ave.

North Ave is huge, and is mainly filled with drunk 20 somethings. Also good for volleyball.

Montrose has tons of parking, some of it free, and a large beach as well. More of a family beach.

31st also has parking, less crowded, more families as well.

Which bus you take depends on where you live and which beach you're going.

[Aleking]

From Grand and Orleans I'd either take the brown line to sedgwick and walk to North Avenue Beach or walk down Grand to Michigan and head up to Oak Street Beach.

[From Wisconsin]

Thanks everyone. Really good advice. I think I'll avoid the drunk 20-somethings. The 65 bus to the Navy Pier runs right in front of our place. Would that be an option?

[Chicago60614]

Yes, that's the Grand Ave bus. It should take you to Oak Street Beach (or close). I believe Grand is one-way going away from the lake though until you get west of Wells. If that's the case the #65 runs on Illinois towards the lake. Maybe your place is actually on Illinois....

[Alacran]

Just go to navy pier and walk to the litle beach there