On sunny days, Chicago is recognized for its bustling lakefront beaches, which feature volleyball players, sunbathers, and bicyclists. During the summer months, Chicago is famed for its lakefront beaches. With more than 22,000 square feet of sandy places to hang out and discover, North Avenue Beach is consistently ranked as one of the most popular beaches in the Chicago region. It is accessible on foot from public transit and features many small vendors and eateries where one can purchase drinks and snacks, making it a favorite among the locals.
In addition to being one of the busiest and liveliest beaches in Chicago, North Avenue Beach is also one of the most enjoyable and exciting spots to go kayaking along the lakefront. Kayaking on a lake typically offers a more challenging experience than paddling along a river due to the lake's openness, which commonly results in some wind and currents.
Kayak Chicago is located on the sands of North Avenue Beach and caters to paddlers of all skill levels by providing kayak rentals, courses, and guided excursions. Their rates for renting a double kayak start at $40 per hour, which are significantly more affordable than those offered in the city.
- Chicago, Illinois, 60611 Address: 1603 North Lake Shore Drive
Monroe Harbor
Monroe Harbor is on the lakefront just to the south of Navy Pier. To go kayaking on Lake Michigan while having the cityscape of Chicago as a backdrop is a fantastic experience at this particular location. From Lake Michigan, you can see many of Chicago's most popular attractions. Kayakers consider Monroe Harbor one of Chicago's most popular and beautiful kayaking spots. It is close to Grant Park, Millennium Park, and the Museum Campus.
Urban Kayak also operates a kayak rental station near Monroe Harbor and its location in the Loop. Kayaks are available for rent by the hour, beginning at $30 per person, and SUP rentals and guided excursions of the surrounding region are also available.
- Monroe Harbor is located at 110 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601, and the address is 60601
Branches Of The Chicago River Located In The North
The North Branch of the Chicago River, located in the Avondale neighborhood, provides a Chicago kayaking experience that is somewhat more imbued with nature than the places closer to downtown.
Here, you won't find tall buildings or crowded streets but rather verdant riverbanks and more peaceful stretches of water than anywhere else. High-rise apartments and business buildings are being phased out in favor of townhomes and modest cottages. In general, if you want to go kayaking in Chicago, this is a lot more calm spot to do it, well off from the tension and bustle of the city center.
Canoe and kayak rentals are available at Chicago River Canoe and Kayak on the east side of the river near Addison Street. The hourly rate for renting a single kayak starts at $20, while the hourly rate for renting a double kayak starts at $25.
- Chicago, Illinois, 60618 Address: 3400 North Rockwell Street