A day trip suggestion from the hotel: Oak Street Beach and Lake Michigan route
From InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, head north on Michigan Avenue and follow the lakeshore to Oak Street Beach for sun, sand, and skyline views of Lake Michigan; it’s under a mile but counts as roughly a 30–45 minute walk depending on pace. Return the same way or pick up the Chicago Riverwalk for an architecture-focused stroll back to the hotel.
In this guide
Before you go — quick prep in your room
Pack a small beach bag in your room with sunscreen, a towel, and water. If you’re staying in a larger accommodation such as a Suite, 1 Bedroom (Grand Tower) or a Classic Room, you’ll have space to lay things out and change comfortably before you leave.
Check the hotel’s concierge for current beach conditions, chair/umbrella rentals, and any transit or shuttle options they can arrange.
- Towel (the hotel may loan towels from the pool — ask the concierge)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Water bottle and a light snack
| What to check | Who to ask |
|---|---|
| Beach water quality or lifeguard status | Hotel concierge or Chicago Park District website |
| Chair/umbrella rental availability | Boucher Brothers or beach-side vendor (concierge can advise) |
| Weather forecast and wind | Concierge or local weather app |
Getting there — the route from the hotel
Exit the hotel onto North Michigan Avenue and head north toward Oak Street. The beach is under a mile from the hotel, and many guests report a 30–45 minute walk depending on pace and stops.
You can walk directly along Michigan Avenue and then turn east toward the lake near Oak Street, or head briefly east to the Chicago Riverwalk and continue north along the shore before veering toward Oak Street Beach.
- Direct walk: North on Michigan Ave → east on Oak St toward the lakeshore
- More scenic option: Walk east to the Chicago Riverwalk, then follow shoreline paths north
- If you prefer transit, ask the concierge for local bus or rideshare suggestions
| Option | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| Direct via Michigan Avenue | Fastest and straightforward |
| Via Chicago Riverwalk / lakeshore paths | More water and architecture views |
| Rideshare or taxi | Quicker return if you’re short on time or the weather changes |
What to expect at Oak Street Beach
Oak Street Beach offers sand, swimming and space to relax with skyline views. The Chicago Park District posts beach hours and lifeguard supervision schedules — lifeguard-supervised swimming runs during beach season and lifeguard hours are specific to that season.
Beach services may include rentals (chairs and umbrellas) via vendors such as Boucher Brothers; lifeguard times and water-quality closures are set by Chicago Park District and can change, so check before entering the water.
- Oak Street Beach posted hours: 6:00 AM–11:00 PM
- Lifeguard-supervised swimming: typically 11:00 AM–7:00 PM during beach season (Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day)
- Swimming closures can occur for high bacteria — check Chicago Park District updates
| Beach feature | Note |
|---|---|
| Hours | 6:00 AM–11:00 PM (posted) |
| Lifeguards | On-duty 11:00 AM–7:00 PM during beach season |
| Rentals | Chair/umbrella rentals through beach vendors (availability varies) |
Activities and timing — how to spend your time
Plan 1–3 hours at the beach depending on whether you want a swim, sunbathe, or walk the shoreline. If you’re visiting in summer, aim for morning or late afternoon to avoid peak sun and the busiest crowds.
Combine the beach visit with a north or south walk along the lakeshore to see more skyline views, or return to the Magnificent Mile for shopping and dining at the hotel.
- Swim (only during lifeguard hours and when water quality permits)
- Beach volleyball and sunbathing
- Short lakeshore strolls to nearby North Avenue or the Oak Street beachfront area
| Time allotment | Suggested plan |
|---|---|
| 30–60 minutes | Quick shoreline walk and photos |
| 1–2 hours | Sunbathing, short swim (if allowed), and a snack |
| 2–4 hours | Relax, walk further along the lakefront, return via Riverwalk for extra sightseeing |
Food and drink — nearby options and returning to the hotel
There are casual cafes and vendors near the lakefront, but if you want a full sit-down meal or hotel dining, return to InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile. Center Court serves breakfast daily and Center Court and Michael Jordan's Steak House & Bar and Casa Chi provide other meal options on property.
Center Court is the on-site breakfast restaurant (open early), while Casa Chi and Michael Jordan's Steak House & Bar are available for later meals — reservations are accepted for the sit-down restaurants.
- Center Court: breakfast service (check hours with the hotel)
- Michael Jordan's Steak House & Bar: dinner and bar service; reservations recommended
- Casa Chi: dinner and cocktail-focused Nikkei menu; reservations via OpenTable
| Hotel outlet | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Center Court | Breakfast (daily) |
| Michael Jordan's Steak House & Bar | Lunch & dinner (bar open longer); reservations recommended |
| Casa Chi | Dinner and cocktails; reservation recommended |
Return options and relaxing back at the hotel
Walk back down Michigan Avenue for the fastest route, or follow the Chicago Riverwalk to enjoy more architecture and riverside cafes before re-entering the hotel near Tribune Tower. If you prefer a quicker trip, rideshare or taxi are easy to pick up on Michigan Avenue.
After the beach, rinse off and relax in your room or head to the Executive Tower fitness and spa complex if you want a sauna or pool time (pool access and hours are listed by the hotel).
- Rinse and change in your room (e.g., Classic Room or Executive Room types have in-room bathrooms)
- Pool and spa access: check InterContinental Spa and pool hours with the hotel
- If you have valuables, leave them in your room safe or with the front desk while at the beach
| After-beach option | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| Pool / spa visit | Warm down, shower, sauna (check spa/pool hours) |
| Rest in room | Cool off and freshen up before dinner |
| Stroll the Magnificent Mile | Shopping and cafés en route back to the hotel |
