Set along Chicago's famous Lake Shore Drive is North Avenue Beach, one of Chicago's most popular swim spots with views of the iconic skyline. Open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, this scenic shoreline has an accessible location, but it can also get incredibly busy each summer. Beach lovers seeking a quieter stretch of Lake Michigan coast should venture up to Chicago's North Shore, which is lined with idyllic coves, historic towns, and grand estates. The crescent-shaped sandy shore is lapped by the calm, clear waters of Lake Michigan, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. It is about an hour's drive or train ride from downtown Chicago, or a 40-minute drive from Chicago O'Hare International Airport.