Though “tropical” is not typically a word synonymous with Illinois, there’s a beach off Lake Michigan that will place you right in the middle of the Caribbean. Drinks, tourists, endless sea, and of course, the whitest sand our state has to offer make for an experience most people only get on a cruise.

Illinois’ white sand beach is an underrated hot spot since it can be difficult to access. Keep reading to kind out how to get there.

Located in downtown Chicago, Oak Street Beach is best accessed by public transportation, so making your way there is an adventure in itself.
Google Maps
Though it can be hard to tell for all the people walking on it, this beach has the whitest sand in all of Illinois.
Flickr/ftzdomino
In the 1960s, the sand covered twice as much area, and the water was about three feet higher than it is today.
Flickr/Roman Boed
As one of a series of beaches along Chicago's Lake Shore Drive, it is a popular spot for music festivals and other parties.
Flickr/Jay Clark

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Though, if crowds aren't your style, you can find time to enjoy these pearly white sands outside swimming hours, which are 11 AM to 7 PM when a lifeguard is on duty.
Flickr/Roman Boed
The beach mostly serves the Gold Coast neighborhood near Streeterville but attracts visitors from the suburbs and beyond to enjoy the sun.
Facebook/Oak Steet Beach
These white sands have attracted businesses to set up shop, so there are many nearby bars, restaurants, and stores.
Wikimedia Commons/TonyTheTiger
You can enjoy all the best sites in Chicago from Oak Street Beach too, such as Navy Pier's fireworks. The Caribbean has nothing on this.
Facebook/Oak Steet Beach
Morning, noon, or night, these gorgeous white sands make for a picture-perfect day at the beach.
Facebook/Oak Steet Beach

Oak Street Beach is located at 1000 N Lake Shore Dr Chicago, Illinois.

If you love Illinois beaches, check out 15 photos that prove Lake Michigan is better than the ocean.

Have you ever been to this beach? Share your experiences and photos with us below!

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