Life's a Beach: Guide to Lake County Beaches 2025

By: Sam Ornig 05/14/2025

Lake County isn't called the "land of lakes" for nothing... With over 200 lakes and extensive Lake Michigan shoreline a variety of beach experiences await you in Lake County. Seeking adventure on Lake Michigan? Visit Illinois Beach State Park in Zion. Prefer a more relaxed setting for the kids? Head to Lakefront Park in Fox Lake, Lake Zurich's Paulus Park or Phil's Beach in Wauconda,  featuring lifeguards and a water playground.

For daily updates on the status of inland and Lake Michigan beaches, check the Lake County Beach Advisory page check the Lake County Beach Advisory page. Gather your towels, grab your water toys, apply some sunscreen and find the perfect spot on the sand to unwind.

Here's your ultimate guide to Lake County beaches.

Lakefront Park in Fox Lake

• Pristine sand beach for sunbathing, swimming and having fun in the summer sun.
• Featuring a new amphitheater for concerts and events, state-of-the-art playground, spacious sunshade shelter, pickleball courts, scenic walking trails, dance studio for classes and performances and more!
• Modern meeting rooms available for community gatherings.
• Coming in 2025! Beach swimming and a splash pad 
• Open all year round from 8 a.m. to dusk.
• Free admission.
• No lifeguards on duty. 

 10 Riverview Ave., Fox Lake.

Illinois Beach State Park in Zion

• Six-and-a-half miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
• Featuring dunes and swales, sprawling marshes and vast arrays of animal life and vegetation.
• 4,160-acre park offering swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, fishing and camping.
• Ample parking and bathrooms with showers.
• North Point Marina is located five miles north of Illinois Beach. The full-service, boat center and food concession marina offers 1,500 boating slips.
• Open sunrise to sunset from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Free admission.
• Groups of 25 are required to register in advance with the site office. One adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
• Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
• No lifeguards on duty.

Park Office-Lakefront, Zion.

Paulus Park Beach in Lake Zurich

• 41 acres of beautiful lakefront park. 
• Featuring a volleyball court, picnic tables, shelters, grills, playground, horseshoes, swimming and nature area (sprayground is closed for renovations).
• Plenty of parking.
• Pavilions and park fields available for reservation for special events.
• Open May 24-August 31. Daily beach opening times vary and are weather dependent. See current beach status. 
• Daily Admission: Seniors 62+ $6 resident/$8 nonresident; Age 4+ $9 resident/$11 nonresident; 3 & under are free. Twilight Rate (5:30 p.m. or later) $4 resident/$6 nonresident.
• Season Passes: Senior 62+ $20 resident/$25 nonresident; Age 4+ $25 resident/$30 nonresident. Learn more about beach fees and rules.

200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.

Foss Park Beach in North Chicago

• Award-winning serene beach on Lake Michigan shore perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
• Nearby picnic area and scenic walking trails.
• Open from sunrise to sunset. 
• Free admission. 

 35 Lakeview, North Chicago.

Diamond Lake Beach in Mundelein

• 100 acres of blissful park with natural lake, sandy beach, grass areas and a shady picnic grove.
• Featuring a playground, picnic tables, volleyball nets, changing room, lawn chairs and grills.
• Paddleboats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent. 
• Concessions are available and outside food is permitted.
• Open June 1-August 4.
• Daily Admission: $6 resident/$12 nonresident, Senior (Age 55+) $5 resident/$10 nonresident.
• Season Passes: $30 resident each/$40 nonresident each; Buy four or more $25 resident each/$35 nonresident each; Senior 55+ $25 resident each/$35 nonresident each.

1016 Diamond Lake Rd., Mundelein.

Fish Lake Beach in Volo

• Sandy beach with roped-off swimming area.
• Amenities include playgrounds, picnic tables, grills, firepits and fishing piers. 
• Kayak, rowboat, canoes, stand up paddleboard and pedalboat rental.
• Pet-friendly. 
• Open to the public on weekdays only, May 27-September 19 with admission.  
• Weekday Beach Pass: $75. Includes one adult and up to four kids. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Friday (excludes July 3-4 and Sept. 4).
• Daily admission TBD.
• No swimming alone and no lifeguard on duty.

32223 N. US Highway 12, Volo.

Waukegan Municipal Beach

• 400-acre lakefront with a mile-long beach and 1,000-slip marina.
• Located one mile from natural dunes. 
• Recreational activities include swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, kiteboarding, sand soccer and sand volleyball.
• Accessible parking, bathrooms and Beach Wheelchair Access available. Learn more.  
• Open from dusk until dawn.
• Season begins Saturday, May 24 through Labor Day.
• Free admission.  
• Parking fee is collected on weekends and federal holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day for vehicles not displaying a city sticker. Parking fees waived for military, veterans and first responders. 
• No lifeguards on duty. 

201 Sea Horse Dr., Waukegan.

Rosewood Beach in Highland Park

• Featuring a natural cove, concessions, restrooms and more.
• Recreational activities include swimming and stand up paddleboarding.
• After school, early childhood and public programs available at various times.
• Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 24 through Labor Day.
• Rosewood Beach Access Pass required for swimming and beach access. Learn more about Beach Access Passes.
• Parking decals valid through December 31. Resident decal: $35, Non-resident decal: $285.
• Picnic rentals available.

883 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park

Jones Island Beach in Grayslake

• Located on the shores of Grays Lake.
• Featuring two sand volleyball courts, fishing, two picnic shelters available to rent and a boat launch.
• Portapotty available seasonally. 
• Open daily. Beach summer hours are sunrise to sunset from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Free admission.
• Parking is available in a parking lot located across the park on N. Alleghany Rd. Additional parking available at Woodview School a few blocks north on N. Alleghany Rd. Street parking is prohibited and playground.
• No lifeguard on duty; individuals swim at their own risk.
• Boat Launch available for non-motorized watercraft (canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, row boats, SUP).

243 Harvey Ave., Grayslake.

Phil’s Beach in Wauconda

• Amenities include splash pad, concessions, bathhouse, gazebo, baggo boards, game tables, swim area, board walk, WIBIT inflatable attraction and iconic J-Slide on display (on-land photo op only).
• Summer Season: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. May 31-August 10.
• Back to School Season: Noon-5 p.m. August 16-31. 
• WIBIT Inflatable Water Feature, open daily, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Daily capacity and WIBIT use is subject to change.
• A six-minute walk to Lindy's Landing, which offers lakefront dining, a beach club, a beach bar and two outdoor dining decks, along with indoor dining and amenities. 
• Daily admission fees: $8 resident/$10 nonresident; 3-years and under are free. Seniors 62+ $1 for resident/$6 nonresident (ID required at time of purchase). Twilight rate after 5 p.m. $3 resident/$4 nonresident. Season passes available.
• Lifeguard on duty.
• Swim lessons and Camp Wauconda Swim available. Contact Wauconda Park District to register.
• Parking in the Phil’s Beach parking lot is first come, first serve.
• Grilling is not permitted in Phil’s Beach or parking lot.
• Concessions available, however, outside food and beverage are permitted in Phil’s beach. No alcohol or glass. 

328 N. Main Street, Wauconda.

Learn more about Lake County beaches and see what other outdoor experiences await you in the land of lakes.