Life's a Beach: Guide to Lake County Beaches 2026

By: Sam Ornig 05/08/2026

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.
• New last year, Lakefront Park welcomed a splash pad, a great addition for all ages.  
• 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.
• 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.
• Home to over 650 species of plants, including dozens of types of wildflowers, prickly pear cactus, a variety of grasses and much more. 
• 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.

Lake Front - Park Office, Zion.

Paulus Park Beach and Breezewald 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.
• Paulus Park Beach open May 23-September 6, 2026. Closed on Labor Day. Daily beach opening times vary and are weather dependent. See current beach status. 
• Breezewald Beach free for Lake Zurich residents with proof of residency and pass holders. Open May 26-August 2, 2026.
• Seasonal Passes: Seniors 62+ $20 resident/$25 nonresident; Individuals aged 4+ $30 resident/$35 nonresident.
• Daily Admission: Seniors 62+ $6 resident/$8 nonresident; Age 4+ $10 resident/$12 nonresident; 3 & under are free. Twilight Rate (5:30 p.m. or later) $5 resident/$7 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 and free parking.

 35 Lakeview, North Chicago.

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 23, and is open 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 23, through Labor Day.
• Rosewood Beach Access Pass required for swimming and beach access. Seasonal Passes are free for residents and $100 + $25 for each additional member living in same household for nonresidents. Daily passes for nonresidents are $10 per person ages 5 and up (kid 4 and under are free). Learn more about Beach Access Passes.
• Parking decals valid through December 31. Resident decal: $40. Non-residents must park at the lot at 45 Roger Williams. A kiosk is available to purchase daily parking passes and beach access passes.
• 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, a playground, 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.
• 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. June5-August 9.
• Back to School Season: Noon-5 p.m. August 15-30 (weekends only). 
• WIBIT Inflatable Water Feature: open daily noon-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. 
• Pets are prohibited.

328 N. Main Street, Wauconda.

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