Mississippi means King of Waters in Native American Choctaw. Indeed the states beauty, allure and industry derive from its coastal boundary to the south and the Mississippi River to the west. Spanish, French, British, African American and Native American influences have bred a culture rich with artistic, literary and musical treasures.

The Mississippi Delta is the birthplace of the blues, where musicians such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson began. Elvis Presley fans can tour Tupelo, the town where The King of Rock and Roll was born. Literature buffs will relish seeing the homes of renowned Mississippi writers. Visitors can tour William Faulkners Rowan Oak in Oxford and the Eudora Welty House in Jackson. Additionally, the state capital, Jackson, hosts the International Ballet Competition every four years.

Historic sites depict a storied past. See Civil War battlefields, including one at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Stroll through Rosalie Mansion and Gardens in Natchez, which was the Union headquarters in the South during the Civil War. The African-American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg is located inside Americas only remaining original African-American USO club.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast holds unique appeal, comprising 26 miles of the worlds longest man-made beach. Activities there include charter fishing, casinos, boutiques, art museums and golf. Seasonal excursions ferry visitors to Ship Island. Home to Fort Massachusetts, this barrier island is nationally renowned for its beaches.

Popular annual events occur from spring through fall. Enjoy the Natchez Spring Pilgrimage in April, in Natchez; the Canton Flea Market in May, in Canton; and the Neshoba County Fair in June, in the town of Philadelphia. Septembers Mississippi Delta Blues and Heritage Festival in Greenville is a huge draw, as is Cruisin the Coast, in October, on Gulf Coast Highway 90.

Fresh seafood is always among favorite local foods. Statewide cravings include poboy sandwiches, red beans and rice, fried chicken and catfish, boiled crawfish, comeback sauce, hush puppies, sweet potato pie and fried dill pickles. Mississippians add a dash of friendly Southern charm to every dish in the aptly named Hospitality State."

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Mississippi - Map of Cities in MS - MapQuest

Select Airport Abbotsford, BC (YXX) Aberdeen, SD (ABR) Abilene, TX (ABI ) Akron/Canton, OH (CAK) Akutan, AK (KQA) Alamogordo, MN (ALM) Alamosa, CO (ALS) Albany, GA (ABY) Albany, NY (ALB) Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) Alexandria, LA (AEX) Allentown, PA (ABE) Alliance, NE (AIA) Alpena, MI (APN) Altoona, PA (AOO) Amarillo, TX (AMA) Ambler, AK (ABL) Anchorage, AK (ANC) Aniak, AK (ANI) Appleton, WI (ATW) Asheville, NC (AVL) Aspen, CO (ASE) Athens, GA (AHN) Atlanta, GA (ATL) Atlantic City, NJ (ACY) Augusta, GA (AGS) Augusta, ME (AUG) Austin, TX (AUS) Bagotville, QC (YBG) Baie Comeau, QC (YBC) Bakersfield, CA (BFL) Baltimore, MD (BWI) Bangor, ME (BGR) Bar Harbor, ME (BHB) Barrow, AK (BRW) Bathurst, NB (ZBF) Baton Rouge, LA (BTR) Battle Creek, MI (BTL) Bay City, MI (MBS) Beaumont/Port Arthur, TX (BPT) Beaver Creek, CO (ZBV) Beckley, WV (BKW) Bedford, MA (BED) Bellingham, WA (BLI) Bemidji, MN (BJI) Benton Harbour, MI (BEH) Bethel, AK (BET) Bettles, AK (BTT) Big Lake, AK (BGQ) Billings, MT (BIL) Binghamton, NY (BGM) Birmingham, AL (BHM) Bismarck, ND (BIS) Bloomington, IL (BMI) Bluefield, WV (BLF) Boise, ID (BOI) Boston, MA (BOS) Boulder Hiltons Har H, CO (WHH) Boulder, CO (WBU) Bozeman, MT (BZN) Bradford, PA (BFD) Brainerd, MN (BRD) Branson, MO (BKG) Breckenridge, CO (QKB) Bridgeport, CT (BDR) Brookings, SD (BKX) Brownsville, TX (BRO) Brownwood, TX (BWD) Brunswick, GA (BQK) Buckland, AK (BKC) Buffalo, NY (BUF) Burbank, CA (BUR) Burlington, IA (BRL) Burlington, VT (BTV) Butte, MT (BTM) Calgary, AB (YYC) Campbell River, BC (YBL) Cape Girardeau, MO (CGI) Carlsbad, CA (CLD) Carlsbad, NM (CNM) Casper, WY (CPR) Castlegar, BC (YCG) Cedar City, UT (CDC) Cedar Rapids, IA (CID) Chadron, NE (CDR) Champaign/Urbana, IL (CMI) Charleston, SC (CHS) Charleston, WV (CRW) Charlotte, NC (CLT) Charlottesville, VA (CHO) Charlottetown, PE (YYG) Chattanooga, TN (CHA) Chevak, AK (VAK) Cheyenne, WY (CYS) Chibougamau, QC (YMT) Chicago Midway, IL (MDW) Chicago O'Hare, IL (ORD) Chico, CA (CIC) Cincinnati, OH (CVG) Clarksburg, WV (CKB) Clearwater, FL (CLW) Cleveland, OH (CLE) Clovis, NM (CVN) Cody/Yellowstone, WY (COD) Cold Bay, AK (CDB) College Station,TX (CLL) Colorado Springs, CO (COS) Columbia, MO (COU) Columbia, SC (CAE) Columbus AFB, MS (CBM) Columbus Rickenbacker, OH (LCK) Columbus, GA (CSG) Columbus, MS (GTR) Columbus, OH (CMH) Comox, BC (YQQ) Copper Mountain, CO (QCE) Cordova, AK (CDV) Corpus Christi, TX (CRP) Cortez, CO (CEZ) Corvallis, OR (CVO) Craig, AK (CGA) Cranbrook, BC (YXC) Crescent City, CA (CEC) Crested Butte, CO (CSE) Cumberland, MD (CBE) Dallas Love Field, TX (DAL) Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) Danville, Virginia (DAN) Dayton, OH (DAY) Daytona Beach, FL (DAB) Decatur, IL (DEC) Deer Lake, NL (YDF) Del Rio, TX (DRT) Delta Junction, AK (DJN) Denver, CO (DEN) Des Moines, IA (DSM) Detroit Metro, MI (DTW) Devils Lake, ND (DVL) Dickinson, ND (DIK) Dillingham, AK (DLG) Dodge City, KS (DDC) Dothan, AL (DHN) Dubois, PA (DUJ) Dubuque, IA (DBQ) Duluth, MN (DLH) Durango, CO (DRO) Dutch Harbor, AK (DUT) Eastsound, WA (ESD) Eau Claire, WI (EAU) Edmonton, AB (YEG) El Centro, CA (NJK) El Dorado, AR (ELD) El Paso, TX (ELP) Elko, NV (EKO) Ellington Field, TX (EFD) Elmira, NY (ELM) Ely, MN (LYU) Ely, NV (ELY) Emporia, KS (EMP) Enig, OK (WDG) Erie, PA (ERI) Escanaba, MI (ESC) Eugene, OR (EUG) Eureka Acarta, CA (ACV) Eureka Murray, CA (EKA) Evansville, IN (EVV) Fairbanks (Eielson), AK (EIL) Fairbanks, AK (FAI) Fairmont, MN (FRM) Fargo, ND (FAR) Farmington, NM (FMN) Fayetteville Drake, AR (FYV) Fayetteville, AR (XNA) Fayetteville, NC (FAY) Flagstaff, AZ (FLG) Flint, MI (FNT) Florence, SC (FLO) Franklin, PA (FKL) Fredericton, NB (YFC) Fresno, CA (FAT) Friday Harbour, Wasington (FRD) Ft. Collins, CO (QWF) Ft. Collins/Loveland, CO (FNL) Ft. Dodge, Iowa (FOD) Ft. Huachuca/Sierra Vista, AZ (FHU) Ft. Lauderdale, FL (FLL) Ft. Leonard Wood, MO (TBN) Ft. McMurray, AB (YMM) Ft. Myers, FL (RSW) Ft. Richardson, AK (FRN) Ft. Smith, AR (FSM) Ft. St. John, BC (YXJ) Ft. Walton Beach, FL (VPS) Ft. Wayne, IN (FWA) Gainesville, FL (GNV) Gallup, NM (GUP) Gander, NF (YQX) Garden City, KS (GCK) Gary, IN (GYY) Gaspe, QC (YGP) Gillette, WY (GCC) Glasgow, MT (GGW) Glendive, MT (GDV) Goodland, KS (GLD) Goose Bay, NF (YYR) Grand Canyon, AZ (GCN) Grand Forks, ND (GFK) Grand Island, NE (GRI) Grand Junction, CO (GJT) Grand Rapids, MI (GRR) Grand Rapids, MN (GPZ) Grande Prairie, AB (YQU) Great Bend, KS (GBD) Great Falls, MT (GTF) Green Bay, WI (GRB) Greenbrier, WV (LWB) Greensboro, NC (GSO) Greenville, MS (GLH) Greenville, NC (PGV) Greenville, SC (GSP) Gulfport/Biloxi, MS (GPT) Gunnison, CO (GUC) Gustavus, AK (GST) Hagerstown, MD (HGR) Haines, AK (HNS) Halifax, NS (YHZ) Hana Maui, HI (HNM) Hancock, MI (CMX) Harlingen, TX (HRL) Harrisburg, PA (MDT) Harrison, AZ (HRO) Hartford, CT (BDL) Havre, MT (HVR) Hays, KS (HYS) Helena, MT (HLN) Hibbings, MN (HIB) Hickory, NC (HKY) Hilo, HI (ITO) Hilton Head Island, SC (HHH) Hobbs, NM (HOB) Hollis, AK (HYL) Homer, AK (HOM) Honolulu, HI (HNL) Hoonah, AK (HNH) Hooper Bay, AK (HPB) Hot Springs, AR (HOT) Houston Hobby, TX (HOU) Houston Intercontinental, TX (IAH) Huntington, WV (HTS) Huntsville (Redstone), AL (HUA) Huntsville, AL (HSV) Huron, SD (HON) Huslia, AK (HSL) Hyannis, MA (HYA) Idaho Falls, ID (IDA) Iles-de-la Madeleine, QC (YGR) Iliamna, AK (ILI) Imperial, CA (IPL) Indianapolis, IN (IND) International Falls, MN (INL) Inykern, CA (IYK) Iron Mountain, MI (IMT) Ironwood, MI (IWD) Islip, NY (ISP) Ithaca, NY (ITH) Jackson Hole, WY (JAC) Jackson, MS (JAN) Jackson, TN (MKL) Jacksonville, FL (JAX) Jacksonville, NC (OAJ) Jamestown, ND (JMS) Jamestown, NY (JHW) Johnstown, PA (JST) Joliet, IL (JOT) Jonesboro, AR (JBR) Joplin, MO (JLN) Juneau, AK (JNU) Kake, AK (KAE) Kalamazoo, MI (AZO) Kalaupapa, HI (LUP) Kalispell/Glacier, MT (FCA) Kaltag, AK (KAL) Kamloops, BC (YKA) Kamuela, HI (MUE) Kansas City Municipal, MO (MKC) Kansas City, MO (MCI) Kapalua West, HI (JHM) Kearney, NE (EAR) Keene, NH (EEN) Kelowna, BC (YLW) Kenai, AK (ENA) Ketchikan, AK (KTN) Key West, FL (EYW) Keystone, CO (QKS) Killeen, TX (GRK) Killeen, TX (ILE) King Salomon, AK (AKN) Kingman, AZ (IGM) Kingston, ON (YGK) Kinston, NC (ISO) Kirksville, MO (IRK) Kitchener/Waterloo, ON (YKF) Kivalina, AK (KVL) Klamath Falls, OR (LMT) Knoxville, TN (TYS) Kodiak, AK (ADQ) Koliganek, AK (KGK) Kona, HI (KOA) Kotzbue, AK (OTZ) Koyukuk, AK (KYU) Kwethluk, AK (KWT) La Crosse, WI (LSE) Lafayette, IN (LAF) Lafayette, LA (LFT) Lake Charles, LA (LCH) Lake Havasu City, AZ (HII) Lake Tahoe, CA (TVL) Lanai, HI (LNY) Lancaster, PA (LNS) Lansing, MI (LAN) Laramie, WY (LAR) Laredo, TX (LRD) Las Cruces International, NM (LRU) Las Vegas North, NV (VGT) Las Vegas, NV (LAS) Latrobe, PA (LBE) Laughlin/Bullhead International, AZ (IFP) Laurel, MS (PIB) Lawton, OK (LAW) Lebanon, NH (LEB) Lethbridge, AB (YQL) Levelock, AK (KLL) Lewiston, ID (LWS) Lewiston, MT (LWT) Lexington, KY (LEX) Liberal, KS (LBL) Lihue, HI (LIH) Lincoln, NE (LNK) Little Rock, AR (LIT) London, ON (YXU) Long Beach, CA (LGB) Longview, TX (GGG) Lopez Island, WA (LPS) Los Angeles, CA (LAX) Louisville, KY (SDF) Lubbock, TX (LBB) Lynchburg, VA (LYH) Macon, GA (MCN) Madison, WI (MSN) Mammoth, CA (MMH) Manchester, NH (MHT) Manhattan, KS (MHK) Manistee, MI (MBL) Mankato, MN (MKT) Manteo, NC (MEO) Marathon, FL (MTH) Marion, IL (MWA) Marquette, MI (MQT) Marshall, NJ (MML) Martha's Vineyard, MA (MVY) Mason City, IA (MCW) Massea/ Richards, NY (MSS) Maui, HI (OGG) McAllen, TX (MFE) McCook, NE (MCK) McGarth, AK (MCG) Medford, OR (MFR) Medicine Hat, AB (YXH) Melbourne, FL (MLB) Memphis, TN (MEM) Merced, CA (MCE) Meridian, MS (MEI) Metlakatla, AK (MTM) Miami Seaplane, FL (MPB) Miami, FL (MIA) Midland/Odessa, TX (MAF) Miles City, MT (MLS) Milwaukee, WI (MKE) Minneapolis, MN (MSP) Minot, ND (MOT) Missoula, MT (MSO) Moab, UT (CNY) Mobile, AL (MOB) Modesto, CA (MOD) Moline, IL (MLI) Molokai, HI (MKK) Moncton, NB (YQM) Monroe, LA (MLU) Mont Joli, QC (YYY) Mont Tremblant, QC (YTM) Monterey, CA (MRY) Montgomery, AL (MGM) Monticello, NY (MSV) Montreal, QC (YUL) Montrose/Delta, CO (MTJ) Morgantown, WV (MGW) Morristown, NJ (MMU) Moses Lake Larson AFB, WA (LRN) Moses Lake, WA (MWH) Mount Holly, NJ (LLY) Mountain Home, AR (WMH) Muscle Shoals, AL (MSL) Muskegon, MI (MKG) Myrtle Beach, SC (MYR) Nanaimo, BC (YCD) Nantucket, MA (ACK) Naples, FL (APF) Nashville, TN (BNA) New Bedford, MA (EWB) New Bern, NC (EWN) New Haven, CT (HVN) New London, CT (GON) New Orleans, LA (MSY) New York Kennedy, NY (JFK) New York LaGuardia, NY (LGA) Newark, NJ (EWR) Newport News,VA (PHF) Newport, OR (ONP) Newport, RI (NPT) Nome, AK (OME) Norfolk, NE (OFK) Norfolk, VA (ORF) North Bay, ON (YYB) North Bend, OR (OTH) North Platte, NE (LBF) Norwood, MA (OWD) Nulato, AK (NUL) Oak Harbor, WA (ODW) Oakland, CA (OAK) Ogden Municipal, UT Ogdensburg, NY (OGS) Oklahoma City, OK (OKC) Olympia, WA (OLM) Omaha, NE (OMA) Ontario, CA (ONT) Orange County, CA (SNA) Orlando Metropolitan, FL (ORL) Orlando, FL (MCO) Oshkosh, WI (OSH) Ottawa, ON (YOW) Ottumwa, IA (OTM) Owensboro, KY (OWB) Oxnard, CA (OXR) Paducah/Barkley, KY (PAH) Page Municipal, AZ (PGA) Palm Beach, FL (PBI) Palm Springs, CA (PSP) Palmdale, CA (PMD) Palmer, AK (PAQ) Panama City (County), FL (PFN) Panama City, FL (ECP) Parkersburg, WV (PKB) Pasco, WA (PSC) Pelican, AK (PEC) Pellston, MI (PLN) Pendleton, OR (PDT) Pensacola, FL (PNS) Penticton, BC (YYF) Peoria, IL (PIA) Perryville, AK (KPV) Petersburg, AK (PSG) Philadelphia, PA (PHL) Phoenix, AZ (PHX) Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA) Pierre, SD (PIR) Pilot Point, AK (PIP) Pilot Point/Ugashnik Bay, AK (UGB) Pilot Station, AK (PQS) Pinehurst, NC (SOP) Pittsburgh, PA (PIT) Platinum, AK (PTU) Plattsburgh Intl, NY (PBG) Plattsburgh, NY (PLB) Pocatello, ID (PIH) Point Baker, AK (KPB) Point Hope, AK (PHO) Point Lay, AK (PIZ) Ponca City, OK (PNC) Port Alsworth, AK (PTA) Port Angeles, WA (CLM) Port Clarence, AK (KPC) Port Moller, AK (PML) Portland, ME (PWM) Portland, OR (PDX) Portsmouth, NH (PSM) Poughkeepsie, NY (POU) Prescott, AZ (PRC) Presque Isle, ME (PQI) Prince George, BC (YXS) Prince Rupert, BC (YPR) Princeton, NJ (PCT) Providence, RI (PVD) Provincetown, MA (PVC) Prudhoe Bay, AK (PUO) Prudhoe Bay, AK (SCC) Pueblo, CO (PUB) Pullman, WA (PUW) Purgatory, CO (ZPU) Quebec, QC (YQB) Quesnel, BC (YQZ) Quincy, IL (UIN) Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) Rampart, AK (RMP) Rapid City, SD (RAP) Reading, PA (RDG) Red Devil, AK (RDV) Redding, CA (RDD) Redmond, OR (RDM) Regina, SK (YQR) Reno, NV (RNO) Rhinelander, WI (RHI) Richmond, VA (RIC) Riverton, WY (RIW) Roanoke, VA (ROA) Roberval, QC (YRJ) Roche Harbor, WA (RCE) Rochester Municipal, MN (JRC) Rochester, MN (RST) Rochester, NY (ROC) Rock Springs, WY (RKS) Rockford, IL (RFD) Rockford, IL (ZRF) Rockland, ME (RKD) Rocky Mount, NC (RWI) Rosario, WA (RSJ) Roswell, NM (ROW) Rouyn, QC (YUY) Rutland, VT (RUT) Sacramento, CA (SMF) Salem, OR (SLE) Salina, KS (SLN) Salisbury, MD (SBY) Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) San Angelo, TX (SJT) San Antonio, TX (SAT) San Diego, CA (SAN) San Francisco, CA (SFO) San Jose, CA (SJC) San Juan, PR (SJU) San Luis Obispo County, CA (SBP) San Luis Obispo, CA (CSL) Sand Point, AK (SDP) Sandspit, BC (YZP) Sanford, FL (SFB) Santa Barbara, CA (SBA) Santa Fe, NM (SAF) Santa Maria, CA (SMX) Santa Monica, CA (SMO) Santa Rosa, CA (STS) Saranac Lake, NY (SLK) Sarasota, FL (SRQ) Sarnia, ON (YZR) Saskatoon, SK (YXE) Sault Ste Marie, MI (CIU) Sault Ste-Marie, ON (YAM) Saulte Ste. Marie (SSM) Savannah, GA (SAV) Scottsbluff, NE (BFF) Scottsdale, AZ (SCF) Scranton, PA (SCR) Seattle, WA (SEA) Seldovia, AK (SOV) Sept-Iles, QC (YZV) Seward, AK (SWD) Sheridan, WY (SHR) Show Low, AZ (SOW) Shreveport, LA (SHV) Sidney, MT (SDY) Silver City, NM (SVC) Sioux City, IA (SUX) Sioux Falls, SD (FSD) Sitka, AK (SIT) Skagway, AK (SGY) Smithers, BC (YYD) Soldotna, AK (SXQ) South Bend, IN (SBN) Sparta, IL (SAR) Spencer, IA (SPW) Spokane, WA (GEG) Springfield, IL (SPI) Springfield, MO (SGF) St. Cloud, MN (STC) St. George, UT (SGU) St. John, NB (YSJ) St. Johns, NF (YYT) St. Louis, MO (STL) St. Mary's, AK (KSM) St. Michael, AK (SMK) St. Paul, AK (SNP) St. Petersburg, FL (PIE) State College, PA (SCE) Staunton, VA (SHD) Steamboat Springs, CO (SBS) Stebbins, AK (WBB) Stevens Village, AK (SUS) Stewart International, NY (SWF) Stockton, CA (SCK) Sudbury, ON (YSB) Sun Valley, ID (SUN) Sydney, NS (YQY) Syracuse, NY (SYR) Talkeetna, AK (TKA) Tallahassee, FL (TLH) Tampa, FL (TPA) Taos, NM (TSM) Tatitlek, AK (TEK) Telluride, CO (TEX) Terrace, BC (YXT) Terre Haute, IN (HUF) Teterboro, NJ (TEB) Texarkana, AR (TXK) Thief River Falls, MN (TVF) Thunder Bay, ON (YQT) Timmins, ON (YTS) Tin City, AK (TNC) Togiak, AK (TOG) Tok, AK (TKJ) Toksook, AK (OOK) Toledo, OH (TOL) Topeka, KS (FOE) Topp, AK (TOP) Toronto Metropolitan Area, ON (YTO) Toronto Pearson International, ON (YYZ) Traverse City, MI (TVC) Trenton, NJ (TTN) Tri-City Airport, TN (TRI) Tucson, AZ (TUS) Tulsa, OK (TUL) Tuluksak, AK (TLT) Tununak, AK (TNK) Tupelo, MS (TUP) Tuscaloosa, AL (TCL) Twin Falls, ID (TWF) Tyler, TX (TYR) Unalakleet, AK (UNK) Utica, NY (UCA) Vail/Eagle, CO (EGE) Val D'Or, QC (YVO) Valdez, AK (VDZ) Valdosta, GA (VLD) Vancouver, BC (YVR) Venetic, AK (VEE) Vernal, UT (VEL) Vero Beach, FL (VRB) Victoria, BC (YYJ) Victoria, TX (VCT) Visalia, CA (VIS) Wabush, NL (YWK) Waco, TX (ACT) Wainwright, AK (AIN) Walla Walla, WA (ALW) Washington Dulles, DC(IAD) Washington National, DC (DCA) Wasilla, AK (WWA) Waterfall, AK (KWF) Waterloo, IA (ALO) Watertown, NY (ART) Watertown, SD (ATY) Wausau, WI (AUW) Wausau/Stvns Pnt, WI (CWA) Wenatchee, WA (EAT) Westerly, RI (WST) Westsound, WA (WSX) White Mountain, AK (WMO) White Plains, NY (HPN) Whitehorse, YT (YXY) Wichita Falls, TX (SPS) Wichita, KS (ICT) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, PA (AVP) Williams Lake, BC (YWL) Williamsport, PA (IPT) Williston, ND (ISN) Willow, AK (WOW) Wilmington, NC (ILM) Wilmington/New Castle, DE (ILG) Windsor, ON (YQG) Winnipeg, MB (YWG) Winston/Salem, NC (INT) Wolf Point, MT (OLF) Worcester, MA (ORH) Worland, WY (WRL) Wrangell, AK (WRG) Yakima, WA (YKM) Yakutat, AK (YAK) Yampa Valley, CO (HDN) Yankton, SD (YKN) Yellowstone, MT (WYS) Yosemite, CA (YOS) Youngstown, OH (YNG) Yuma, AZ (YUM)

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Beaches Resorts, Beaches Hotels, Beaches All-Inclusive ...

The Chicago Park District tests the water for E. coli bacteria. E. coli is not harmful itself and is naturally occurring in the environment. However, this bacteria is an indicator of the presence of other germs that could make you sick. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) beach policy recommends notifying the public when E. coli bacteria levels are above the federal water quality standard, which is 235*. This standard is used at beaches throughout the Great Lakes region. According to the EPA, the number 235 corresponds to a risk level of 0.8% of swimmers becoming sick to their stomachs - or 8 out of 1000 people. For comparison, a bacteria level of 1000 corresponds to a 1.4 % risk, and a bacteria level of 2000 corresponds to a 1.8% risk.

in partnership with the US Geological Survey, has also developed statistical models that use weather data to predict the bacteria levels in real-time. These models provide information about water quality in real-time, compared to 18-24 hours to get results from a lab for traditional water quality testing.

The models were developed with grant funding from the EPA's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. When bacteria levels are detected (or predicted to be) above 235, CPD posts an advisory at the beach.

*The unit of measurement for E. coli is "colony forming units per 100 millileters of water."

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Chicago Beaches | Home

Find Chicago Beaches On Our Map

Map of Chicago Illinois

The beaches are easily one of the top Chicago attractions every summer. Use this map to locate some of the most popular of Chicago's lake Michigan lakefront beaches. Click anywhere on the map to see a list of the Chicago beach locations and find contact information.

Note: This map does not include all the beaches in Chicago, just the ones we have identified as most popular. Also, the beach locations on the map are approximate. Some have been adjusted to improve the readability of the map page. No liability is assumed for the locations presented here.

The Most Popular Beaches in Chicago include:

The Windy City is home to some of the best beaches in all of the Midwest

While you're not likely to think of a beautiful beach shore when you picture Chicago, the Windy City is home to some of the best beaches in all of the Midwest. Located on scenic Lake Michigan - the country's third-largest lake - Chicago beaches act as a pleasant oasis just steps from the urban jungle that is Downtown Chicago. Popular during the sweltering Summer months, the beaches of Chicago are a must-see for Chicago travelers visiting the Windy City from May - October.

For more information on where to find the best beaches Chicago, scroll below and use our helpful Chicago beach map.

*Terms & Conditions: Offers, promotions and rates subject to change and may vary based upon date, length of stay and other factors. Some offers do not include taxes and fees. All offers based on availability and are subject to change without notice.

The Chicago beaches map extends from north to south along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. The northernmost Lake Michigan beaches include the Juneway Terrace Beach, which is connected to Rogers Avenue Beach - one of the smaller beaches on the Chicago beach map. Rogers and Juneway together make up just over one block of real estate, and offer recreational activities for Chicago travelers that include tennis courts.

Locate Chicago's the most popular lakefront beaches

Located just south on the beaches of Chicago map is perhaps the most well-reviewed beach in Chicago, the Kathy Osterman Beach. Formerly called "Hollywood Beach", this Near North Side Chicago beach is populated mostly by families on the north side, and the south side is a predominantly gay-friendly portion of the beach. Known for its smooth sand, clean shores and diverse crowd, this quiet Chicago beach is popular with tourists and locals of all different backgrounds.

A few miles south of the Kathy Osterman Chicago Beach is the Montrose Dog Beach. This pet friendly Chicago beach is regularly filled with furry friends hoping to cool off in the comfortable Lake Michigan water. A favorite with dog-owners and families alike, the Montrose Dog Beach is open year-round, and allows your dog to exercise in a clean and open environment.

The Chicago Beach Map in the Near North Side offers up two of the most popular Chicago IL beaches, North Avenue Beach and Oak Street Beach.

Located on the Gold Coast of Chicago close to prominent Chicago buildings and attractions - including the John Hancock Observatory Tower - Oak Street Beach attracts a slightly more mature crowd than that of North Avenue Chicago Beach. However, that's not to say this favorite beach in Chicago doesn't know how to have a good time. Oak Street Beach is clean and spacious, and there are volleyball courts set up throughout for Chicago travelers hoping to squeeze in some exercise on their day trip to the beach.

Northern Chicago and Beach in the Summer

North Avenue Beach is located just three miles north of Oak Street, and has a reputation for being Chicago's "party beach" on the weekends. There are tons of volleyball courts, as well as a (usually crowded) biking and running path for active Chicago travelers. North Avenue Beach is where locals and tourists visit to "see and be seen", and is particularly popular with 20-somethings and college students.

Some of the best Chicago IL beaches on the map are located in the South Side of Chicago, where the crowds are somewhat smaller but the scenery is just as beautiful.

A favorite Chicago beach with locals, and a hidden gem most Chicago tourists tend to overlook is Promontory Point. Located near Hyde Park, this man-made point jets out towards Lake Michigan, providing beach-goers with an isolated area to swim or lay out on their smooth rocks. One of the best Chicago sunset destinations, Promontory Point in Chicago is perhaps the most relaxing beach on the Chicago Beaches Map.

Other popular beaches in Chicago just south of Promontory Point include the 63rd Street Beach and Pier in Woodlawn, as well as the South Shore and Rainbow Beaches, respectively.

For more information on fun Chicago things to do in the Summer, browse our guide of the some best Chicago attractions and free Chicago activities perfect for first-time visitors in Chicago.

Originally posted here:

Map of Chicago Beaches from ChicagoTraveler.com

Chicago has some great beaches along its lakefront. These beaches are full of history and overflowing with beauty. Listed below are some of the more popular ones. They are listed starting with the northernmost location and then in order to the southernmost location. All but one of the beaches listed (Illinois Beach State Park) are located in the City of Chicago under the control of the Chicago Park District. The entire 28 miles of Chicago lakefront shoreline is man-made, and primarily used as parkland.

Aerial View of the Lakefront Beaches

Illinois Beach State Park - This beach is great for beach camping, hiking and biking with many nature trails along the shoreline. The area also includes dune area, wetlands, prairie and the southern end is a nature preserve, which in 1980 was named a National Natural Landmark.

Rogers Ave. Beach - A small beach, and barely a block long. Also has tennis courts.

Pratt Boulevard Beach - A little known jewel in Chicago with a great community feel. A long pier seperates two halves of the beach, and a very culturally diversed group gathers here, so people watching is always a pleasure.

Kathy Osterman Beach - This crescent-shaped beach is divided into two parts.Many consider this beach one of the best kept secrets in Chicago, with clean water, unlittered, white sands and one of the most spectacular views of Lake Michigan in all of Chicago. There's a concession stand that serves alcohol and all kinds of foods (burger, hot dogs, chips, etc) and as every lady takes note of, lots of gorgeous men congregating to play volleyball. The north half of the beach is great for families, especially those with kids as the waters are shallow. The south half of the beach is very popular with the gay community. The best way to get to the Kathy Osterman Beach is by public transit, as parking around here is often very limited.

Foster Avenue Beach - A great little man-made beach usually not crowded and with lots of free/cheap parking. There's no view of Downtown Chicago from this beach, but when you want a quiet day at the beach without tons of tourists and blaring music, this is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon at the beach. Relaxing, that is, if you don't mind the sounds of children playing.

Montrose Dog Beach - Chicago's largest beach with one of only two dog beaches in Chicago at the north end ("Doggie Beach"). One of the few beaches you can launch non-motorized watercraft from, and the most parking of any beach in Chicago. The beach has recently been remodeled with a 3,000 square foot deck and a full service restaurant, The Dock at Montrose Beach.

Chicago Lakefront Trail

North Ave. Beach - Considered Chicago's premier beach and definitely its most popular. It hosts the most developed beach house resembling an ocean liner, and contains bike and sports equipment rental, a bar and restaurant (Castaways), concession stand, a lifeguard station, and restrooms. North Ave. Beach also has many volleyball courts, a lakefront path, and it is the center stage for the Chicago Air & Water Show.

Oak Street Beach - About a mile and a half long, and is home to the largest area of deep water swimming in the city. It used to be the most popular beach due to its proximity to downtown. It is also home to Chicago's only chess pavilion and an outdoor restaurant called the Oak Street Beachstro that is assembled every summer and then dismantled at the end of the season.

Olive Park Beach - Also known as Ohio Street Beach and is located in Streeterville. It is oriented in a fashion so that it faces north instead of east like all the other beaches. This makes it an ideal training sight for open water swimming. One can swim about a half mile to the Oak Street curve without being more that a few feet from the seawall and shallow water.

Aerial View of Chicago Lakefront Illinois

12th Street Beach - Sometimes called the 14th Street Beach, it is just south of the Adler Planetarium, and has restrooms and a concession stand. 12th Street Beach is also popular for open water swimming.

31st Street Beach - Located in Burnham Park. Every Year the 31st Street Beach hosts the Junior Lifeguard Chicago Area Tug-o-War. This beach is clean, rarely crowded, and great for picnics, families and enjoying a fabulous view of Chicago.

57th Street Beach - Located in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood, the beach sits across the street from the Museum of Science and Industry. The beach provides an area for deep swimming. The bathrooms are clean, they have plenty of showers and the crowds are minimal. This stop is a must on the ride along Lake Shore Drive.

63rd Street Beach - Located in Jackson Park, it is home to the oldest beach house in the city. The beach used to be called Jackson Park Beach until 1914 when it was extended 10 acres to 63rd Street, thus changing its name. In 1919, the 63rd Street Pavilion was completed, and historically provided showers, medical rooms, and bathrooms. It was renovated in 2000, and is now used primarily by boaters, beach goers, and for special events.

Chicago Lakefront Skyline

South Shore Beach - It is located directly behind the South Shore Cultural Center (formerly the South Shore Country Club). The Country Club is a beautiful old building that houses a ballroom, restaurant, golf course, and tennis courts.

Rainbow Beach - Beginning with the 1919 Race Riot, Chicago suffered a history of race related disturbances regarding the use of public resources such as parks and beaches. Rainbow Beach was an area of controversy for black and white youth. Demographic shifts and racial climate changes of the 1960s led to a July 7 and 8, 1961 "freedom wade-in" at Rainbow Beach staged by an interracial coalition of demonstrators, including members of the NAACP Youth Council.

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Chicago Beaches | A Guide to Beaches in Chicago

The beaches in Chicago are an extensive network of waterfront recreational areas operated by the Chicago Park District. The Chicago Metropolitan waterfront includes parts of the Lake Michigan shores as well as parts of the banks of the Chicago, Des Plaines, Calumet, Fox, and DuPage Rivers and their tributaries.[1] The waterfront also includes the Illinois and Michigan Canal and the Sanitary and Ship Canal.[1] Historically, the waterfront has been used for commerce, industry, and leisure. Leisure, such as fishing, swimming, hunting, walking and boating, was much more prevalent throughout the river sections of the waterfront system early in the 19th century before industrial uses altered the landscape. By midcentury, much leisure shifted to Lake Michigan as a result of industrial influence. The first City of Chicago Public Beach opened in Lincoln Park in 1895.[2] Today, the entire 28 miles (45km) Chicago lakefront shoreline is man-made, and primarily used as parkland.[3] There are twenty-four beaches in Chicago along the shores of freshwater Lake Michigan.[4]

Typically, Chicago beaches take the name of the east-west street that runs perpendicular to the lake at each beach's location.

Early beaches were generally funded by private entities such as hotels and private clubs.[5] Late 19th century city ordinances prohibited public bathing, but popular norms created demand for public beaches.[5][6] Proponents saw public beaches as an opportunity to accommodate demand for public baths and eliminate the expenditure of enforcement resources on ordinance violations for public bathing.[5] The city responded by opening the first public bathing beach in 1895 in Lincoln Park primarily as a response to the efforts of the Free Bath and Sanitary League (formerly the Municipal Order League).[5] Spaces were designated for public use and the city accepted responsibility for maintaining the beaches. By 1900 the lakefront was divided into zones of recreational, residential, agricultural and industrial uses. Lake Michigan water quality concerns lead to the reversal of the Chicago river with deep cut of the Illinois & Michigan canal in 1871 and the construction of the Sanitary and Ship Canal at the start of the 20th century.[1] The 1909 Burnham Plan led to development of the lakefront.[1] Recreational development on the city lakefront became a priority due to the influence of Aaron Montgomery Ward. His belief that the public's access to the Lake left its impression on the development of Jackson, Burnham, Grant and Lincoln Parks.[3] Continued popular support, led to the opening of several municipal beaches in the second decade of the 20th century.[5]

In 2013, Cisco, Everywhere Wireless and the Chicago Park District began Free Wi-Fi service at North Avenue Beach, Rainbow Beach, Montrose Beach, Foster Beach, and Kathy Osterman (fka Hollywood Beach).[7]

The far north Rogers Park neighborhood contains a series of small "street-end" beaches that unlike most Chicago beaches are often separated by private property and therefore, unconnected to each other by public parkland. This accounts for the seemingly large number of beaches in this one neighborhood.

Juneway Terrace Beach is the northernmost beach in Chicago. It is located at 7800 north and Lake Michigan.[8] It lies within Rogers Avenue Beach and Park. It is separated from Rogers Beach by a stretch of rip rap protecting three apartment buildings.

Rogers Beach lies in Rogers Avenue Beach and Park at 7705 north.[8] Barely one block long, the park also has tennis courts.

Howard Beach lies in Howard Street Beach and Park at 7600 north,[8] which is just south of Howard Street. It is perhaps 213 feet (65 m) long.

Jarvis beach located at 7400 north and Fargo beach is located at 7432 north.[8] Offshore stretches of riprap act to reduce erosion of this beach, which is about three blocks long.

In 2015, the beach was named in honor of architect Marion Mahony Griffin. The Australian Counsel General, Roger Price, attended the beach's dedication for the woman who was instrumental in the design the Australian capital of Canberra. When she returned to the United States in 1939, after her husbands death, she lived near the beach.[9]

420035N 873931W / 42.009605N 87.658496W / 42.009605; -87.658496

Located at 7032 North Sheridan and extending for eight blocks, Leone Beach is Chicago's largest.[10]

Contiguous with Leone/Loyola Beach located at 1050 West Pratt Boulevard. Formerly named Pratt Boulevard Beach, it was renamed for local neighborhood activist Tobey Prinz by the Chicago Park District in 2014.[8][11]

Also known as Albion Beach, contiguous with North Shore Beach, located at 6600 north,[8] ends just north of Loyola Avenue. Named for former 49th Ward Alderman David L. Hartigan.

Columbia Beach is located at 6726 north.[8]

North Shore Beach is located at 6700 north.[8]

Hamilton Beach is currently closed due to a dredging project scheduled for completion in late 2014.

415944N 873917W / 41.995545N 87.654639W / 41.995545; -87.654639 (Berger Park)

Berger Park Beach is a small beach at the northeast corner of Berger Park in Edgewater. The park also contains a cultural center and lakeside caf housed in two large century old lake homes and their carriage houses, as well as a playground.[12]

Lincoln Park is Chicago's largest public park and contains the city's remaining north side lake front beaches, running for seven miles (11km) through the communities of Edgewater, Uptown, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and Near North.

Lane Beach Park, more commonly known as Thorndale Beach, is located at 5934 north in Edgewater at the intersection of Sheridan Road and Thorndale Avenue.[8] This was once a standalone beach, as recently as the 1970s, but shifting sand has connected it to Hollywood Beach to the south. More recently, hard frozen waves that formed during the winter of 2015 carried much of the sand away, isolating the beach again.

There is a boardwalk ramp, to allow stroller or wheelchair access closer to the shoreline as well as a modern playground for children.

The park and beach was named for George A. Lane (1903-1874), a Chicago lawyer heavily involved in community development and politics. Lane also served as a faculty member at nearby Loyola University.[13]

Hollywood Beach looking North to Thorndale

Located at the 5800 North block where Lake Shore Drive ends at a curve that feeds into Sheridan Road (near West Hollywood Avenue and North Lake Shore Drive; 415911.51N 87399.38W / 41.9865306N 87.6526056W / 41.9865306; -87.6526056 ) in Edgewater, this crescent-shaped beach serves two groups. The northern half is largely a family beach and the southern half is largely a gay and lesbian beach.[14] The northern half of the beach has shallow water which makes it kid-friendly and there is a long boardwalk ramp to allow closer access to the shoreline for strollers and wheelchairs near the Ardmore Avenue entrance.[15] Beach volleyball is popular here. There is a beach house and concession stand, which opened in 2010. Unique among Lincoln Park's northern beaches there is no nearby parking lot.

In the upper beach, north of Ardmore and the boardwalk, near Thorndale beach is a small park district beach grass reserve for migrating birds and butterfly.

Foster Avenue Beach is located at 5200 north (415844N 873858W / 41.978826N 87.649355W / 41.978826; -87.649355).[8] It is a popular beach in the Edgewater section of the city. It was part of Lincoln Parks final landfill extension completed in the 1950s between Foster Avenue and Ardmore Avenue. The design and planning for the extension started in 1947, with construction and fill beginning three years later. The work on the beach continued over the rest of the fifties, being concluded in 1958. The original beach house for the site, like the existing ones at Montrose and North Ave., was designed by E.V Buchsbaum. It was constructed sometime in the late 1950s and early 1960s. A new beach house with improved amenities was constructed in the 1990s.

Montrose Avenue Beach

The dog beach at Montrose Avenue Beach

New patio deck addition to the beach house

A panorama of the beach in May 2014

Montrose beach is Chicago's largest beach. It is located in Uptown.[16] It also houses the most parking of any beach in Chicago. It is one of few beaches where patrons may launch non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and catamarans, into Lake Michigan. It also has one of only two dog beaches in the Chicago Park District, making it a popular beach for dog lovers. In the fenced-off section at the north end of the beach, leashless dogs are permitted on the sand. Montrose beach hosts the Junior Guard regional championships, the annual Beach Soccer Festival, and numerous runs and walks for various charities. The beach house on the south end of the beach was designed by E.V. Buchsbaum. It was modeled after the North Avenue Beach house and looks like a lake steamer. Unfortunately, in the 1950s, the east wing of the beach house burned in a fire and was not rebuilt.[17] The beach house was remodeled with a 3,000-square-foot (280m2) patio deck, and it will house only the third full-service restaurant, named "The Dock at Montrose Beach", at a Chicago beach after Oak Street Beachstro and North Avenue's Castaways. It is part of the Park District's plan to add "more upscale concessions to the lakefront".[18] Due to budget constraints Chicago eliminated the traditional July 3 fireworks in Grant Park, instead opting for a down-scaled fireworks displays in three different locations in Chicago on the 4th of July. The north side display is held annually at Montrose Beach.[19]

415503N 873739W / 41.9175N 87.6275W / 41.9175; -87.6275 (North Avenue Beach)

North Avenue Beach

At night facing the beach house

During day facing the beach house

chess players at North Ave beach in 1973

The North Avenue Beach, located at 1600 north,[8] is considered by many to be Chicago's premier beach. It has the largest lifeguard staff and is home to the most developed beachhouse. Technically running from North Avenue to Diversey Harbor in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, North Avenue Beach is characterized by its piers which hold the sand in place and create a scalloped shoreline, terminating in a Cape Cod-like hook. The beach hosts international volleyball tournaments as well as millions of sun worshippers every year. Chicago Park District lines the beach with poles for individuals and leagues to hang volleyball nets. These nets and this portion of the lakefront bike/running/blading path attract large numbers of people on weekends and weeknights. North Avenue is also center stage for the Chicago Air & Water Show, which draws over a million people a day from Ohio to Diversey along the lakefront. North Avenue Beach is the site of the annual AVP Chicago Open.

The beach house resembles an ocean liner[20] and contains bike and sports equipment rental, a bar and restaurant (Castaways), concession stand, a lifeguard station, and restrooms.

Oak Street Beach, located at 1000 north,[8] covers the area from the North Avenue 'Hook' Pier south to Ohio Street Beach (Illinois St. Beach, Olive Beach), about 1.5mi (2km). Oak Street is home to the largest area of deep water swimming in the city (1/2 mile (800 m) over 10ft (3 m)). Until 2006 Oak Street Beach was also the only place in the city where SCUBA divers could dive close to the shore. The north ledge was once a hot spot for the city's gay community, and still is a second home to thousands of sunbathers, runners, skaters and bikers. At one point Oak Street was the city's most popular beach with its proximity to downtown and boasted tens of thousands of visitors each day. Oak Street Beach is also home to Chicago's only chess pavilion and an outdoor restaurant called the Oak Street Beachstro that is assembled every summer and dismantled at the end of the season.

This beach, located in Lincoln Park adjacent to Addams Memorial Park and Olive Park, is just north of Ohio Street (400N)[8] east of Lake Shore Drive. It faces north, rather than the usual east, because it formed on its own in a bay created by the Jardine Water Purification Plant which juts out into the Lake. Due to its unusual orientation, Ohio Street Beach serves as an ideal training site for open water swimming. One can swim north 0.5 miles (800m) to the Oak Street curve without ever being more than a few feet from the seawall and shallow water.

This is not a lakefront beach. It is located in a former lagoon of Humboldt Park which was dredged and given a sand bottom. At 415424N 874211W / 41.9066N 87.7031W / 41.9066; -87.7031 (Humboldt Park Beach), this "beach" is mostly used by small children as a shallow wading pond. It is guarded in the summer and drained when not guarded.

Burnham Park runs for 6 miles (9.7km) along Chicago's lakefront from Grant Park in the north to Jackson Park in the south, through the neighborhoods of Near South, Douglas, Oakland, Kenwood and Hyde Park.

415148.53N 873626.97W / 41.8634806N 87.6074917W / 41.8634806; -87.6074917

The 12th Street Beach is just south of the Adler Planetarium on Northerly Island (formerly the site of Meigs Field). The beach runs from about 1300 S to about 1450 S, but was named 12th Street Beach rather than (unlucky) 13th Street Beach. When 12th Street was renamed Roosevelt Road the beach retained its name, but now is sometimes called 14th Street Beach.

There is also open water swimming that is great for triathletes or avid open water swimmers. The beach has bathrooms, a concession stand, and a lifeguard station.

No longer extant, of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919.

415020.75N 873622.49W / 41.8390972N 87.6062472W / 41.8390972; -87.6062472

The Margaret Taylor Burroughs Beach is located in Burnham Park near 31st Street. The beach is host every year to the Junior Lifeguard Chicago Area Tug-o-War. Near the beachouse is a large modern playground.[21]

In 2015, it was named in honor of artist, educator and museum founder, Margaret Taylor-Burroughs. Burroughs was a founder of the DuSable Museum of African American History and the Southside Community Art Center[22]

4100 S. Lake Shore Drive (41st St. and Lake Michigan, parking at Oakwood Blvd.)

49th Street Beach is a small stone beach in Burnham Park. It is not guarded, so swimming is not allowed.

414729.88N 873446.16W / 41.7916333N 87.5794889W / 41.7916333; -87.5794889

The 57th Street Beach is in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood, across Lake Shore Drive from the Museum of Science and Industry. Recent renovations have made it easier to access with two large underpasses at the intersection of 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive. 57th Street Beach provides an area of deep swimming south of Promontory Point.

414655.43N 873422.83W / 41.7820639N 87.5730083W / 41.7820639; -87.5730083

The 63rd Street Beach is in Jackson Park. It is home to the largest and oldest beach house in the City. In July 1913, Jackson Park Beach was the site of a clash over required bathing attire when Dr. Rosalie Ladova was arrested for disorderly conduct for swimming in her bloomers after removing her bathing skirt.[23] The establishment of the landmark beach house came about due to the resident's of the area complaining to the city to extend the beach. Thus in 1914, the city ordered a 10-acre (40,000m2) expansion to 63rd St. The South Park Commission architects came up with the plan to build the 63rd Street Pavilion. The construction was completed in 1919. The building historically provided showers, medical rooms, and bathrooms. Due to the building's age, it was restored in 2000. Today the pavilion is used by boaters, beach goers, and can be used for special events.[24]

63rd Street Bathing Pavilion

There are three beach areas in the South Shore, Chicago community.

South Shore Beach is the beach behind the Chicago Park District's South Shore Cultural Center (formerly South Shore Country Club), which is located at the intersection of 71st and South Shore Drive. The Country club is a magnificent old building and it home to a ballroom, restaurant, golf course and tennis courts. The Beach also runs up against 67th street beach and Jackson Park

Ashe Beach Park is a newer addition to the Chicago Park District's beaches, bought in 1979 and named for the late tennis great Arthur Ashe, after he died of AIDS in 1993. In addition to the beach, the park features two tennis courts. It is located between 74th and 75th Streets in the South Shore community.[25]

Rainbow Beach is officially located at 3111 E. 77th St.,[26] is a beach in the Chicago Park District's Rainbow Beach & Park that stretches from 75th Street to 78th Street on the Lake Michigan shoreline.[27] Rainbow Beach was named such in 1918.

Starting with the 1919 Race Riot, Chicago had a history of race related disturbances in the 20th century related to use of public resources, such as parks and beaches. Rainbow beach was an area of controversy for black and white youth. Black families that were economically dependent on the nearby South Chicago steel mills had avoided the public hostility of the lifeguards and white bathers. Demographic shifts and racial climate change of the 1960s led to a July 7 and 8, 1961 freedom wade-in at Rainbow Beach staged by an interracial coalition of demonstrators, including members of the NAACP Youth Council.[28]

414304N 873146W / 41.7179N 87.5294W / 41.7179; -87.5294

Calumet Park,[29] which is not to be confused with Calumet Park, IL, has a mile of lakefront and contains three beaches located at the 9600, 9800 and 9900 South blocks along Lake Michigan. The main beach has a Beach House with a concessions stand. The park is in the East Side neighborhood. Forming part of Chicago's city limit, it is on the border between Illinois and Indiana.

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List of beaches in Chicago - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Chicago Park District tests the water for Escherichia coli bacteria. Escherichia coli is not harmful itself and is naturally occurring in the environment. However, this bacteria is an indicator of the presence of other germs that could make you sick. US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) beach policy recommends notifying the public when E. coli bacteria levels are above the federal water quality Beach Action Value (BAV), which is 235*. This standard is used at beaches throughout the Great Lakes region. For more information please refer to the USEPA Recreational Water Quality Criteria.

The Chicago Park District in partnership with the US Geological Survey, has also developed statistical models that use weather data to predict the bacteria levels in real-time. These models provide information about water quality in real-time, compared to 18-24 hours to get results from a lab for traditional water quality testing. The models were developed with grant funding from the EPA's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. When bacteria levels are detected (or predicted to be) above 235, CPD posts an advisory at the beach. *The unit of measurement for Escherichia coli is "Colony Forming Units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of water."

The Chicago Park District is piloting a new rapid testing method developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The new method measures levels of bacterial DNA in beach water. Measuring bacteria in beach water by the standard method takes about 18 hours, but the DNA test gives results within a few hours. The Chicago Park District can use results of the rapid test to notify the public when the risk is elevated for developing gastrointestinal symptoms. DNA levels above 1,000* CCE are above the Beach Action Value (BAV) developed by the USEPA. For more information please refer to the USEPA Recreational Water Quality Criteria.

*The unit of measuring DNA is "enterococci calibrator cell equivalents (CCE) per 100 milliliters of water."

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Chicago Beaches | Montrose Beach

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Karen Sweeny-Justice, Demand Media

With more man-made lakes than other state, beach opportunities are found in all five of the Sooner States regions. June, July and August are the best times to enjoy Oklahoma beaches with mean temperatures between 77 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. "Good" is a relative term when looking for Oklahomas best beaches, as most are man-made with narrow stretches of sand that were put in place during lake development.

Fifteen miles west of Tulsa, Keystone Lake (keystoneok.com) has 330 miles of shore. Walnut Creek State Park (no website; County Road 1521, Osage; 918-242-3362) has many sandy beaches backed by woodlands on peninsulas jutting into the lake. By boat, the Washington Irving Cove Recreation Area (no website; 23115 W. Wekiwa Road, Sand Springs; 918-865-2621) is just across the lake; by land, the journey from one beach to the other is more than 20 miles. Less than 10 miles away, Keystone State Park (no website; 1926 Highway 151, Sand Springs; 918-865-4991) and the Salt Creek Cove Recreation Area (no website; off Highway 51, Sand Springs; 918-865-2845) have additional swimming beaches.

Lake Eufaula, the largest lake completely within the states boundaries, is on the Canadian River in central Oklahoma. The 15th largest lake in the United States has 600 miles of shoreline, sandy beaches and rocky coasts that coexist along its lakeshore. The lakes southern waters are known as being clear blue and are popular with scuba divers. Lake Eufaula State Park (lakeeufaula.com), Arrowhead State Park (no website; HC 67 Box 57, Canadian; 918-339-2204), Crowder Point East and Crowder Point West (no websites; Highway 69, Crowder; 918-484-5135), Juniper Point (juniperpointparks.com) and Porum Landing (no website; 102 E. BK 200 Road, Stigler; 918-799-5843) all have sandy beaches.

Eastern Oklahomas Lake Tenkiller has numerous state, federal and municipal recreational areas along its 130-mile shoreline. Cherokee Landing State Park (no website; 28610 Park 20, Park Hill; 918-457-5716 is on a peninsula that juts into the lake; the beach is located in the campground on the southern tip of the park. The swim beach at Tenkiller State Park (no website; Hwy. 100, Vian; 918-489-5641) is on the northern shore of the parks southern peninsula near Fishermans Point. Designated swim beaches are separated from boating areas by buoys. Noted for its clear water, a popular spot for scuba diving is near Skunk Island, north of the Illinois River dam that forms the lake.

Canton Lake, on the North Canadian River in the northwest, has five recreational areas managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but only Sandy Cove Recreation Area (no website; HC65 Box 120, Canton; 580-886-2989) has a beach. Also in the northwest region, the Great Salt Plains Lake has a sandy beach, high red bluffs and the only hour-glass shaped selenite crystals in the world. Fort Gibson Lake in the northeast region has 225 miles of shoreline and a wide sandy beach near the campground at Taylor Ferry South Recreation Area (taylorferryok.us). The beach at Lake Lawtonka is near the city of Lawtons East-Side Campground (cityof.lawton.ok.us). The beach on Lake Thunderbird in central Oklahoma is at the Clear Bay Area of Lake Thunderbird State Park (no website; Alameda Drive, Norman; 405-364-7634).

Karen Sweeny-Justice is a writer living in Surprise, Ariz. Her work has appeared in "Writer's Digest" magazine and "RubberStampMadness" magazine, as well as in newspapers around the United States. She also writes book reviews for "RT Book Reviews" magazine.

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Lakes in Oklahoma With Good Beaches | USA Today

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When you think of the beach, Oklahoma is probably not the first state you think of. Yet the Sooner State is not such a bad idea. Oklahoma is landlocked, but it enjoys warm summers and has plenty of clear lake waters worth swimming in. And around some of these lakes are sandy beaches that tourists flock to from miles around, to relax between dips in the water and to work on their tans. If you find it hard to believe Oklahoma can be a beach destination, try exploring some of these places.

Tom Sneed Reservoir is a beautiful lake in Kiowa County just north of Snyder. This lake is property of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The 6,400-acre lake is surrounded by many amenities, which include picnic tables, shelters, a boat ramp, grills and a swimming beach that tends to be the main gathering spot. One of the main draws is the abundance of waterfowl. Bird watchers will enjoy the many species of ducks and other birds that occupy the reservoir waters and its surroundings. If you get tired of sunning yourself on the sand, grab a pole and cast a line to try and land crappie, large-mouth and black bass, as well as some big catfish.

On the Texas and Oklahoma state line, 89,000-acre Lake Texoma is among the biggest reservoirs in the nation. About 6 million visitors a year come to take advantage of its amenities along the Red River. The shores of Lake Texoma may appear as though they are the edge of the ocean. In fact, one of the most surprising things you'll find at Lake Texoma is a string of islands in the middle, skirted by white, sandy beaches that compare to many you'll find along the Gulf of Mexico. Boaters, skiers, anglers, golfers and campers will find plenty to do.

The north shore of Cedar Lake is surrounded by trees and mountains of the Ouachita National Forest, making this lake a very scenic place to spend a few days. In addition to its beautiful surroundings, the 86-acre lake has two sandy beaches where swimmers take advantage of the warm lake waters between May and October. Fishing, boating and camping are also popular in this area of east-central Oklahoma.

Among the state's most scenic and popular tourist areas is southeastern Oklahoma's Broken Bow Lake. Two state parks are situated around the large lake on the Mountain Fork River. Beavers Bend State Park and Hochatown State Park are both popular tourist destinations in the region; each has a swimming beach. Camping, fishing, skiing, canoeing and horseback riding are all popular.

Lee Morgan is a fiction writer and journalist. His writing has appeared for more than 15 years in many news publications including the "Tennesseean," the "Tampa Tribune," "West Hawaii Today," the "Honolulu Star Bulletin" and the "Dickson Herald," where he was sports editor. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mass communications from Middle Tennessee State University.

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Beaches in Oklahoma | USA Today

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Sandy beaches and dunes border Lake Michigan. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images )

Indiana may not face the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean, but this Midwest state has no shortage of fine beaches. The state borders Lake Michigan in the northwest, one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world. Occasionally, waves are high enough to attract surfers, and winds often pull kite surfers along the water. The Ohio River creates its southern border, flanked by sandy beaches and islands. And in between, the state boasts numerous lakes and reservoirs with great beaches for swimming and relaxing.

Over 15 miles of uninterrupted shoreline invite beach-goers to enjoy one of the Great Lakes' best beaches. Indiana Dunes State Park (in.gov) sits just east of Lake Michigan's most southern point. Huge sand dunes rise to the sky, and then plummet to the lake, creating a sandy beach. Swimming is permitted in an area supervised by lifeguards. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (nps.gov) continues from the park to the east, and features Mt. Baldy, a moving sand dune that allows expansive views of the lake and beach below. Swimming is permitted but beach-goers should use caution during high winds when waves can be high and riptides present. Further east, Michigan City features a family-oriented beach at Washington Park. A lighthouse sits at the end of an adjacent pier.

Originally a swimming hole amid Indiana cornfields, Indiana Beach Amusement Resort (indianabeach.com) attracts more than 750,000 people annually. Created from a dam on the Tippecanoe River, Shaver Lake became a popular beach area that evolved to an amusement and water park. Today, families enjoy a sandy beach, and a "splash bash" that features waterfalls and fountains. Visitors often take a ride on an inner tube along the lake before relaxing at the beach. The park lies 95 miles northwest of Indianapolis. Farther north, near South Bend, Koontz Lake features a beach and a variety of water sports from water-skiing and jet-skiing to canoeing and kayaking. The lake also attracts anglers for its bluegill and bass.

Monroe Lake, Indiana's largest, sits near Bloomington. The 10,750-acre reservoir features two beaches. Besides swimming and sunbathing, visitors enjoy water skiing and boating. Recreational areas surround the lake and boast campgrounds, sports fields, hiking trails and a nature center. The Brookville Lake-Whitewater Memorial State Park Complex (in.gov) lies near the Ohio border. Beach activities include swimming and shoreline hiking. Visitors may rent canoes, paddleboats and rowboats or navigate a horse on a bridle trail. The park also serves as a memorial for those who served in World War II.

Scales Lake lies near the small town of Boonville, a few miles east of Evansville. The small lake boasts a large, sandy beach with lifeguards. Adjacent to the beach, a small pool sits below a winding waterslide. Lewis and Clark traveled along the Ohio River on their epic westward trek in what today is called the Cannelton Pool. The wide area along the river sits between two dams in far south Indiana. Popular with boaters, islands dot the landscape and feature quiet, sandy beaches. Beaches also line the river banks interspersed with rock bluffs where views are much like they were in the early 1800s.

Jeff Fulton is a writer specializing in business, travel and culture. He has worked in international sales, customer relations and public relations for major airlines, and has written for Demand Studios since May 2009. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration in marketing from the University of Chicago.

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The Best Beaches in Indiana | USA Today

The stress of everyday life melts away the instant you arrive at any of the beaches within the Indiana Dunes. Whether youre relaxing on the beach as gentle waves lap the shore around you, strolling along the shore, or playing frisbee, its apparent why this natural wonder is called Natures Masterpiece.

Parents magazine picked the Indiana Dunes shoreline among the top five family beaches in the nation along with beaches in San Diego, California and Maui, Hawaii. TripAdvisor.com ranked the Indiana Dunes in its top six.

So whether you enjoy splashing in Lake Michigan, playing beach volleyball, building sand castles or just spending hours lying in the sun, the beaches at the Indiana Dunes are the place to spend a perfect summer day.

Below are the beach access points where youll find access to our 15 miles of sandy shoreline. Sites are denoted as handicap accessible if a wheelchair can get all the way to the beach or to a recreation area with a lake view.

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Beaches in Northwest Indiana | Indiana Dunes

Blessed with countless miles of shoreline, Indiana is a perfect place for enjoying time at the beach. Along with Lake Michigan, the state is home to a number of smaller lakes and reservoirs where beachcombers can spend a day in the sun enjoying the great outdoors. When planning an Indiana vacation package, it is easy to include time at the beach, whether you're planning to spend time near Chicago along the shores of Lake Michigan or including other parts of the Hoosier State.

Indiana Dunes State Park, located in Chesterton, preserves an important stretch of Lake Michigan in Indiana. Along with prime beachfront, park visitors can enjoy miles of hiking trails, picnicking, camping, naturalist-led programs, the exhibits in the visitor center, and views of the Indiana dunes. While they're exploring Indiana Dunes State park, Indiana visitors will have the chance to savor a lakeside getaway, only a short drive from all that Chicago has to offer.

In addition to Indiana Dunes State Park, other places to enjoy the beaches of Lake Michigan in Indiana are found throughout Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, headquartered in Porter, has an array of available activities along this beach in Indiana. Along with swimming, visitors can test their mettle with a hike up Mount Baldy and back; this sand dune features a well-marked trail and amazing views of the Lake and Indiana dunes at the top. The Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center features exhibits, a film, and places to find out more about this beautiful example of Indiana beaches. In addition, visitors can explore the Chellberg Farm to learn about a past way of life, stroll along the Little Calumet River, and see the Heron rookery's wildflowers. In LaPorte County's Michigan City, visitors can enjoy one of the Indiana beaches at Washington Park. This seaside park is also home to an interesting zoo, picnic shelters, a year-round slate of special events, and excellent views of the Chicago skyline and a lighthouse.

While Lake Michigan in Indiana is perhaps the Hoosier State's best-known place to enjoy the beach, it's hardly the only place. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources operates eight reservoirs throughout the state, all excellent places to find a beach in Indiana. Patoka Lake in southern Indiana and Salamonie Lake in the eastern part of the state are just two examples. Visitors looking for Indiana beaches will find plenty of sandy stretches bordered by blue waters, as well as boat slips, marina, water skiing, restaurants, resorts, cabin rentals, spots for fishing, and other visitor amenities.

Many folks looking for waterside fun include time at Indiana Beach Amusement Resort. Located in Monticello, this beach in Indiana is found right in the middle of cornfield country. Visitors can spend time at Sandy Beach to enjoy the shoreline and calm, clear waters in the centerpiece of the resort area. One of Indiana's top resorts, the range of lake lodging options at Indiana Beach includes camping, cottages, hotel, and motel rooms. Park visitors also can enjoy the collection of rides and roller coasters, as well as miniature golf, a ride on the paddle-wheel boat, and a water park.

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Indiana Beaches - Destination360

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Sarah Schreiber, Demand Media

Indianapolis plays host to the famous car race. (Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images )

Indianapolis is Indiana's state capital, well known for sporting events, like the Indianapolis 500, and teams like the Colts of the NFL and Pacers of the NBA. Far from the oceans of the coasts, and several hours from the Lake Michigan beaches of the north, swimming beaches are not common. Only one exists within the city's borders, with one additional option in neighboring Hamilton County.

Eagle Creek Park (indy.gov) is home to the only swimming beach within the borders of Indianapolis. The sand beach is on the banks of Eagle Creek Reservoir and has an enclosed swimming area. A separate area is blocked off for children, and goes no deeper than three feet. Those wanting to utilize the water for exercise have use of a dedicated lap lane. Next to the beach is a sand play area and playground. Other features include a beach volleyball area, shade trees and Plunge Harbor, an inflatable water slide and trampoline. Entrance to the beach is $3 for hikers and bikers, and $5 per vehicle, as of publication.

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (hamiltoncounty.in.gov) operates Morse Park and Beach in Noblesville. The beach is approximately 30 minutes from the northeastern section of Indianapolis. Visitors to the park can enjoy a disc golf course, softball fields, picnic shelters and a playground, in addition to the beach. Admission is required for park entry, and run between $1.50 and $2.00 per day, as of publication. Seasonal passes are also available. The beach is sandy, with room for sunbathing, beach volleyball and fishing. Prepare for swimming at the bathhouse, which includes lockers, showers and restrooms.

Indianapolis is cold in the winter, but the area has several indoor beach alternatives. Krannert Park (indy.gov) has an indoor pool with both open and lap swim times for the public. Indy Island (indy.gov), at Raymond Park, is a city-run indoor water park open throughout the year, featuring a water playhouse with slides, sprays and geysers. A larger slide empties into the leisure pool. A separate lap pool is open during select times. Those needing some time away from the kids can head to the adults-only spa.

The closest beach options outside of the Indianapolis area are in Bloomington, 65 miles to the south of the city's center. Lake Monroe is the state's largest inland lake and has three recreation areas with swimming beaches. Hardin Ridge Recreation Area, Fairfax State Recreation and Paynetown State Recreation Area have sandy beach areas with bathhouses for changing. Hardin Ridge charges $5.00 for entrance to the park, as of publication. Swimming at the other locations is free.

Sarah Schreiber has been writing since 2004, with professional experience in the nonprofit and educational sectors as well as small business. She now focuses on writing about travel, education and interior decorating and has been published on Trazzler and various other websites. Schreiber received a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications.

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Indianapolis Beaches | USA Today

April has been a very busy month of travel for me. This was the first month this year that I traveled to four different countries in a matter of 20 days. In Europe its almost that time of the year again- summer. After my three month stay ended in Madrid, I went to London, a city that surprise me so I decided to stay here longer than my original plan of 10 days. Not exactly my top choice for a relaxing vacation but Im happy to stay put here at the moment before heading back home to New York for the summer. But on the other side of the world, in my home country, its already summer. Its been almost a year since I was in Southeast Asia and I am quite missing the beautiful beaches.

Im not a beach person but I spent an incredible amount of time in different islands during my first year of travel. In my short time here on earth, I was fortunate enough to have seen and experienced some of the most beautiful beaches of Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Southeast Asia including Sri Lanka. So far, I can say that the most beautiful ones are in Southeast Asia. Am I biased? Maybe. But Ill let my photos speak for themselves.

In here I list down my top 10 favorite beaches in Southeast Asia to inspire you to book that plane ticket to whichever summer destination you have in mind or maybe still thinking of going to this summer:

10. Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Cambodia was the second country I traveled solo. So I wasnt a very experienced solo traveler at that time and I was still a bit in shock with what I was doing. Going to Cambodia after a few days in Bangkok wasnt really the most ideal since most travelers would do Chiang Mai instead. After my time in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, I found myself in this beach in Southern Cambodia and enjoyed a few days relaxing on the beach.

Sihanoukville is a party island. So if you intend to go to a beach with lots of party every night, go to Sihanoukville. Since I was tired with my travels, I found myself reading and writing instead. What I love about this beach is that you can do either or both. Thats why it made it to my list.

My Tip: Wake up one morning and watch the sunrise. Its one of the most beautiful sunrises youll ever watch.

9. Ko Tao, Thailand

Ko Tao is a small island in Thailand that is the most ideal place for divers and snorkelers. However, its also a nice island to just relax and have fun with friends. This island has tons of big beautiful rocks that makes its uniqueness much more appealing. I wrote about my experience and recommendations here.

My Tip: These huts on the western side of the island has really nice views, but for cheaper accommodations, go to the south and sit back and watch the most breathtaking pinkish to red sunsets youll ever see.

8. Ko Phangan, Thailand

Ko Phangan is the island popular for its infamous full moon party, but its more to it than that. This island is a home of picture perfect and very calm beaches. I was traveling in this island with four of my friends and its such an ideal place to just relax, eat and have fun with them. We also went to the full moon party but Im not a fan of it so I never wrote about it.

My tip: Rent a motorbike and go to the north. When you get there, you might never want to leave. The water is very refreshing and perfect temperature especially on very hot and humid days.

7. Kuta Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok is an island that everyone traveling to Indonesia should visit. Bali and Lombok are two different islands and Lombok is the island thats also a great surfing spot minus all the tourists in Bali.

I was traveling in Lombok with six other solo travelers that we decided to explore the hidden beaches together. We had such an amazing time despite the rocky and hard roads to get there.

My tip: Lombok is the island made for adventurers. Rent a motorbike to explore these hidden beaches. This island is not as developed as Bali but also not as touristy. Nonetheless, Lombok has incredible beaches for surfers and adventurers.

6. Bali, Indonesia

Ive been to Bali twice. First before the Eat, Pray, Love sensation and the second during my long-term trip. It was quite a big difference ever since the book became popular. Luckily for me, Ive seen Bali before it was even big with solo travelers. It has become too crowded and overpriced. What didnt change though are the beautiful beaches.

Theres a hidden beach between the road that connects Nusa Dua and Uluwatu. The local said its a secret beach which has no name. If you can find it its not touristy and so beautiful. I really loved it there!

My tip: To avoid crowds try to find the hidden beaches close to Nusa Dua or be adventurous and explore Eastern Balis Tirtagangga and Amed. Its not easy to get there on public transportation so I recommend hiring a driver with a car. Amed also has quite beautiful and reasonably priced villas.

**Extra tip: Balinese spa and massage = heaven. If you can splurge, the best spa treatment that I ever had is the one is at Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay. Luckily, I was on a working holiday when I was there and the hotel gave me a complimentary spa treatment. The resort is also my favorite among all the hotels I ever stayed at.

5. Camiguin, Philippines

Camiguin is a very stunning island in Southern Philippines. I was here only for a few days but left me with beautiful memories. I traveled solo here and since its not touristy at all, I only met a few travelers who were not surprisingly, also from Manila. I wrote about my experience in this tiny island of seven volcanoes here.

My Tip: Instead of taking the boat from Cagayan de Oro, take a journey to the quaint town of Jagna, Bohol and take the ferry from there. Take note of the journeys since they only operate a few days a week. Also, this is in Mindanao and its possible that your travel insurance might not cover you here.

4. Menjangan Island, Bali Indonesia

I tell everyone I know whos traveling or planning to travel to Bali to go to Menjangan island. This island is on the northwestern side of Bali and is a lot closer to Java. From the beach you can even see the volcanoes of Java. But what makes this simple island so beautiful is its spectacular underwater.

This is just a sample of the fishes I saw while snorkeling in Menjangan. For underwater adventures this is my absolute top pick. Theres only a certain time that you can stay in this island since its a protected island. The pictures that I have dont even do justice to the beauty of its colorful underwater. I love this island so much that I did snorkeling here twice in two separate occasions during my travels.

My tip: Menjangan can be easily reached from Lovina which is around 4 hours drive from southern Bali. Its about an hour drive from Lovina and 30 minute boat ride from the pier. I recommend staying in Lovina to access this island. It really is worth the travel and I cannot recommend it enough.

3. Coron, Palawan, Philippines

Whenever someone asks me for advice on where to go in the Philippines my automatic answer is Palawan. Palawan for me is the most beautiful place in my home country. You can skip tourist destinations but not Palawan. Its my most favorite place in the Philippines.

I could not believe that I saw the beaches of Mexico and the Caribbean before I even saw my home countrys beaches. I was stunned with how beautiful the beaches of Coron are. Its quite an enchanting place.

My tip: Banana Island, the most beautiful island in Coron is one hour away by boat. To save money, find other people to split the boat with. For more tips, see my Coron post.

2. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Ahhh, the Gili Islands. Just thinking and writing about it makes me want to jump in a plane right now and go back. If theres one place in South East Asia that I would go back to again and again for adventure travel its Indonesia. Among the islands Ive been to in Indonesia, Gili Trawangan is my absolute favorite in terms of island life and parties. Its very easy to get stuck in this place. Its too beautiful, great food and so fun. I almost didnt go to Lombok.

This is a small island which can be toured around by foot for less than three hours. There are no transportation available here and running water is not as good as it is in Bali or Lombok. Also, very few places have wifi or internet connection. If you are the type of person who likes being disconnected this place will suit you so well.

This island is also an excellent place for snorkeling and diving. Though the underwater is not as beautiful as Menjangan, this is the only place you can see and swim with giant sea turtles.

My tip: Watch the sun set from the western part of the island. The sunset with the mountains of Bali on the background makes it such a spectacular view for anyone whos watching.

1. Ko Lipe Thailand

If there is paradise on earth, its Ko Lipe. Whenever Im asked among which islands in Thailand is the best for relaxing its Ko Lipe. If you want to experience real island living, this is the place to go. There are no banks, wifi and cars and everything is within walking distance. Its really a place to be enjoyed.

On a very sunny day, youd see how clear the water is. I havent met a lot of people who have been to this island. One should definitely consider. Its truly Thailands best kept secret.

My tip: There is a small island on the south of Ko Lipe called Ko Hin Ngam. Whats special about this place is that instead of sand, the island is made of shiny dark stones. Its very popular with the locals and most Thais come to the island to stack rocks and make a wish. Hire a long-tail boat to get here and see this natural wonder yourself.

There you have it, my 10 favorite beaches.

Are you heading to any of these beaches this summer?

Enjoy your summer and as always happy travels,

Anna

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My Top 10 Beaches in Southeast Asia | annzventures

Our Mission. To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.

Feel the breeze through the pines, smell an aromatic campfire, hear the waves gently lap the shoreline.

Owned by the California State Parks and operated by PRIDE Industries, this site sells California State Parks Annual Passes, quality publications to the public.

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Sunday, November 15 at 9:30 am Travel deep into the heart of Big Basin as you experience a wide range of habitats on this moderate to strenuous 11 mile loop hike. Wind through shady redwoo ... ... Read More

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California State Parks

If you plan on traveling to South Dakota during the summer, it may help to know where the beaches are because it gets pretty hot here in July.

In all South Dakota Parks there is a daily entrance fee, or you can buy a yearly entrance for $23.00. When we went to Custer State Park they had the same thing but the entrance fee was $10.00 and lasted for 7 days, so we might as well have went ahead and bought the Annual Park License.

The first beach we visited when we moved to Tripp SD, was a campground and beach south of Tripp near Lake Andes called North Point Campground. The ranger approached our car, and asked if we had a park license, which we had no clue what she was talking about, and she wouldn't let us drive around and take a look. So here's another picture I was able to get of the campground. See the campground rules and camping fees.

Aberdeen-Mina Lake - 11 miles west of Aberdeen off Hwy 12 - phone 626-3488 -Richmond Lake - 10 miles northwest of Aberdeen off Hwy 12 - phone 626-3488 Arlington, Bruce, SD -Lake Poinsett - 12 miles north, 2 miles east of Arlington, off Hwy 81 - 46109 202nd St Bruce, SD 57220 Tel: (605) 627-5441 Big Bend, SD -North Shore - 2 miles west, 1 mile north of Big Bend on Hwy 47 - phone 245-2255 Canton, SD Newton Hills State Park, has a beach - 28771 482nd Ave Canton, SD 57013 phone 987-2263 Clear Lake -Lake Cochrane - 10 miles east of Clear Lake off Hwy 22 - phone 882-5200 Lake Andes -North Point Recreation area - St Francis swim beach sign - located 1 mile northwest of Pickstown off Hwy 281- phone 487-7046 Carthage, SD Lake Carthage - 1 mile northeast of Carthage - phone 256 - 5003 Custer SD -Custer State Park - has quite a few beaches and campgrounds. Gettysburg West Whitlock - 18 miles west of Gettysburg off highway 12 - phone 765-9410 Harrisburg, SD Lake Alvin State Recreation Area, no camping - 4 miles east, 1 mile north of Harrisburg off Co. 135. phone 987-2263 Lake City -Roy Lake - 3 miles west of Lake City off Hwy 10 - phone 448-5701 Lake Preston -Lake Thompson - 6 miles southwest of Lake Preston off Hwy 14 - phone 847-4893 Madison, SD Lake Herman - 9 miles southeast of Madison off SD 19 - phone 256 - 5003 Milbank -Hartford Beach - 15 miles north of Milbank off Hwy 15 - phone 432-6374 Miller -Lake Louise - 14 miles northwest of Miller off Hwy 14 - phone 853-2533 -Rosehill - 10 miles east, 12.5 miles south of Miller off Hwy 14 - phone 472-1212 Mobridge -Indian Creek - 2 miles southeast of Mobridge, hwy 12 - phone 845-7112 -Indian Memorial - 2 miles northwest of Mobridge, hwy 12 - phone 845-2252 -Revheim Bay - 1 mile southwest of Mobridge, off hwy 12 - phone 845-7112 Montrose, SD Lake Vermillion Recreation Area - 5 miles south off I 90 at exit 374 - phone 296-3643 Pierre -Farm Island - 4 miles east of Pierre on highway 34 - phone 773-2885 -Oahe Downstream - 5 miles north of Fort Pierre off SD 1806 - phone 223-7722 -West Bend - phone 773-2885 - 26 miles east, 9 miles south of Pierre, on Highway 34 Platte -Buryanek - phone 337-2587 located 18 miles west, and 2.5 miles north of Platte on Hwy 44 -Snake Creek Campground and beach - located on Hwy 44 Francis Case Lake Selby -Lake Hiddenwood - 2 miles east, 3 miles north of Selby off highway 12 and 83 - phone 765-9410 Timber Lake -Little Moreau - located 6 miles south of Timber Lake off highway 20 - phone 374-5114 Volga -Oakwood Lakes - 10 miles west of Volga off Hwy 14 - phone 627-5441 - phone 627-5441 Watertown -Pelican Lake - 9 miles southwest of Watertown off Hwy 212 - phone 882-5200 -Sandy Shore - 5 miles west of Watertown off hwy 212 - phone 882-5200 Waubay -Pickerel Lake - 10 miles west of Waubay off Hwy 12 - phone 486-4753 Yankton - Lewis and Clark Recreation Area - 6 miles west of Yankton on Hwy 62 phone 668-2985

-Shadehill - 14 miles south of Lemmon on highway 73 - phone 374-5114 -Roubaix Lake - 13 miles south of Deadwood on highway 385 - phone 574-4402 -North Cove Group Area - Sheridan Lake (reservations only) phone 574-4402 -Sheridan Lake - located on the south shore of Sheridan Lake - phone 574-4402 -Pactola - located on the south shore of Pactola Lake - phone 574-4402 -Custer State Park - 5 miles east of Custer on highway 16A - phone 255-4515 East Shore Beach -Cold Brook - 2 miles north of Hot Springs off highway 385 - phone 745-5476 -Angostura - 10 miles southeast of Hot Springs off highway 18 - phone 745-6996

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Pennsylvania and ocean beaches might not seem to go together, but the Keystone State has had a long and happy association with the New Jersey Shore and its beaches. Throughout much of the last century special trains traveled from Philadelphia to the Jersey Shore, mainly to the Atlantic City area. Today, the Atlantic City Expressway and Highways 55 and 49 link Pennsylvania residents to south Jersey Shore beaches. Other beach going opportunities are in Maryland and Delaware.

Atlantic City, New Jersey, is the traditional beach destination for people from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The coast is easily accessible and has miles of beaches surrounding its famous Boardwalk. Brigantine, north of the city, offers six miles of beaches that are much less crowded. Ocean City and Margate, to the south, has both Atlantic and inlet beaches. Lifeguards are on hand at many beaches and some areas allow surfing. Fishing is permitted on all non-bathing beaches, either from the beach or from the many piers and jetties along the shore.

South of Atlantic City are miles and miles of beach, with relatively few towns along the way. Wildwood and Cape May, at the extreme southern tip of New Jersey, are the best-known communities, but Sea Isle City and Avalon are also nearby. Cape May is famous for its bird-watching. Beach-side motels and cabins are scattered throughout the area. This region is readily accessible from Pennsylvania, mainly from Highways 55 and 49.

The area north of Atlantic City offers miles of beaches reaching up to Asbury Park and Long Branch. This includes such places as Island Beach State Park, Long Beach Island and communities like Spring Lake and Belmar. The latter two locales have many luxurious homes. Asbury Park and nearby communities offer a noted beach and recreational area with many entertainment options beyond sand and sun.

Maryland and Delaware also offer ocean beach options for Pennsylvanians. Delaware beaches stretch from the mouth of Delaware Bay near Dover and south to the famous barrier islands like Chincoteague. The barrier islands south of Ocean City are government protected areas. They have no highways, communities or tourist facilities. Both Delaware and Maryland have beaches along Chesapeake Bay. The region north of Washington D.C. is densely populated but the southern extremes are less crowded.

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Ocean Beaches Near Pennsylvania | eHow

Click on the map below to find dog friendly beaches, including off-leash dog beaches, and dog swim areas in the U.S.

Please help keep these beaches and swimming areas open to dogs -- Never leave your dog unattended; Always keep your dog on a leash or under voice control; Always clean up after your dog.

Dauphin Island Dauphin Island is a barrier island located three miles south of the mouth of Mobile Bay in the Gulf of Mexico. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the public beach year round. The public beach is located next to Dauphin Island Elementary School and is the largest area on Dauphin Island set aside for dogs and their owners. There are at least a couple of miles of beach there, and with Sand Island now connected to Dauphin Island, there is more area of undeveloped beach jutting out into the Gulf on that barrier island. Though dogs are allowed at Dauphin Island's primary public beach and at the Dauphin Island Campground, dogs are not allowed at the West End Beach Park on the Island's extreme west end.

Fort Morgan Fort Morgan is an unincorporated community west of Gulf Shores on Mobile Point. Mobile Point extends from Gulf Shores to the west, towards historic Fort Morgan at the tip of the peninsula. Dogs on a leash are allowed on beaches in the city of Fort Morgan, but are not permitted on Alabama state beaches or Fort Morgan State Historic Site property.

Gulf Shores: The Dog Pond, 20115 State Highway 135, Gulf Shores, AL 36542 The dog park is located on the West end of the parking lot, under the Gulf Adventure Center on Lake Shelby in Gulf State Park. The dog park area offers dogs access to the lake.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Pets on a leash are allowed on the beach between the Bartlett Cove Public Use Dock and the National Park Service Administrative Dock.

Homer: Bishop's Beach Bishop's Beach is located two blocks from Old Town at the end of Bunnell Street. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Sitka: Sitka National Historical Park Two miles of well-maintained, handicapped-accessible trails wind through the park's 113 acres of rainforest environment, along the beach of Sitka Sound and the banks of the Indian River. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach and the trails.

Gilbert: Cosmo Dog Park Cosmo Dog Park is the first dog park in the Greater Phoenix area to offer a lake where dogs can swim. The dog beach features a dock from which dogs can jump into the water.

Lake Havasu: Lions Dog Park at London Bridge Beach, Beachcomber Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 Located along the famous Bridgewater Channel, London Bridge Beach features a buoyed-in swimming area, beach, two playgrounds, and a fully enclosed dog park. Lions Dog Park has a grassy expanse for the dogs to play in, drinking bowls with fresh water, and a hydrant-shaped fountain that sprays a cooling mist of water, plus covered benches and a walking path for human guests. Dogs are also welcome outside the dog area on the beach but must remain on a leash.

Parker: Buckskin Mountain State Park, Colorado River Buckskin Mountain State Park is located on Arizona Highway 95, about 12 miles north of Parker. The River Island unit is one mile north of Buckskin Mountain State Park. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the north beach only (north of the boat ramp).

NORTHERN COAST & LAKE COUNTY

Arcata: Mad River County Park OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. One of the Redwood Coast's best beaches for picnics, beachcombing and fishing, Mad River County Park is located 5 miles north of Arcata. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach as long as they are under complete control and within voice range of the owner.

Caspar: Caspar Beach, Mendocino County Caspar Beach is located approximately 4 miles north of the town of Mendocino across from the Casper Beach RV Park. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Clearlake Oaks: Clearlake Oaks Boat Launch Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach west of the breakwater.

Crescent City: Beach Front Park Crescent City is located on the Pacific coast about 20 miles from the Oregon border. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach and in the park located on Front St. in Crescent City.

Crescent City Area: Gold Bluffs Beach, Prairie Creek Redlands State Park Located 50 miles north of Eureka and 25 miles south of Crescent City on Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway off of Highway 101. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are only allowed in the campground, on the beach and the main beach road. Dogs are not permitted on any of the park trails including Fern Canyon.

Ferndale: Centerville Beach County Park Centerville Beach is located 5 miles west of Ferndale. Dogs are allowed off-leash, if under complete control by owner, on the waveslope all year and on the entire beach from October 1st through February 28th. Dogs must be on leash March 1st to September 30th, except on the waveslope, where they can be unleashed if kept under complete control of the owner.

Fort Bragg: MacKerricher State Park MacKerricher State Park is located 3 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, near the town of Cleone. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on some beach areas, but are prohibited on Virgin Creek Beach, the northern half of Ten Mile Beach, the Seal Rocks harbor seal pup nursery area, and the Surfwood Walk-In campground.

Fort Bragg: Noyo Beach Off-Leash Dog Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. The Noyo Beach Dog Area is located under the bridge at Noyo Harbor in Fort Bragg. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach year round.

Fort Bragg: Seaside Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Seaside Beach is approximately 6 miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach. The beach has vast towering rock formations some with hollowed out arches formed naturally by years of crashing waves. Seaside Beach is a great beach to bring a picnic too and sit and enjoy the majestic beauty of this northern California gem of a dog friendly beach. NO dog waste bags or trash receptacles are provided so all dog owners must carry disposable waste bags to pick up after their dogs. Thank you, Hairy Putter! Hairy Putter's Review Blog

Gualala: Gualala Point Regional Park Gualala Point Regional Park is located 36 miles north of Jenner and one mile south of Gualala on Hwy 1. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach. License required.

Gualala: Cook's Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. A little north of town is Cooks Beach which is at 526 County Road, mile marker 3.14. Parking is limited and there is a slope to navigate to get to the beach, but is it worth it! Protected from the wind, this beautiful sandy cove is a great place to let off some steam. Please bring suitable waste bags; this is a carry in and carry out beach. Thank you, Hairy Putter! Hairy Putter's Review Blog

Humboldt County, Humboldt Bay: South Spit Cooperative Management Area The South Spit is a 4.5-mile expanse of wave sculpted beaches, windswept dunes, and bayshore marshes, approximately 20 minutes from either Eureka or Fortuna. Dogs must be leashed on the ocean side of South Jetty Road during Snowy Plover nesting season, March 1-September 15. On the bay side of South Jetty Road, dogs are allowed off-leash but must be under voice control.

Humboldt County, Humboldt Bay, Manilla: Manilla Dunes Recreation Area The Manila Dunes Recreation Area is located at 1611 Peninsula Drive, Manila CA. Dogs are allowed on a leash or under voice control. Horse use is limited to designated trails.

Humboldt County Parks Where permitted, dogs must be on a leash no greater than 10 feet in the parking and camping areas and within 100' of these areas. Dogs are permitted to be unleashed, if under complete control by owner, on the waveslope only at Clam Beach, Table Bluff, and Centerville all year and on the entire beach from October 1 through February 28. Dogs are permitted to be unleashed if under complete control by owner, on the beach at Big Lagoon, Moonstone, Luffenholtz and Mad River County Parks. Dogs are permitted only in vehicle in Freshwater County Park.

Lakeport: Lakeside County Park, 1985 Park Drive, Lakeport, CA 95453 Located west of Clear Lake State Park (towards Lakeport) and also off of Soda Bay Road. Dogs on a leash are allowed at the west end of the swim area.

Lucerne: Lucerne Harbor Park, 6319 E Hwy 20, Lucerne, CA 95458 Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

McKinleyville: Clam Beach County Park Clam Beach is located 7.5 miles north of Arcata near McKinleyville. Dogs are allowed off-leash, if under complete control by owner, on the waveslope all year and on the entire beach from October 1st through February 28th. Dogs must be on leash March 1st to September 30th, except on the waveslope, where they can be unleashed if kept under complete control of the owner. Horses allowed.

Mendocino: Big River Beach, Mendocino Headlands State Park Big River Beach is on the south side of Mendocino. It is accessible by vehicle from Highway 1, or by trails down the bluffs. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Mendocino: Portuguese Beach, Mendocino Headlands State Park From downtown Mendocino, follow Main Street up-coast past the Mendocino Hotel to Heeser Street. The unsigned trail leads southwest through a fence and soon forks; the route down-coast to Big River Beach is described rst. Heading east, the trail delivers you to some blufftop benches and a coastal accessway leading down to Portuguese Beach, known as Point Beach by locals. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Mendocino: Van Damme State Park Van Damme State Park is located 3 miles south of Mendocino on Highway 1. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Nice: Keeling County Park Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach south of the boat ramp.

Redwood National and State Parks Beaches In Redwood National and State Parks, pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed: on all road-accessible beaches (excluding dune habitat); within 100 feet of public roads and parking areas (but not on trails); at designated picnic areas; and within all road-accessible campgrounds.

Samoa: Samoa Dunes Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. The Samoa Dunes Recreation Area is a 300-acre sand dune park located just west of Eureka on Humboldt Bay. Dogs are allowed off-leash if they are under voice control.

Trinidad: Big Lagoon County Park OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Big Lagoon County Park is located 7 miles north of Trinidad. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach if they are under complete control by owner.

Trinidad: Luffenholtz Beach & County Park OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Luffenholtz Beach & County Park is located 2 miles south of Trinidad on Scenic Drive. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach if they are under complete control by owner.

Trinidad: Moonstone Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Moonstone Beach is located just south of Trinidad. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach if they are under complete control by owner.

Westport: Westport-Union Landing State Beach Westport-Union Landing State Beach is located 19 miles north of Fort Bragg and 2 miles north of Westport on Highway 1. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

SONOMA COAST & SONOMA COUNTY

Bodega Bay - Area Beaches Dogs on a leash are allowed on the following beaches: Doran Beach, Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncans Cove, Wright's Beach, Furlong Gulch, Shell Beach, Blind Beach. Dogs are prohibited at Salmon Creek North, Salmon Creek South, Miwok Beach, Coleman Beach, Bodega Dunes Beach, Goat Rock Beach.

Bodega Bay: Doran Regional Park Located on Hwy 1, one mile south of Bodega Bay, Doran Park has a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach. License required.

Jenner area: Stillwater Cove Regional Park Stillwater Cove Regional Park is located approximately 16 miles north of Jenner. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach. License required.

Russsian River District Dog Guidelines The following are designated areas where dogs are permitted on beaches adjacent to bodies of water in State Park Systems or portions of units: Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncan's Cove, Wright's Beach, Furlong Gulch, Shell Beach, Blind Beach, Russian Gulch.

Santa Rosa: Rincon Valley Community Park Dog Park, 5108 Badger Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409 The dog park features small and large dog areas, and a swimming pond.

The Sea Ranch The Sea Ranch is a planned, private community located along the coast in Sonoma County, south of the town of Gualala and about 100 miles north of San Francisco. Sonoma County Regional Parks manages six public access trails within The Sea Ranch. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the following access trail and beaches: Black Point Beach, Pebble Beach, Stengel Beach, Shell Beach and Walk-On Beach.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA/MARIN COUNTY

Albany: Albany Bulb The Albany waterfront is located at the end of Buchanan Street, just west of Interstate 80. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the Albany Bulb, the west end of a landfill peninsula at the end of Buchanan Street.

Benicia: First Street Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Benicia is a waterside city located in the San Francisco Bay area just east of Vallejo. It has two off-leash beaches at the foot of First Street in the downtown area - one at the Promenade and the other south of the turnaround. Thank you, Gretchen!

Berkeley: Tilden Regional Park, Lake Anza Road off of Central Park Drive, Berkeley, CA 94708 Tilden Park's Lake Anza has a sandy beach open during swim season from May through September. Dogs are allowed off-leash on Lake Anzas beach in the undeveloped areas only. No dogs are allowed in the pool area, wetland or marsh.

Bolinas: Agate Beach Park Located near the town of Bolinas, Agate Beach provides access to almost two miles of ocean shoreline at low tide. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach, but are prohibited from entering tide pools, and must stay on trails for safety and habitat protection.

Dillon Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dillon Beach is located 45 min.-1 hr. north of San Francisco between Tomales Bay and Bodega Bay. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach if they are under voice control.

Fremont area: Shinn Pond, Niles Community Park Shinn Pond is located at Niles Community Park in the town of Niles along side the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. The off-leash area offers long trails, big grassy areas, and a large pond where dogs can swim.

Half Moon Bay Area: Mavericks Beach A popular surfing location, Mavericks is located at Pillar Point Harbor Shore just north of Half Moon Bay. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Half Moon Bay Area: Montara State Beach Montara State Beach is located 8 miles north of Half Moon Bay on Highway One. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Half Moon Bay Area/Pescadero: Bean Hollow State Beach Bean Hollow State Beach is located 17.5 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 3 miles south of Pescadero on Highway One. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Livermore: Del Valle Regional Park, 7000 Del Valle Rd., Livermore, CA 94550 Located 10 miles south of Livermore, Del Valle offers swimming and all kinds of water-oriented recreation. The lake is five miles long, and dogs are free to swim in all but two designated areas: East and West Swim Beach.

Marin Headlands: Rodeo Beach and South Rodeo Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Located 3 miles northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs are allowed off-leash under voice control from the shoreline to the crest of the dunes. Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Mill Valley: Muir Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Located 3 miles west of Muir Woods. Dogs are allowed off-leash if they are under voice control. Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Pacifica: Esplanade Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash on Esplanade Beach, off of Esplanade Ave. and West Manor Drive, Pacifica CA 94044.

Pacifica: Linda Mar Beach (Pacifica State Beach) Linda Mar Beach offers a recreation trail along the ocean, surfing and surf camps, restrooms and showers. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Point Reyes: Point Reyes National Seashore Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the following ocean-facing beaches year round: Kehoe Beach - north of the Kehoe Beach trail; Limantour Beach - southeast of the parking lot to the beach adjacent to Coast Camp; Point Reyes/Great Beach - from the North Beach parking lot to the south. Due to threatened snowy plover habitat, pets are not allowed on the beach south of the trail at Kehoe Beach or on the beach to the north of the North Beach parking lot. During the elephant seal pupping and mating season (December through April), pets and humans are not allowed on the beach south of the South Beach parking lot.

Point Reyes: Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore A .6-mile walk alongside a marsh and over a sand dune takes you to the northern end of the Great Beach, called Kehoe Beach. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on this beach to the north of the trail. Dogs are not permitted south of the trailhead as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snow plover.

Point Reyes: Limantour Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore Limantour Beach is a long, narrow spit of sand, bound between Drakes Bay and an estuary. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the southeast end of this beach. Dogs are not permitted to the northwest as this area is protected habitat for harbor seals and the endangered snowy plover.

Point Reyes: The Great Beach/Point Reyes Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore The Great Beach, also known as Point Reyes Beach, features over 11 miles of undeveloped ocean beach. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on this beach, but are not permitted north of the North Beach entrance as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snowy plover. And during the winter when elephant seals are present, both people and dogs are not permitted too far south of the South Beach access.

Richmond: Point Isabel Regional Shoreline This landscaped 23-acre park at the west end of Central Avenue in Richmond offers beautiful views of the Golden Gate and Marin County and is one of the largest public off-leash dog parks in the nation. Dogs may be off-leash at Point Isabel, although owners must have a leash with them (six-foot maximum) and have their dog under voice control and within sight at all times. Dogs must be on leash in parking lots and streets.

San Francisco: Baker Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash at the north end of the beach, north of Lobo Creek. Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco: Crissy Field, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach (excluding the Wildlife Protection Area at the west end of Crissy field beach where leashes are required all year except from May 15 to July 1). Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco: Fort Funston/Burton Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach (excluding the 12-acre closure in northwest Ft. Funston and the northern end of the Coastal trail, closed due to erosion). Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco: Lands End, Golden Gate National Recreational Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach. Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco: Ocean Beach, Golden Gate National Recreation Area OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. Dogs are allowed off-leash (excluding the Plover Protection Area from Sloat Blvd. north to Stairwell 21 where leashes are required all year except from May 15 to July 1).The beach runs parallel to the Great Highway (north of Fort Funston). There are several access points including Sloat Blvd., Fulton Street or Lincoln Way. This beach has a mix of off-leash and leash required areas. Dogs must be on leash on Ocean Beach between Sloat Blvd and Stairwell No. 21 (roughly at Fulton). North of Fulton to the Cliff House and South of Sloat for several miles are still okay for off-leash dogs, however parts of these areas may be impassible at high tide. The GGNRA stricly enforces the on-leash area between Sloat and Fulton. Dog Walking in Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco: John McLaren Park, 100 John F Shelley Dr., San Francisco, CA 94134 Dogs are allowed off-leash in two big open dog areas, one behind the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater and one at the intersection of Mansell Street and John F. Shelley Drive. A stylishly landscaped reservoir just below the water tower provides irrigation for the park and serves as a swimming whole for dogs.

Stinson Beach: Upton Beach Dogs on a leash are allowed on Upton Beach (owned by the County of Marin) which is located north of the land administered by the National Park Service. Dogs are not allowed on the National Park section of Stinson Beach.

Tomales Bay: Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay Pets are permitted on boats in Tomales Bay and on National Seashore beaches on the west side of Tomales Bay from the northern boundary of Tomales Bay State Park to Elk Fence North Beach. These beaches include: Kilkenny Beach, Long Cove Beach, Fruit Tree Beach, Marshall Beach, No Name Beach, Tomales Beach, Elk Fence South Beach, Elk Fence North Beach. Pets are not permitted on beaches or anywhere else within the Tomales Point Elk Reserve. Pets are not permitted on Hog Island, Duck Island or Pelican Point. Pets are not permitted on beaches within Tomales Bay State Park. Please note: the only way to access the Tomales Bay beaches listed above if you are accompanied by a pet is by boat. Pets are not permitted on Marshall Beach Trail.

Tomales Bay: Chicken Ranch Beach (Sir Francis Drake Highway) Chicken Ranch Beach is located north of Inverness, adjacent to Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and nestled along the west shore of Tomales Bay. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

LAKE TAHOE/YOSEMITE AREA/GOLD COUNTRY

Lake Tahoe: Dogs at Lake Tahoe The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) manages about 75% of the land within the Lake Tahoe Basin. Dogs on a leash are welcome almost anywhere within the LTBMU, with the notable exceptions of designated swimming beaches and areas that are restricted for wildlife protection. While your dog is not allowed on any designated swimming beaches, there are still plenty of places for both of you to enjoy the water. Dogs are allowed at the Tallac Historic Site from Valhalla Pier to Tallac Point (where the Lake of the Sky Trail meets the lakefront) in South Lake Tahoe, North Beach at Zephyr Cove Resort, Hidden and Chimney Beaches on the east shore, Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach, Ski Beach in Incline Village (from October to April only), and Echo Lakes. Also, the lakes and streams in Desolation Wilderness are another good option.

Mammoth Lakes: Horseshoe Lake The Horseshoe Lake Loop is a combination of dirt trail and paved multi-use path that circumnavigates Horseshoe Lake, located at the end of Lake Mary Road and the Lakes Basin Path. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the trail and on the beach.

Nevada City: Kneebone Beach, South Yuba River State Park Dogs on leash are welcome in the park, including on trails and Kneebone Beach, a swimming area on the south side of the river. The family beach next to the visitor center is the only area where dogs are not allowed.

North Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach: Coon Street Boat Launch & Beach The Coon Street Boat Launch is located at the end of Coon Street in Kings Beach. The beach is (facing the lake) to the left of the boat launch ramp. Coon Street Beach features restrooms, picnic areas with grills and boat launch. Dogs are allowed only on the area marked as "dog beach" - the only public dog beach on the North Shore.

North Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay: Carnelian West Beach The California Tahoe Conservancys "Carnelian West" beach shares a free parking facility and day use buoy field with Gar Woods restaurant in Carnelian Bay. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

North Lake Tahoe, Carnelian Bay: Patton Beach Patton Beach in Carnelian Bay is a small rocky beach with picnic tables, restrooms and a nature walk. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

South Lake Tahoe: Echo Lakes Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach. There is a water taxi that can take you and your dog across the lake. From the South Lake Tahoe Y, drive south on Highway 50 for 9.6 miles and turn right on Echo Lake Road. Park in the upper lot at The Echo Lakes Resort.

South Lake Tahoe: Kiva Beach Dogs on a leash no longer than 10 feet are allowed on the beach. From South Lake Tahoe Y, drive north on Highway 89 for 2.5 miles to Kiva Beach.

South Lake Tahoe: Regan Beach, 3199 Sacramento Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Regan Beach is a city-owned beach located at Lakeview Avenue at Sacramento. A dog friendly portion of the shoreline is available at Regan Beach.

South Lake Tahoe: Tallac Historic Site The Tallac historic Site is open weekends only beginning Memorial Day weekend through mid-June and daily beginning mid-June through September. Dogs on a leash are allowed at the Tallac Historic Site from Valhalla Pier to Tallac Point (where the Lake of the Sky Trail meets the lakefront) in South Lake Tahoe. Dogs are not permitted in or near the Taylor Creek Marsh. From South Lake Tahoe Y, drive north on Hwy 50 for 3 miles and turn right at the sign for the Tallac Historic Site.

West Shore Lake Tahoe, Homewood: Dog Swim Area Next to Obexer's Marina, 5300 West Lake Blvd., Homewood, CA 96141 there is a pebbly, shaded beach to the left of the boat launch where dogs can swim.

CENTRAL COAST

Aptos: Rio Del Mar State Beach Rio del Mar Beach has a wide strip of clean sand and a jetty. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Aptos: Seascape Beach Seascape Park is a county park at the south end of Seascape Resort, located at 1 Seascape Resort Drive in Aptos. A path opens out onto Seascape (a privately-owned beach) is a small section of an 18-mile beach, running from New Brighton State Beach in Capitola to the Pajaro River near Moss Landing. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Aptos: Hidden Beach Park, End of Cliff Drive, Aptos, CA This 1.5 acre neighborhood park include a children's play area, lawn, picnic table, restrooms, and beach access. Dogs on a leash are allowed in the park.

Avila Beach: Avila Beach & Olde Port Beach Dogs on a leash are allowed on Avila Beach before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. Dogs are not allowed on Avila Beach between the hours of 10am 5pm. Dogs on a leash are allowed at any time of the day on the Olde Port beach, next to the Harford Pier.

Big Sur: Pfeiffer Beach Pfeiffer Beach is located in the heart of Big Sur. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach. Day use only, no overnight camping.

Big Sur/Gorda: Kirk Creek Beach and Trailhead Kirk Creek Beach is part of the Los Padres National Forest and is located near the Kirk Creek Campground. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach, in the campground, and on the Kirk Creek Trailhead.

Big Sur/Gorda: Sand Dollar Beach Sand Dollar Beach is part of the Los Padres National Forest and is located just 3.8 miles north of Gorda. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach.

Big Sur/Gorda: Willow Creek Beach Willow Creek Beach is part of the Los Padres National Forest and is located 1.5 miles north of Gorda. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the day-use beach.

Capitola: New Brighton State Beach New Brighton State Beach is located in the town of Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Carmel: Carmel River State Beach Carmel River State Beach is located on Highway 1 in Carmel, one mile south of Ocean Avenue. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are allowed on the beach.

Carmel: Garrapata State Beach Garrapata State Beach is located on Highway 1, 6.7 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel. Dogs on a leash no longer than 6 feet are only allowed on Garrapata Beach.

Carmel-by-the-Sea: City Beach OFF-LEASH DOG BEACH. The Carmel City Beach is located at the end of Ocean Avenue. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach. This is a very dog friendly beach!

Read this article:

dog-friendly beaches - Pet Friendly Travel

This page contains pictures and information on the golden sandy Barcelona beaches. There are 4.2 km of golden sandy beaches only 10 minutes from the city centre and 4 main beach areas.

Below is a summary of these in order of closeness to the city centre.

Barceloneta is the first of the Barcelona beaches and can therefore get quite busy during the summer months. The picture of Barceloneta beach above was taken on 3rd of October, and the sun is still shining! But it's not always like this. Some days can be overcast or even rainy - it's the luck of the draw.

Metro stop "Barceloneta" (Yellow Line, L4) Turn right on leaving the metro and cross the main road, continue walking straight along Passeig de Joan de Borbo for about 10 minutes. You will see the marina area on your right as you walk.

There are plenty of things to do on the beach besides swim. Windsurfing and kite surfing are popular. You can also enjoy a refreshing drink from one of the many beach huts. Or, if you're in need of a rest, just lie down and soak up the warmth of the Spanish sun with a good book.

In Barcelona you are never far away from some interesting architecture, not even on the beach! But the designer of this building may have had a few too many drinks when he was drawing up his designs!

The quickest way to get to Barceloneta beach is to catch the yellow line metro and get off at the Barceloneta stop.

Alternatively you can walk to Barceloneta from the city centre. It will take you about 20 minutes from the end of La Rambla.

If you choose to walk there are some enchanting views en-route. You'll see the "Monument a Colom" a memorial to the great explorer Christopher Columbus. A little further along is the Port Vell de Barcelona, a picturesque port with a beautiful view of the sea and marina.

During peak season if you would like a little more space to relax it's worth considering going to one of the other beaches listed below.

Photo guide of Barceloneta - the busiest and most popular of the Barcelona beaches

Metro stop "Ciutadella Vila Olimpica" (Yellow Line, L4). Turn right on exiting the metro and walk towards the twin towers. 10 minutes walk from metro. See our photo guide of Icria Beach.

Beach front hotel accommodation is expensive as this is premium rate territory and there are a lot of other businesses all competing for the space. However you have a few options to consider:

1) Try booking an apartment rental instead of hotel accommodation. You will find that the rates are lower than those for a hotel in the same location and you will have the modern conveniences of home. See our holiday apartment rental guide.

2) One moderately priced hotel that is close to the beach but about 20 minutes by metro ride to the centre of Barcelona is the Hotel Front Maritim. See the hotel review by a site visitor by clicking the link below:

Review of Hotel Front Maritim near Barcelona Beach

3) You can stay in top first 5 star hotel - Hotel Arts Barcelona

Review of Barcelona Arts hotel Barcelona sea front hotel

4) Take a look at our Barcelona Beach hotel Reviews page with links to Hotels by the beach in Barcelona

Metro stop "Poblenou" (Yellow Line, L4). You'll have a 20 minutes walk from Poblenou metro station to Bella Beach. Although this is unofficially a nudist beach there are many people that go here that are not nude.

Take a map with you as there are no signs to Mar Bella beach from the metro.

This beach is outside Barcelona and you'll need to catch a train from Sants station - journey time approximate 30 minutes.

All of Barcelona beaches are clean and well maintained. The sea water is clear and just right for taking a swim.

Art galleries in Barcelona Art venue for local artists Attraction opening hours Aquarium Architecture Beaches Cable car ride Classic Barcelona chair by Mies Van Der Rohe Dal Museum - in Figueres Gaud Architecture Illa fantasia water park Mies Van Der Rohe Museum Museums in Barcelona Public holidays Tibidabo amusement park Top 10 tourist attractions Tours and activities Zoo Tours

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Tourist Discount Card

The Barcelona card entitles you to free or discounted entry to many Barcelona attractions and museums. Unlimited journeys on the public transport system including metro, buses, tram.

Our review of the Barcelona Card.

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Barcelona Spain Beaches

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

Save energy and money on your electric bill! Watch this video on conservation.

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