Photo: Bryan Yugang Liu
Photo: Mike Shen
Photo: Nicole Belding
Clark Street Beach
★4.5(422 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for ages 1-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the shallow water areas and playground equipment, while elementary-aged kids enjoy beach volleyball, swimming in deeper sections, and building sandcastles along the spacious shoreline.🧡 Saved by 12 families
About
Clark Street Beach is a gem along Lake Michigan's shoreline, offering families everything they need for a perfect beach day. With on-duty lifeguards watching over shallow, calm waters and a playground right on-site, parents can relax while kids enjoy both water play and traditional playground fun. The beach volleyball courts add extra entertainment for older children and teens.
Highlights
- ✓Lifeguarded swimming area with shallow sections perfect for beginning swimmers
- ✓On-site playground equipment for water breaks
- ✓Beach volleyball courts for active families
- ✓Clean, sandy beach with plenty of space for castle-building
- ✓Beautiful Lake Michigan views and sunset watching
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 10am on summer weekends to snag prime spots near the playground and avoid the midday crowds
- 2.Pack water shoes for little ones as the beach can have small rocks near the water's edge
- 3.Bring sand toys and beach games since there's plenty of space for castle-building and activities beyond the water
- 4.The north end of the beach tends to be quieter if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere away from the volleyball action
- 5.Apply (and reapply) sunscreen generously,there's limited natural shade, so consider bringing a beach tent or umbrella
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings from 9am-noon during June through August offer the perfect balance of warm weather, lifeguard supervision, and smaller crowds. The water is calmest in the morning, ideal for young swimmers.
What to Know
Beach access is free with limited metered street parking nearby (arrive early for spots). There are restrooms and outdoor showers available on-site, but no concessions, so pack snacks, lunch, and plenty of water for the family.
Seasonal Notes
Open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day with lifeguards typically on duty 11am-7pm. The beach is accessible year-round for walks and play, but swimming is only recommended during summer months when lifeguards are present and water temperatures are warmest.
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