Best Beach in Chicago Ridge

"Hyde ParkTucked away behind the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street Beach was designed by renowned landscape architects Olmsted and Vaux as part of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Parking is fairly easy west of Lake Shore Drive, and the beach is accessible via the pedestrian underpass. Once the sun goes down, head on over to nearby Promontory Point and gather around a bonfire pit (reservations needed).What to know: While the criminally underrated Promontory Point is worth a visit to this beach alone, nearby (and always bumping) neighborhood music venue The Promontory makes the trip even more appealing."

"57th Street Beach is one of Chicago's most popular swimming beaches, located within Jackson Park at 57th Street's terminus at the Lake Michigan shoreline. Though developed beachfront has existed at the site since the park's original landscaping by famed park designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1871, it was not renovated into a swimming beach until 1899, following the completion of Chicago's Drainage Canal. Today, it offers unprecedented views of the Chicago skyline for swimmers, along with a long-distance swimming area spanning between 55th Street and the beach's ADA-accessible pier."

"LakeviewWhile you wouldn't want to lay out here for obvious reasons, your pup will certainly love doing so. Given that this particular doggie haven is small in size and not as busy as others in the city, it’s a good starting point for anyone who wants to test the waters with their pup before letting it loose at a bigger park like Montrose.What to know: This spot, within walking distance of Wrigley, makes for a fine excursion after a Cubs day game. Plus, the lakeside Sydney Marovitz Golf Course, easily the finest public course in the city, is just a stone’s throw away."

"It is tucked right along the Lakefront Trail and faces docks in Belmont Harbor. Unlike Montrose Beach, this spot is away from people looking to relax on the beach. So, let your dog roll in the sand and run endlessly after balls in the water."

"For those who can resist the temptation of seven-layer rainbow cake, the rest of the menu items at this counter-service Chicago cafe chain are pretty safe for those counting calories. From chopped chicken salad to the magic mushroom sandwich, a satisfying lunch is only an order away."

"The Crepe Shop has the best crepes in the city, but did you know that their coffee is equally impressive?. They have a handful of flavored lattes on the menu, and they all taste excellent. It’s a one-stop-shop for breakfast/brunch, and they have the cutest space."

"Photo courtesy of Andersonville Chamber of Commerce for First Slice Pie Café. Located in Andersonville, Manor, Evanston and Ravenswood, First Slice Pie Cafe specializes in hearty soups and sandwiches plus homey baked goods made from scratch. Another treat is knowing that a portion of its proceeds benefit the needy and homeless because the cafes are self-funded charities."

"River NorthA trip around the globe in plant-based shared platesAs its name suggests, Flora Fauna’s menu is half dedicated to veggie-forward dishes. Craft your own adventure from the Flora side of the menu which showcases influences from across the globe. Standouts include the crispy fried mushrooms with pineapple rum mustard, elote cakes with spicy honey and corn nuts, and jackfruit dan dan noodles made from chilled green papaya."

"This woman-led Japanese restaurant in West Loop remains one of the many reasons to visit Restaurant Row. The dining room is open."

"You’ve got another big day ahead, so start with a java jolt from Sawada Coffee, found in the effortlessly cool West Loop area. Founded by Japan’s Hiroshi Sawada who’s a world champion latte artist (yup, that’s a thing), his industrial-style cafe featuring a pinball machine, punching bag and ping pong table is hipster heaven. Order the photo-worthy Military Latte made with matcha, espresso, vanilla syrup and cocoa powder which has earned a cult following, or sip an iced coffee infused with the Japanese spirit Shochu served in a sake cup."

"Brendan Sodikoff is committed to coffee with CC Ferns, 3 Greens Market and Sawada, the tiny spot tucked inside Green Street Smoked Meats. Hogsalt has brought in famed latte artist Hiroshi Sawada, who runs a few coffee shops in Japan, and his unique military latte mashes green tea and vanilla syrup into a wonderful concoction that will leave patrons buzzed. Hogsalt also operates a coffee shop in Humboldt Park (CC Ferns)."

"Sawada Coffee recently reopened its doors since the pandemic started. The coffee is exceptional, and the latte art is some of the best in town!. One of their most popular drinks is the military latte which is a combo of matcha and espresso."

"The Stockyard Coffeehouse brought terrific options to the Bridgeport neighborhood. I’ve lived in Bridgeport for several years now, and the cafe scene seemed nonexistent until the Stockyard came around. I love having a place nearby to get delicious coffee."