Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Chicago

Summers in Chicago can be hot. Thankfully, with Lake Michigan close to home, you can hit the beach and keep cool with the whole family. Dog-friendly beaches make it easy to bring your furry friends along for the fun. Not sure where to start? Happy Pup Manor’s guide to visiting the best dog friendly beaches in the Chicagoland area will help you plan for the day trip of a lifetime without having to leave your pup at home.

Bringing Your Dog to the Beach

When bringing your dog to the beach, it’s important to be prepared by checking the beach’s rules and making sure your dog is prepared for the excitement. Most beaches list their rules online, so you can check whether or not your pup is allowed and if there are any additional caveats. For instance, some beaches require your dog to be on a leash (even in the water).

You’ll also want to make sure that your dog is comfortable with all the activities you have planned and that they have the manners necessary to be around a lot of people and other dogs. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the water, you should know that not all dogs can or want to swim–although most retrievers love it! The AKC also recommends that you bring lots of water and consider putting sunscreen on your pup’s nose and ears.

If you have doubts that your dog will behave on the beach, seeing a professional dog trainer is a great way to help them prepare not just for the beach but for any other outings you have planned. Happy Pup Manor’s training courses will teach your dog not only basic commands, but will allow them to meet other friendly pups and develop the social skills they need.

Chicagoland Dog Friendly Beaches

If you live in Chicago, you know that Lake Michigan is never far away, but finding a good place to see the shoreline is a whole different story. Thankfully, there are many great beaches that do allow dogs.

Montrose Beach: Montrose Beach, part of the Chicago Parks District, is a popular destination with plenty to do for the whole family. The park offers concessions, kayak rentals, and more. In addition to those people-friendly amenities, there’s a designated part of the beach that is dog friendly, making it a great place to go for a swim and meet other dog lovers.

Evanston Dog Beach: At the Evanston Dog Beach, you can let your pup off the leash to swim or play frisbee. This beach had been closed due to high water levels, but now that it’s reopening this year, pet owners are thrilled. One local interviewed by the Chicago Tribune called it “a whole beach dedicated to dogs.” This location does require you to purchase a pass, but it’s an especially great place to relax or get some exercise on walks with your pup.

Indiana Dunes National Park: Looking for a weekend trip? The Dunes National Park is only about an hour from Chicago. Camping here is a great way to get into the outdoors and decompress. The Dunes are a dog-friendly location, but there are a handful of rules you should view before heading out.

Summer Fun at Happy Pup Manor

If you’re getting ready to hit the beach here in Chicago, you don’t have to leave your dog at home. There are plenty of local areas where you can bring your dog to walk, run, or swim with the whole family. Just be sure to check the beach rules before setting out.

However, if you’re setting out on a vacation, you might want to consider boarding for the duration. While it can be stressful to leave your pup, boarding is a safe way to keep your dog from the anxiety of traveling and prevent the risk of losing them in an unfamiliar place. At Happy Pup Manor, our luxury boarding and training services make it so that your dog can have a vacation of their own. With over 5 acres of outdoor playspace, Happy Pup Manor lets you set out knowing your furry friends will still be having plenty of fun while you’re gone.