


Everything you need to know about Hartigan Beach Park
Near Hartigan Beach Park, The Langham Chicago is a top choice, offering luxurious accommodations just a short walk from the lakefront. Its lakefront-view rooms provide stunning vistas of Lake Michigan, while amenities include an indoor pool, spa services, and fine dining options. For budget-friendly alternatives, Hyatt House Chicago Lakefront features lake-facing guest rooms and easy access to the beach and scenic walking paths along the shore.
Both properties offer complimentary shuttles to nearby train stations, ensuring convenient travel to downtown attractions like Millennium Park and the Art Institute. Due to high demand—especially during summer months—it’s recommended to book early to secure preferred room types and optimal views.
The easiest way to reach downtown Chicago from Hartigan Beach Park is via the CTA Blue Line at North Avenue Station, located about a 15-minute walk away. The ride takes roughly 20 minutes to reach Michigan Avenue, with frequent service throughout the day. Alternatively, bike rentals are available near the park, allowing you to ride along the scenic Chicago Lakefront Trail—a 30-minute journey offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
For convenience, taxis or rideshare services take about 10–15 minutes and cost approximately $15–$25, ideal for travelers with luggage. Using a Ventra card for transit offers discounted fares and free transfers, making it a smart choice for efficient and affordable travel.
Hartigan Beach Park offers more than just a sandy shoreline—it’s a hub for unique outdoor adventures. Visitors can rent kayaks or try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on Lake Michigan, with guided tours available from local outfitters for a serene exploration of the waterways. The park features natural sand beaches, shaded picnic areas, and lifeguard stations, perfect for family relaxation.
Weekend events such as live music concerts and local art markets bring vibrant community energy to the area. Along the adjacent Chicago Lakefront Trail, guests can jog, bike, or stroll past public art installations and scenic overlooks, offering sweeping views of the Michigan Avenue Bridge and the city skyline. During summer, free outdoor movie screenings under the stars transform the park into a magical open-air cinema experience, blending urban culture with lakeside charm.
Families staying near Hartigan Beach Park will find plenty of kid-approved activities. The park features a children’s playground and safe sandbox area, ideal for young ones to play freely. Seasonal family-themed days include water games, craft workshops, and animal meetups that blend fun with learning.
Just a short drive away, the Museum of Science and Industry offers interactive exhibits like space exploration zones and robotics labs—perfect for sparking curiosity in children. Additionally, lakeside boat tours often feature child-friendly decks and educational commentary, combining sightseeing with environmental lessons.
Plan a full-day itinerary: morning beach time, afternoon museum visit, and evening stroll along the lakeside trail. All venues accept credit cards and mobile payments, ensuring seamless experiences for busy families.
Consider Hyatt House Chicago Downtown/North Michigan Avenue, just a 15-minute drive from Hartigan Beach Park. This hotel offers spacious family suites, complimentary breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Located in the vibrant North Loop area, it’s close to shopping, dining, and public transit options like CTA Bus Route 123, which connects directly to the park entrance.
With its family-oriented amenities, central location, and easy access, this property is ideal for travelers seeking comfort and convenience near the beach.
Travelers can reach Hartigan Beach Park via several convenient options: take CTA Bus Route 123 from Michigan Avenue, which takes about 30 minutes; use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, with a 15–20 minute trip costing $20–$30; or rent a Divvy bike and ride along Michigan Avenue South to the lakefront path, then follow the trail into the park—approximately 40 minutes with scenic views.
Each option offers practicality: public transit, ride-hailing, and bike touring cater to diverse travel styles and preferences.
Yes, the park features several Instagram-worthy locations. The Lakeview Viewing Deck and Art Installation Corridor are perfect for photography. Notably, the "Reflections of the Lake" sculpture on the eastern side uses mirrored surfaces to reflect sky and water, creating stunning visual effects at sunset.
Additionally, the shaded Oak Tree Trail and waterfront boardwalk attract many photographers. For the most dramatic shots, visit during golden hour to capture sunset glimmers and rippling light across the lake surface.
Nature meets art makes every frame memorable.
Hartigan Beach Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, extending to midnight during summer months. Admission is free of charge. However, certain facilities require fees: public showers ($2 per use), umbrella rentals ($5 per hour), and beach volleyball court bookings ($10 per session).
Visitors are encouraged to bring swimwear, towels, and sun protection. It’s best to finish activities before dusk for safety. With free access and flexible service options, the park offers a budget-friendly and customizable experience.
See what other travelers say about Hartigan Beach Park

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The value for money here is absolutely outstanding. Located just a short walk from the subway, it’s incredibly convenient to get around downtown Chicago. The rooms are simple but clean and well-maintained, with comfortable beds and good sound insulation—perfect for a restful night’s sleep. What really stands out is the price: you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal in this area. The staff are friendly and helpful throughout check-in and check-out, making the whole experience smooth and stress-free. If you're visiting Chicago on a budget but still want a great stay without compromising on comfort or location, this hostel is a top pick.

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Staying at this hotel was an absolute delight—definitely one of the best experiences I've had in Chicago. The location is unbeatable, just a short walk from downtown attractions and public transit. What really stands out? The fitness center—it's top-notch with modern equipment, open 24/7, and perfect for anyone who loves working out. I accidentally left my necklace behind in the room, and while I haven’t heard anything yet, I’m confident they’ll take care of it. The staff are professional and attentive, and the room itself was clean, spacious, and incredibly comfortable. Great value for the price, especially if you're traveling for business or pleasure. This place truly delivers on comfort, convenience, and quality. Highly recommend to anyone visiting the city.

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The location is absolutely perfect—walking distance to Wrigley Field and super convenient for exploring the neighborhood. I was impressed by how great the value was, especially considering how close we were to one of Chicago’s most iconic spots. The price felt fair for the convenience and proximity, making it a top choice for any visitor looking to enjoy the area without breaking the bank.

Staying here for several days was an absolute pleasure. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the train station and close to downtown, making it easy to explore Chicago on foot or by public transit. The room was clean, spacious, and well-appointed with a comfortable bed that made for great sleep. Noise insulation was excellent, so I wasn’t disturbed by any hallway sounds. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay, and they even offered a small welcome gift—a nice personal touch. Everything about this place felt thoughtfully designed, from the decor to the daily amenities. It’s a fantastic value for the quality, and I’d definitely come back. Highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Chicago.
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