Located along the lakeside edge of Lincoln Park, North Avenue Beach isn’t your typical oceanic affair. Set by the clear fresh waters of the lake, it has quite adeptly become an extension of the quiet greens of the adjacent park as the perfect spot for a family day out. Hit the calming waters on a kayak for some back breaking rowing or cling on to that adrenaline high as you ride the ripples and waves left in the wake of a motor boat while wakeboarding. Jet skis, paddle boards and countless other water sports facilities are easily accessible from the beach front. If you’re not a fan of getting wet and cold, bike rentals are available to tread through the carefully marked paths beneath swaying umbrellas of green with a chorus of bird songs forming a chirpy backdrop to your ride. After all that action, how about settling down for some ice-cream and beachside comfort food at the bar and grills set up just past the beach. Don’t forget to visit the icon of North Avenue Beach before leaving though. Modeled to resemble the upper decks of an ocean liner sunk in concrete and cement, the beach house of North Avenue Beach has the widest views of the Chicago skyline. Glittering gold flows down glass walls in cascades by dusk, framed by the quaint portholes set into the upper deck. Yet the memories you leave with would be worth more gold than reflected in that single frame, a fitting end to a great day by the beach.