Dog beaches
There are two official beaches within the Chicago city limits which currently allow dogs. Dogs are officially not allowed on other beaches in Chicago. However, many people take their dog to other beaches during off-season and off-hours.
The Chicago dog beach/dog friendly area at Montrose Avenue Beach is a fenced off area at the north end of the beach. The second dog friendly beach is a smaller area north of this at Foster Avenue Beach.
IMPORTANT: The City of Chicago has recently enacted a new law which requires all dogs at "Dog Friendly Areas" including dog beaches to have a special permit. The permits are $5 and can be purchased at participating veterinarians.
There is also an "unofficial" dog beach at Belmont Harbor. It's not officially a beach, so there are no rules about whether dogs are allowed. This beach is small, but it is completely fenced in. One warning, though-if you do visit and allow your dog off leash, you can get ticketed as it is not an official dog friendly area.
Evanston does have an official Dog Beach which requires a season token. For info on Evanston's dog beach, call 847-866-2900 or Click here.