When summer arrives, the city morphs into a Rio-like playground for Chicagoans with the time and the impetus to exploit what its Lakefront has to offer. There are beaches up and down the city’s shores, but some are certainly better than others. The North Side beaches are often uncomfortably crowded, particularly during weekends when it can be hard to find a strip of sand to lay one’s towel. In contrast, 31st Street Beach is quiet and pristine. It’s a long walk from the L stop, but well worth the effort. This stretch of lakefront feels far from the hustle and bustle of downtown. It’s clean and well kept with full facilities, a playground, pleasant landscaping and a view of the city. While still within city limits, 31st Street Beach offers visitors a sense of being away that is sorely lacking elsewhere.

Centerstage Reviewer: Freda Moon