Chicagoans understand that for a few months out of the year, we get to abandon visions of polar vortexes and chilly spring months to enjoy sunshine and warmth -- namely at one of the city's 27 public beaches.
Apparently we're not the only ones who enjoy a trip to Chicago's sun-soaked lakefront.
In time for the Fourth of July holiday, GQ Magazine named "Lake Michigan" among the six best beaches in America. Chicago's accolades are listed under the "Best Beach in the Heartland."
"Of course it's a beach," the magazine begins. "It has sand (better than parts of Cali) and water (but it's fresh and clean-feeling) and all the stuff you care to do at any other beach (unless you surf)."
The blurb continues: "There's volleyball, the famous Ferris wheel at Navy Pier, and—oh yeah—one of the greatest cities in the world literally right across the street. The sand is so integrated into Chicago life that you can arrive via subway. Try that in Florida and see how far you get."
We're not exactly sure if GQ means Chicago's entire 26 miles of separate beaches or just North Avenue Beach, but we'll take "one of the greatest cities in the world" honors any day.
Other beaches that made the cut were Sullivan's Island in Charleston, South Carolina, for Best Beach No One Knows About; Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles for Best Beach for Chowing Down; Cannon Beach in Oregon for Best Beach for Racking Up Instagram Likes; Fort Tilden in New York City for Best Beach For Playing Hooky; and Hanalei Bay in Kaua’i, Hawaii, for Best Beach That Might Kill You.
