Spend the day on 50 acres of pristine sand and blue water at Racine's Blue Wave certified North Beach, located a few blocks from downtown Racine. Featured on national lists including the "Best Beach in Wisconsin" (FamilyDestinationsGuide.com), "Best Freshwater Beach" (USA Today), "Top 10 Family Friendly Beaches" (Parents magazine), and "51 Great American Beaches" (USA Today), North Beach is a hit among residents and visitors alike to catch some waves and some rays in the summertime.
Go swimming, play sand volleyball, pack a picnic lunch, walk the beach, enjoy live music and concessions at Racine's Beachside Oasis, or just sit on the sand and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Michigan. There is an adjacent Kid's Cove nautical-themed playground for kids, too. Below is what you need to know before you go!
Lifeguard Hours
Beach hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. From the first week of June through the last week of August, lifeguards will be on duty seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The City of Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department begins guarded swimming at North Beach on Saturday, June 4, 2022. Visit the City of Racine website for daily water conditions.
General Safety Rules
To keep the beach safe for everyone, North Beach has a few safety guidelines for patrons:
- No motorboats, windsurfers or floating devices (i.e., water wings, inner tubes, rafts) are allowed in the protected swim area.
- Keep the lifeguard chairs, boats and rescue boards free from obstructions. With 50 acres, there's plenty of sand to spread out!
- Motorized vehicles, alcoholic beverages (except within Racine's Beachside Oasis area), glass containers, fire pits, and pets (excluding service animals) are not allowed on the beach or in the park by City of Racine ordinance.
Events and Amenities
You can enjoy a snack or beverage and catch live music under the palm trees at Racine's Beachside Oasis during the summer months. A community of volunteers built the adjacent Kid's Cove nautical-themed playground.
Parking and Accessibility
No need to worry about meter money while visiting, there is FREE parking in designated lots or along nearby streets. A wheelchair-accessible walkway extends across the sand to the water's edge from the parking lot behind Racine's Beachside Oasis.
Visit the North Beach website for more information.
