Illinois Beach State Park Tours

Illinois Beach State Park
Photo by Richard Remington
Photo by Richard Remington
Photo by Richard Remington
Photo by Richard Remington


Whether it's a romantic getaway or a family break, a trip to the coast is sure to keep you happy. Enjoy a leisurely stroll together along the water's edge at Illinois Beach State Park.

Illinois Beach State Park is a worthwhile place to begin exploring Great Lakes. This stretch of coastline is recommended by fellow travelers, but it isn't the only thing to do here. Allow time for other attractions like Genesee Theater, Waukegan SportsPark, and Waukegan Harbor to really enjoy what the area has to offer.

Plan a trip to see Illinois Beach State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Wildwood Hotel
Hotel Felix River North/Magnificent Mile
DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Schaumburg

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois Beach Hotel

Illinois Beach Hotel

2 out of 5
100 Lake Front Dr, Zion, IL
Illinois Beach Hotel
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Gurnee

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Gurnee

3 out of 5
5688 Northridge Rd, Gurnee, IL
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Chicago Gurnee
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois

Great Wolf Lodge Illinois

3 out of 5
1700 Nations Dr, Gurnee, IL
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois
Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

3 out of 5
1440 S White Oak Dr, Waukegan, IL
Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee
Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee

3 out of 5
3800 Northpoint Blvd, Waukegan, IL
Courtyard Chicago Waukegan Gurnee
Hotel Gurnee

Hotel Gurnee

3 out of 5
6161 West Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL
Hotel Gurnee
Hotel Indigo Chicago-Vernon Hills by IHG

Hotel Indigo Chicago-Vernon Hills by IHG

3.5 out of 5
450 N Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, IL
Hotel Indigo Chicago-Vernon Hills by IHG
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bannockburn-Deerfield

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bannockburn-Deerfield

3 out of 5
2000 South Lakeside Dr, Deerfield, IL
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Bannockburn-Deerfield
Hyatt Regency Deerfield

Hyatt Regency Deerfield

4 out of 5
1750 Lake Cook Rd, Deerfield, IL
Hyatt Regency Deerfield
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Illinois Beach State Park

At Illinois Beach State Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including birdwatching, live music, and theater performances. The park offers a beautiful beachside experience where you can relax or embark on epic adventures in nature. Whether you want to unwind by the water or explore the scenic trails, Illinois Beach State Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.

Food and drinks

For a delightful dining experience, visit Nolan's Restaurant at the Illinois Beach Resort for a mix of local flavors. Afterward, stop by the Jelly Belly Center, just 8 miles away, for unique sweet treats that the whole family will enjoy.

Shopping

In Illinois Beach State Park, enjoy shopping at Gurnee Mills, located 8 miles away, offering a variety of stores and entertainment options. Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets is 9 miles away, perfect for bargain hunting. If you're up for a drive, visit Alpaca Art, located 11 miles away for unique gifts.

Recreation

Pleasant Prairie RecPlex offers a vibrant recreation center with wellness and relaxation vibes, perfect for rejuvenation. Greenshire Golf Course provides an outdoor sports experience just 2 miles away, ideal for golf enthusiasts. Chain 'O Lakes State Park, located 19 miles away, invites visitors to unwind in nature's tranquility.

Adventure

Wilmot Mountain, located 20 miles from Illinois Beach State Park, offers thrilling skiing experiences with vibrant sports vibes. For water adventures, Jet Funn is 19 miles away, perfect for those seeking outdoor excitement. Explore the scenic Millennium Trail Trailhead, also 19 miles away, for breathtaking hiking adventures.

Nightlife

Experience a lively evening at the Genesee Theater, just 5 miles away, showcasing culture and entertainment. For family fun, visit The People's Choice Family Fun Center, also 5 miles away, filled with arcade adventures. Don't miss the charming ambiance of Three Brothers Theatre, 5 miles away, offering romance and family-friendly performances.

Find the best attractions near Illinois Beach State Park

Illinois Beach State Park offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation and cultural exploration. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beaches, visit local attractions like Zion's Museum, and stay at nearby hotels. The park is ideal for families seeking outdoor fun and those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture. Don’t miss the chance to explore Zion Beach and the vibrant urban parks in the area for a memorable experience.

  • Six Flags Great America: Just 7 miles from Illinois Beach State Park, this thrilling theme park offers a variety of rides and attractions for all ages, making it a perfect family destination. Experience adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, entertaining shows, and themed areas that create a lively atmosphere for a fun-filled day.
  • Waukegan Harbor: Located 5 miles away, Waukegan Harbor boasts stunning scenery and a relaxing beach vibe. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy picturesque views of Lake Michigan, and indulge in various water activities while soaking up the sun.
  • Waukegan SportsPark: Just 4 miles from the park, this entertainment facility offers a variety of sports and recreational activities for families. Enjoy everything from soccer fields to playgrounds, providing a fun and active environment for all ages.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Illinois Beach State Park

To save money during your visit to Illinois Beach State Park, take advantage of the park's free entry and explore nearby attractions like Gurnee Mills and Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets, which also offer free access. Plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation prices, and use Expedia to find deals by sorting hotel options from lowest to highest price. Consider booking a package that includes flights and activities, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and rewards on future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Illinois Beach State Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Illinois Beach State Park with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.