South Shore is one of Chicago’s most scenic neighborhoods. Located along the Illinois shoreline, it offers lakefront and cityscape views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. The South Shore community brings a unique blend of coastal and metropolitan lifestyles.
Explore our South Shore, Chicago neighborhood guide with must-see destinations, directions, and why residents love living here.
Where is South Shore, Chicago?
South Shore is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Chicago on the South Side. The north and south perimeter is located between 67th and 79th Street. The east-to-west perimeter is between the Lakefront and Stony Island Avenue.
5 Fun Destinations in South Shore, Chicago
South Shore offers plenty to do as part of the big Windy City. Here are the five most popular destinations to check out.
1. Soak In the Sun at Rainbow Beach
Most people probably won’t think of the beach when you mention things to do in Chicago. That’s what makes the South Shore neighborhood a unique gem. With close proximity to Lake Michigan, there are many activities along its shoreline.
A popular lakefront beach in South Shore is Rainbow Beach because it’s one of the biggest in Chicago. You can visit one of Chicago’s oldest community gardens, play at one of the handball courts, or simply walk along its large pier.
The Windsor Park Metra station is a 10-minute walk via the Orange Line. Or, get off the 75th St & Lake Front Terminal bus stop via Bus 75, which is a six-minute walk.
2. Visit the South Shore Cultural Center
The South Shore Cultural Center offers various activities and is a Chicago historic landmark. Its most popular exhibits include its solarium, butterfly park, and lakefront golf courses. The center offers adult and children’s art programs, like textile art, ceramics, and mixed media art. It’s also where former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were married!
The S. Shore Drive & 71st St bus stop is at the entrance via Buses 6 and 26. Or, you can hop off the South Shore Metra station via the Orange Line, which is a minute’s walk away.
3. Enjoy Live Jazz Shows at The Quarry
If you enjoy live jazz, visit The Quarry for weekly Friday jazz nights. Tickets are $25 online or $35 at the door.
The Quarry is a locally famous event venue that’s owned by South Shore resident and activist, Yvette Moyo. Yvette works with Real Men Charities, where The Quarry hosts food drives, health/wellness seminars, and celebratory events to give back to the South Shore community.
The Imani Original Pies are incredibly delicious bean pies with vegan versions and are a must-try while you’re there. This venue is also an event space available for rent for personal and business occasions.
The closest bus stop is 75th St & Phillips, which takes you to the entrance via Buses 6, 75, and 95. Or, get off the Windsor Park Metra station via the Orange line, which is a six-minute walk away.
4. Explore the Historic South Shore Bungalow District
Did you know that South Shore is one of 14 historic bungalow districts in Chicago? South Shore’s Bungalow District features stunning historical architecture.
With 1910’s structural details, like art glass windows and vintage frame designs, sightseeing takes you through South Shore history. It’s mainly located between Clyde Ave (W) and Crandon Ave (E) between 75th St (N) and 78th St (S).
While exploring this area, stop at destinations like the Allan Miller House and Jackson Park Highlands. The Allan Miller House is a Chicago landmark and prairie-style home built in 1916 by John Van Burgen. He was a colleague of one of Chicago’s most famous architects, Frank Lloyd Wright, and is the only Van Bergen home left in the city.
The Jackson Park Highlands is also a Chicago Landmark District and a historic mid-century neighborhood. It features 1900s Dutch Colonial architecture and Victorian-era mansions overlooking Jackson Park’s 550+ acres.
5. Eat Your Heart Out Locally
Support local businesses within the South Shore community’s food scene. Many local restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops are in the area to choose from.
Some of the most popular locally-owned South Shore places to eat include:
•Majani Soulfood Vegan: Casual vegan and southern fusion cuisine with African flavors featuring local ingredients. They offer brunch, burgers, tacos, salads, desserts, and more. The most popular item is their BBQ cauliflower.
•Slab BBQ: One of the best BBQ spots in South Shore, as shown on ABC 7 News. From St. Louise-style ribs to turkey legs and candied yams, you can’t go wrong.
•Surf’s Up: Casual seafood that’s a local chain and a Black-owned business. Enjoy delicious meal combos, like large shrimp with cheese grits, catfish po-boys with garlic fries and in-house “surf” sauce, or sweet fried biscuits for dessert.
Because South Shore is diverse, you’ll find a wide variety of delicious dining options available.
Why Residents Love Living In South Shore Chicago
There are many benefits of living in South Shore. Here are some of the best advantages the South Shore community offers its residents.
Plenty of Access to the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
With many public transportation options in South Shore, getting around Chicago is made simple. Whether you’re traveling from South Shore to Chicago or commuting for work, there are multiple public transit stations throughout this neighborhood.
Popular public transit options within South Shore include:
•South Shore Metra station via the Orange Line
•Windsor Park Metra station via the Orange Line
•Jeffrey & 72nd St bus stop via Buses 5, 15, and 95
•75th St & Phillips bus stop via Buses 5, 15, and 95
Public transit is also within walking distance, and many bike rentals are located throughout the area, so you can skip driving. If you prefer to drive, South Shore has close access to Lake Shore Drive, which is a main expressway while traveling along Lake Michigan’s shoreline and various beaches.
Diverse Community
As one of Chicago’s South Side neighborhoods, South Shore is truly a diverse community. Residents can locally experience various cultures, cuisines, and traditions they may not have before.
South Shore is a historically African American neighborhood with various European, Asian, and Latino nationalities that moved here as immigrants in the late 1880s. It has a predominantly working to upper-middle class with wide-ranging age groups. Some of the largest demographics include Black, Jewish, Irish, and Islamic residents.
Lakefront and Cityscape Views
Since South Shore is located along Chicago’s shoreline, it has stunning views of the city’s skyline and Lake Michigan. Whenever you want to escape from the fast-paced city, you can always unwind in the beautiful natural landscape South Shore offers.
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Our Oglesby Towers Apartments in South Shore offer unique amenities, including wall-to-wall closets and oversized windows, featuring beautiful lakefront and skyline views with available balconies.
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