We mere persons look for isolation in a beach; the more room we have to spread out, the more we like it. But our canine companions love to rub elbows and this is the place for them to do it. The city’s first legal off-leash dog beach is large enough to welcome multiple stampeding packs of tennis-ball-chasing visitors, and it’s sufficiently owner-friendly to furnish free poop bags and a dog-wash zone. It’s open during regular Park District hours, and it’s always happy anarchy. Admission is free—though Dog Friendly Area (DFA) tags are required. You can get them from your vet for five bucks. (Robert Rodi) 4400 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-74-BEACH, chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.php/parks-facilities/montrose-beach
