Beaches

Beach Season Updates
As of Thursday, May 22, 2025
- Due to the unseasonable cool air and water temperatures, Parks staff have not yet installed lane lines and swim buoys at their designated locations. We anticipate these will be installed by Friday, May 30.
- Public Health Madison and Dane County water quality testing at designated beaches will begin next week.
Beach swimming season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is when Parks staff clean and maintain designated beaches and sites with restrooms are open from approximately 11am to 7pm daily. See RESTROOMS to view locations. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches and indicated on this page. No lifeguards are on duty.
Lake Water Quality Testing
Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing starting around Memorial Day and continuing through around Labor Day. Water quality test results are automatically posted on this page and signal whether the water in the swimming area is "OK" or "CLOSED." The beach area and park remain open. If OK, the water quality is approved for swimming, however, it does not mean a lifeguard is on duty.
Accessiblity
Thanks to funding provided by the Madison Parks Foundation, accessible beach mats are available at Bernie's and Vilas beaches.
Rules
The following rules apply to designated beaches and beach areas.- No dogs are allowed on the sand or in the roped swim area.
- Only US Coast Guard-approved lifejackets are allowed.
- Alcohol is allowed at certain beaches; see Park Rules for further details.
- Children under 5 years of age must be actively supervised (watching your child at all times and providing immediate assistance) by a caregiver 16 years of age or over.
- Toys are allowed, but the use of toys may be restricted for the safety of patrons.
- The City of Madison is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
- Boats are not allowed in the swimming area. The swim area is defined by the outer buoys.
- Fishing is not allowed in the swimming area.
-
B.B. Clarke Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 835 Spaight St.OK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Street Parking
Amenities: Playground
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
B.B. Clarke Beach Details -
Bernie's Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 901 Gilson St.OK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Street Parking
Amenities: Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Bernie's Beach Details -
Brittingham Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 701 W. Brittingham Pl.OK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Playground
Swim Ropes: No
Lifeguard: No
Brittingham Beach Details -
Esther Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 2802 Waunona WayOK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Picnic Tables, Playground
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Esther Beach Details -
James Madison Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 614 E. Gorham St.OK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Street Parking
Amenities: Picnic Tables, Playground, Volleyball
Swim Ropes: No
Lifeguard: No
James Madison Beach Details -
Marshall Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 2101 Allen Blvd.OK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Playground, Volleyball
Swim Ropes: No
Lifeguard: No
Marshall Beach Details -
Olbrich Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 3527 Atwood AvenueOK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Rental, Concessions, Picnic Tables, Volleyball
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Olbrich Beach Details -
Olin Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 1156 Olin-Turville Ct.OK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Boat Ramp, Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: No
Lifeguard: No
Olin Beach Details -
Spring Harbor Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 1918 Norman WayOK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Spring Harbor Beach Details -
Tenney Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 1330 Sherman Ave.OK
Restroom: No
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Picnic Tables, Playground, Volleyball
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Tenney Beach Details -
Vilas Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 1501 Vilas Park Dr.OK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Vilas Beach Details -
Warner Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 1101 Woodward Dr.OK
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Boat Ramp, Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: No
Warner Beach Details
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