Beaches
BEST VIEWS IN TOWN!
Some of the best views in town may be found in a Madison park. Take in a year-round sunrise or sunset from the shores of Lake Monona and Mendota at any one of more than a dozen beaches.
BEACH SEASON
Beach swimming season is typically Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. This is when PHMDC tests the lake water quality and Parks staff clean and maintain 12 designated beaches. Swimming ropes are provided at a number of the beaches.
RESTROOMS
Beach restrooms are open daily approx. 11am to 7pm, May 27 - Sept. 8. This is an extended season, due to the weather and staffing availability to continue daily cleaning. See RESTROOMS to view locations.
LAKE WATER QUALITY
Public Health Madison & Dane County performs lake water quality testing typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day. In 2023, due to warmer temps are expected into early September. For this reason and in partnership with Madison Parks, PHMDC is extending water quality testing through at least Sept. 8 for designated City of Madison beaches.
Water quality test results are automatically posted on this page with "OK" or "CLOSED." If CLOSED, the beach area and park remain open but the water is closed for swimming. If OK, the water quality is approved for swimming, however, it does not mean a lifeguard is on duty.
RULES
Dogs are prohibited in all designated beach areas. Before your beach visit, please read the RULES.
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B.B. Clarke Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 835 Spaight St.Closed
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.Closed
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.Closed
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 WayClosed
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.Closed
Restroom: No
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.Closed
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 AvenueClosed
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.Closed
Restroom: No
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 WayClosed
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: No
Lifeguard: No
Spring Harbor Beach Details -
Vilas Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 1501 Vilas Park Dr.Closed
Restroom: Yes
Drinking Water: Yes
Parking: Parking Lot
Amenities: Picnic Tables
Swim Ropes: Yes
Lifeguard: Yes
Lifeguard Schedule: Saturday, Sunday, Monday, 11:00am - 7:00pm, 09/02/2023 - 09/04/2023
Vilas Beach Details -
Warner Beach
Public Health Water Testing:Address: 1101 Woodward Dr.Closed
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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Facilities
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Beach
- Biking
- Boat Launch
- Boat Mooring
- Botanical Garden
- Canoe & Kayak Launch Sites
- Canoe & Kayak Rental
- Canoe & Kayak Storage
- Cemetery
- Conservation Park
- Cricket
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Disc Golf
- Dogs in Parks
- Fireplace
- Fishing
- Football
- Golf
- Hiking
- Historical Feature
- Horseshoe/Bocce
- Ice Skating
- Lacrosse
- Open Field
- Parking Lot
- Pickleball
- Playground
- Pool
- Recreation Center
- Restroom
- Scenic Overlook
- Shelters & Pavilions
- Skate Park
- Sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Splash Park
- Tennis
- Ultimate Frisbee
- Volleyball