Gay beach chicago

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The beach is part of a larger park expansion and features a beach house with amenities such as bike rentals and restrooms.

gay beach chicago

So it’s perhaps no surprise that you will find many beaches along the shores of Lake Michigan and with Chicago having such a large gay population, of course there is now a gay beach in Chicago.

This is actually one of my favorite gay beaches, when I visited it was super busy, the vibe was fun and the water crystal clear and perfect for a swim.

Here’s everything you need to know about the gay beach in Chicago:

Gay Beach in Chicago

The gay beach in Chicago is commonly called Hollywood gay beach, although it is officially called Kathy Osterman Beach – typing in either name to Google maps will get you to the right place.

Kathy Osterman was a huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights here in Chicago, that may be the reason the gay chose this to become their beach (but I can’t be sure!).

How to get to the Gay Beach in Chicago

To get to this gay beach in Chicago, I found Uber quite reasonable around the city which will take you right to the entrance.

It also has a nightlife to rival New York, the dynamism of LA and a gay past to match San Francisco’s.

Friendly gay scene

The scene is devoid of snobbishness and it’s less ring-fenced between various gay tribes than elsewhere. Here, bears, twinks, grizzlies and musclemen will all make you feel at home, whatever your preferences and predilections.

Beach Destination?

Yes

To cap it all, with a total of 36 kms of lakeside beaches and summer temperatures equal to those in the Mediterranean, Chicago can rightly lay claim to being a major beach destination waiting to be discovered.

Read more about Gay Chicago, plan a gay wedding in Chicago and plan a gay honeymoon in the USA.

Chicago Map

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The local bus will also take you right to the entrance of the beach and for the metro, the nearest station is Bryn Mawr (about a 9 minute walk from the beach).

Once you have been dropped off by your taxi/bus, walk toward the beach.

Like all gay beaches, there is a specific area where the gays set up camp.

The closer you get to this mast, the gayer the beach becomes, simple.

Do people go cruising at the Gay Beach in Chicago?

I know you are thinking this question, so I am going to go ahead and answer. This man-made beach along Lake Michigan offers a serene retreat with soft sands and picturesque waterfront views.

This makes Foster Avenue Beach not just a recreational spot but also a part of the city's vibrant cultural landscape.

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Gay Beach Chicago Guide: In all honestly, I was not expecting to find a gay beach in Chicago. As you face the sea, you want to walk towards the right.

This is an easy area to find as you should be able to see the rainbow painted ‘mast’ sticking out to sea on a pier.

While Foster Avenue Beach can be less crowded than some other beaches in the area, it still provides ample space for relaxation and activities like swimming and picnicking. It offers a tranquil setting for relaxation, recreational activities, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. After all, the city is not on the coast.

However, Lake Michigan, which Chicago sits alongside, is huge!

The beach's accessibility features, like an ADA-accessible beach walk and nearby parking, make it an enjoyable destination for all visitors.
The area around Foster Avenue Beach is also rich in historical and cultural significance, being part of the larger Lincoln Park, which is one of Chicago's oldest public parks. Visitors can also enjoy nearby attractions, including trapeze performances from the Get a Grip Trapeze School.
Foster Avenue Beach is ideal for those seeking a less crowded beach experience in Chicago.

Yes! Shocking I know…

Even though this beach is right near the road, there is a bushy area between the road and the beach where things were indeed going on – obviously you are not allowed to go on such adventures but people still do.

Equally, it’s not a nud3 beach as I don’t think that is allowed here, but I did see some people sunbathing with nothing on in their little beach tents.

Facilities

There were toilets, changing facilities etc at the beach and because it is right on the edge of town, you will find plenty of shops etc nearby if you want snacks.

For more gay travel in Chicago, check out my Complete Gay Guide to Chicago or if you want to head straight for the gay bars after the gay beach, check out these gay bars in Chicago.

Need a hotel near the gay beach?

Chicago does not come to mind as an immediate gay destination, but that it’s a big shame, because this is a metropolis that will appeal to everyone.

The city has a skyline to rival Manhattan, art in museums and public squares, jazz, pop and dance music aplenty and a superlative theatre tradition.

Best LGBTQ+ Beaches in Chicago

Foster Avenue Beach is a family-friendly haven located at 5200 N. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago's historic Lincoln Park neighborhood.