Best LGBTQ+ Beaches in Chicago

Located in Chicago’s neighborhood of Uptown, Montrose Beach – also known as Montrose Avenue Beach – is a popular beach with light brown sand and a nearby curved cement pier.  Montrose Beach is a part of a larger recreational park named Lincoln Park.

Montrose Beach has been listed as one of the “The 9 best beaches in Chicago for a taste of the lake life” by Lonely Planet magazine and it was also listed as one of the “The 25 best Chicago beaches” by Time Out Chicago magazine.  It is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.  Montrose Beach is open from 6 am to 11 pm.

North Avenue Beach, located in Chicago's Lincoln Park, is a vibrant and picturesque destination known for its stunning views of the city skyline. The beach is situated at 1600 N. Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive (formerly North Avenue and Lake Michigan), making it easily accessible by car or public transportation. Its unique ocean liner-inspired beach house offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants and rental services for activities like volleyball and kayaking. The beach is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, attracting large crowds during the annual Air and Water Show. With its revitalized beachfront and walking trails, North Avenue Beach provides a mix of leisure activities and stunning vistas.

The beach area is highly regarded for its recreational opportunities, making it a hub for joggers, bicyclists, and those enjoying water sports. The upper decks of the beach house provide excellent viewpoints for watching the bustling lakefront activities or simply taking in the beautiful horizon. North Avenue Beach is truly a central point for outdoor activities and relaxation, offering something for everyone during all seasons.

During the peak summer months, the beach is equipped with a wide range of amenities, including restrooms and showers, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors.

Foster Avenue Beach is a family-friendly haven located at 5200 N. Lake Shore Drive in Chicago's historic Lincoln Park neighborhood. This man-made beach along Lake Michigan offers a serene retreat with soft sands and picturesque waterfront views. 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. The beach is part of a larger park expansion and features a beach house with amenities such as bike rentals and restrooms. 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. It offers a tranquil setting for relaxation, recreational activities, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. 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. This makes Foster Avenue Beach not just a recreational spot but also a part of the city's vibrant cultural landscape.