The One Pristine Inland Beach In Illinois That Will Make You Swear You're On The Coast
By Linze Rice|Published June 27, 2023
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Linze Rice
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Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
When you think of the Prairie State, the words “tropical beach” probably aren’t front of mind. Yet, some of Illinois’ inland waterways can (at least mentally) transport you to the relaxing coastal scenes we often dream of. I discovered this firsthand while living in the Windy City — a place known for its skyscrapers — but it is also home to what I believe is the best beach in Chicago, Illinois, and possibly the entire state.
Let’s take a look!
Hidden along the shores of Lake Michigan in the Far North Side neighborhood of Edgewater is a sparkling, pristine beach nestled within a wall of high-rise condos and lush parkland.
Linze Rice
Kathy Osterman Beach — also known as Hollywood Beach or Ardmore Beach — is found just beyond the very northernmost part of North Jean-Baptiste Pointe DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Immediately upon entering, the mood of the beach transports you to what feels like another world.
Linze Rice
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Although Chicago's iconic skyline is just around the corner, a view of Lake Michigan from the sandy shore here has more in common with a tropical paradise than an industrial city.
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One of my favorite parts of the beach is its sand bars and its crystal-clear waters...
Linze Rice
...and I mean really crystal clear. The soft sand is mostly free of debris — plus there are no jellyfish, sharks, crabs, or stingrays to worry about encountering.
Even on a cloudy or rainy day, the beach feels like a seaside resort town.
Linze Rice
On a slow day, I would often bring my laptop and work from the beach, enjoying the airplanes as they flew overhead toward O'Hare International Airport.
Linze Rice
A major bonus: free Wi-Fi and public bathrooms!
And on busy days, the beach comes alive with music, coolers, volleyball, families, and
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A popular spot at the beach is Hollywood Pier, a long rainbow-inspired pier you can walk down for incredible views of the lake and Chicago skyline. In the evening, a watercolor sky evokes a feeling of peace and calm as seagulls fly overhead.
Linze Rice
And once the sun sets, the beach's beauty transforms into a reflection of the sky's magnificent colors while lights from the condo buildings sparkle like stars.
Linze Rice
So, do you think Kathy Osterman Beach/Hollywood Beach is the best beach in Chicago, Illinois? Where’s your favorite spot to dip into Lake Michigan? Know of another amazing Illinois beach? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your visit by checking out the Chicago Park District website, and make sure to stop by this delicious Edgewater restaurant that’s right on the way to the beach!
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