Osterman Beach
Chicago, IL
Osterman Beach, still known to most Chicagoans as Hollywood Beach, sits at 5800 N. Lake Shore Drive in Edgewater. It was renamed in 1993 for the late Edgewater alderman Kathy Osterman. Every spring and summer it's the heart of Chicago's LGBTQ beach scene, with dancing, volleyball, and big crowds on warm weekends, while the north end stays quieter for families.
A lively, welcoming beach with a true community scene, though it's crowded on hot weekends.
How we score beachesThe south end near Hollywood Avenue is the social scene; head north for a calmer family spot.
Limited paid and street parking; the Bryn Mawr Red Line stop is a short walk.
Paved paths from Lake Shore Drive and the lakefront trail lead to the sand.
Summer weekends are packed, especially around Pride in June. Lifeguards are on duty 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in season.
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