Nature · Andersonville

Kathy Osterman Beach (Hollywood Beach)

Less than a ten-minute walk east of Clark Street, Kathy Osterman Beach — known to locals as Hollywood Beach — offers one of the most quietly spectacular Lake Michigan experiences on Chicago's North Side. Wide sand, gentle waves, and a lakefront trail that stretches for miles in both directions make this the neighbourhood's best-kept outdoor secret.

Book tickets & tours Check availability for Kathy Osterman Beach (Hollywood Beach) on Klook

Sand, Water & Skyline

The beach sits at the northern tip of Lincoln Park's lakefront system, which means it catches the full sweep of open water without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of Oak Street or North Avenue Beach further south. On a clear day the downtown skyline shimmers on the southern horizon — an iconic Chicago postcard you did not have to fight anyone for.

Foster Beach, just a short walk south, adds another stretch of sand and a seasonal café. Together they form a generous lakefront ribbon that rewards a long, unhurried afternoon.

The Lakefront Trail

The Lakefront Trail runs directly past the beach, connecting Andersonville's lakefront to the rest of the city's 18-mile continuous path. Cyclists, joggers, and rollerbladers share the route in a cheerful, well-organised flow — rent a Divvy bike from the station three blocks south of the Swedish American Museum and pedal the whole thing.

Sunrise at Kathy Osterman is genuinely spectacular: the sky turns pink and gold over the water while the city is still quiet, and you will likely have the sand almost entirely to yourself before 7 a.m.

Getting There & Practicalities

From the heart of Clark Street, walk east on Foster Avenue for about eight blocks (roughly 10–12 minutes on foot) and the lake appears at the end of the road like a reward. There is free parking in the beach lot on weekends, though it fills by mid-morning in summer.

The beach has lifeguards on duty during summer months, clean restroom facilities, and a seasonal concession stand. Water temperatures are swimmable from late June through early September.

Watch