Osterman Beach

Osterman Beach is a broad sandy beach in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, at 5800 N Lake Shore Dr. The beach faces Lake Michigan, a freshwater lake with no tides, and the sand is pale and soft. The water is usually clear to blue-green on calm days and stays cold through much of the summer. The shoreline is open and exposed to wind and waves from the east, and an area of the beach is used for surfing outside the guarded swimming season. A view back toward the downtown skyline gives the beach a scenic backdrop, and the atmosphere is relaxed and neighborly, drawing Edgewater residents, families and groups of friends rather than large tourist crowds. The beach is generally calmer than the central downtown beaches, which makes it suitable for people who want space to spread out. Amenities include seasonal lifeguards, restrooms and a seasonal concession. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, typically 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The beach sits on the Lakefront Trail, so walkers and cyclists can reach it from other parts of the shoreline. Public transit access is by the CTA Red Line to Bryn Mawr, followed by CTA Bus 84 Peterson or Bus 147 to the lake. Divvy bike stations and street parking in Edgewater may be available, but parking can be tight on warm weekends and public transit is the more dependable choice. Osterman Beach lies north of Foster Beach and Montrose Beach, so visitors exploring the north-side lakefront can pair several beaches in a single ride along the trail. The surrounding neighborhood offers cafes and restaurants on Broadway and Clark Street for a meal after the beach.