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Beaches and Harbors
Chicago's 29 miles of lakefront boasts more than half a dozen beaches in the Gay Games competition areas, offering everything from serene, sandy paradises, to hip, urban spectacles. The Hollywood Avenue Beach, known as the City's gay beach, is a beautiful expanse of blue water, with volleyball nets and sunbathers dotting the pristine white sand. Located at the beginning of the lakefront bike path, with skyline views and historic sites, the Hollywood Beach is the perfect place to relax and cool off after competitions.
Located in the Lakefront Sports Village, the North Avenue Beach offers arguably the best view of the city, kayaking, swimming, bike paths, and outdoor chess. Also in the Lakefront Village, is the trendy Oak Street Beach, with great people watching, and a favorite stretch of water for triathaletes in training. Nestled into the North Sports Village are two private Evanston Township Beaches, steps from Northwestern University, with gentle rolling sands, and wooded walking paths. The South Sports Village offers one of the jewels in Chicago's park system, the 63rd Street Beach in Jackson Park, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Located in one of Chicago's most culturally diverse neighborhoods, the 63rd Street Beach is famed for its historic beach house, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead to coincide with the 1893 World Columbian Exposition.
The Chicago Park District's nine lakefront harbors stretch from Lincoln Park in the northern part of the city to Jackson Park in the south, including Belmont Harbor, site of the Gay Games sailing competition. With accommodations for more than 5,000 boats, the Chicago Park District Harbors constitute the nation's largest municipal harbor system and feature state-of-the-art floating docks, moorings, star docks, fuel facilities and other amenities for Chicago boaters and their guests.
Visit the website of the Chicago Parks District for more information on Chicago's beaches and harbors.
Northside
North Avenue Beach - Located in Lakefront Village
Foster Avenue Beach
Hollywood Beach
Loyola Beach
Southside
Jackson Park Beach - Located in South Village
Downtown
Oak Street Beach - Located near The Hub
Navy Pier Beach - Located near The Hub
Evanston
Northwestern Campus Lakefront - Located in North Village
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