Chicago North Side Tour - North Ave. Beach

In order to get to my personal favorite beach, North Avenue Beach, one must again get off at Fullerton and walk through the actual park that gives name to Lincoln Park.

It was particularly warm this day (90 degrees and above, with humidity since I was near the lake), so a lot of people walked around in shorts and tank tops. This woman in front of me (I was amused by this so I took a picture) didn't realize that her undergarments were sticking out of her clothes. Another thing you might notice is that both women are carrying large bags (tote bags) -- these are in style right now and are everywhere.

The actual Lincoln Park is approximately 1-2 miles away from the El station. Once there, it's hard to avoid these little ones -- geese -- they're everywhere, and so are their droppings, so one has to be vigilant or risk stinky shoes.

Lincoln Park is home to a free zoo. The zoo is pretty small, with only maybe 30 different animals (compared to Brookfield Zoo which is huge and has hundreds or maybe thousands of different species). However, Lincoln Park Zoo is popular with tourists and visitors to the area.

As I continue my trip down to North Avenue Beach, I can't help but admire the Chicago skyline view from the park.

That is the bridge I must cross in order to get to the lakefront. The bridge goes over Lake Shore Drive (suitably named as it runs along the lake).

Beginning to see the beach (3 miles approx. from El stop).

Don't look down from the bridge if you're afraid of heights -- or eight lane highways and speeding cars traveling below.

Cars parked at the beach

The beach from afar.

The BEACH! Up close. I love this particular beach because it's usually packed with people in the summer, has nice views of sailboats and yachts, and has really pretty sand.

And the trip continues....

Next stop: Michigan Avenue -- where people go to shop 'til they drop.