Lake Forest Beach image

Lake Forest Beach

Bar Public beach Beach pavillion

😠 Please note, it's $25 per person to even enter for nonresidents. So not only is there no parking, you have to pay 25 dollars for each person to even walk down to the beach. People often mention beach, walk, Lake, parking, residents,


Address

Lake Forest, IL 60045

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (145 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beach (23) walk (8) Lake (8) parking (7) residents (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Robert Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Please note, it's $25 per person to even enter for nonresidents. So not only is there no parking, you have to pay 25 dollars for each person to even walk down to the beach.
    17 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Trina S. 10 months ago on Google
    This beach IS NOT a public beach as categorize in the maps. We were visiting family up in Vernon Hills and planned to visit the Lake Forest beach to kill time until we were supposed to meet them. I searched the map since we are driving more tahn 1 hour away to see our family. We choose this because of the playground for my son in the beach itself just in case he wants to play rather than to play the sand. I am familiar with the areas at the lake side being it a affluent neighborhood but didn't think about the beaches being the sole ownership by the city/village with extreme restrictions for non residents. I do not know the law regarding who can have access to the Lake if it is not a private lot but I thought the State of IL bears the ownership and it will be benefit to all residents like the State of California who owns the beaches.The beach is "owned" by the Lake Forest park district and charges the public who are not residents of Lake Forest to enter the beach. I was fine to pay but what my surprised was, only people with Lake forest stickers can park on the parking lot in the beach, no allowed parking in the streets close to it either. The attendants instructed us that the parking for outsiders is in a church a few miles away and will walk ~10 mins to the beach,walk downstairs and pay $25/each person even with my 3 year old have to pay the same amount. I mean, I am ok to pay to use the amenities since we drove that far but to walk that far because they won't allow you to use the parking lot by the beach and pay that much, I said thank you but no thanks. I felt that they were discouraging the public to use the beach or allowing people to come to the area by jacking up the entrance fee and other restrictions just because it is a affluent neighborhood. So we drove more North and ended in Lake bluff beach, the attendants were more friendlier, there were street parking for the public very close to the entrance and pay $15 /each adults and $10/kids entry fee.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ralphie & R. 1 year ago on Google
    The ambiance was incredibly serene, making it the perfect spot for a walk along the shore. The highlight for me was the playground located right on the beach – it was simply awesome! One thing to note is that the beach seems to be exclusive to residents, which can be seen as a downside for non-residents. However, I can understand why it's a major upside for residents, as having a private beach would be an incredible selling point. The exclusivity certainly adds to the overall sense of privacy. Another noteworthy aspect of Lake Forest Beach is its cleanliness. The beach was immaculate, indicating a high level of care and maintenance. It's always refreshing to visit a beach that is well-kept and inviting. If you're fortunate enough to have access, it's definitely worth taking advantage of this hidden gem!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Bojan K. 9 months ago on Google
    $25 per person and parking is 30 minutes walk from the beach. Nice beach but not worth it to come back, and I guess that was their point, to find the way how to avoid non residents. Pure amrcn way, shame on you.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Quan N. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful private beach .. my daughter will love it for the next 4 years at Lake Forest College
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David G. 3 years ago on Google
    Very foggy today but the spot is beautiful. You have to have a lake forest city sticker to park or pay 125.00. Per year
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MA P. 10 months ago on Google
    You need a city sticker or permit to park at the beach. You can walk but from downtown it’s a long walk. Beach is clean and facilities are fabulous.

  • 5/5 Kristine P. 10 months ago on Google
    It was a windy day so we couldn't swim but it was a gorgeous day nonetheless. Beautiful beach, had a snack and played at the playground with the kids.

  • 4/5 Grace S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful but must pay if you aren’t a resident. If you got dropped off, you could enjoy the nice beach without a price. Another bad thing - you aren’t allowed to go on the rocks. I went on them anyway.

  • 5/5 Steve K. 10 months ago on Google
    Fantastic

  • 5/5 Gio C. 8 months ago on Google • 17 reviews
    Beautifully beautiful!


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