Ah, Lake Bluff beach, the one that most kids pass while boating and ask their parents, “Mommy, what beach is that?” Honestly, it’s a compliment to the Village’s beach that it’s even worthy enough to have this conversation.

Lake Forest beach has it all: playgrounds to enjoy, paddleboard and sailboat storage to take advantage of, volleyball nets, stairs to get a workout in for junkies like myself, and even a spot to check out books for crying out loud.

While Lake Bluff Beach is about as long as a football field, Lake Forest beach offers some distance and actual space to enjoy. Lake Forest is ready for those summer days when the beach is busy as there’s enough space for all to enjoy. However, had that same crowd showed up to Lake Bluff, there’d have to be a standing room only on Center Avenue by their cars parked miles down the road.

With two pavilions accompanied by scenic fireplaces, an adult beach, a boat dock, and multiple playgrounds, Lake Forest beach is perfect for anyone. Parents hoping to enjoy an evening dinner, adults looking for some peace and quiet, Dads who want nothing more than a day on the water, and even screaming kids looking for a swingset to calm their emotions can make different use of Lake Forest beach.

Personally, I’ve only been to the Lake Bluff beach a few times, seemingly always to get extra credit for my enviro class. By the way, the extra credit typically consisted of cleaning up the beach and hopelessly attempting to add some aesthetic appeal. Fitting how the only way they can get kids there is to offer service hours. While I’d love to expand my beach diversity, it’s tough to make the trip to the 60044 when there’s literally no excuse to go there.

Without a harbor, boat owners must travel to Lake Forest or Waukegan to set sail on a nice, summer day. However, if you’d rather not use the nice and up-to-date Lake Forest boat ramp, you can travel to the Navy Base with the Bluffers who have no other option. Without a parking lot near the beach, visitors are required to snatch a spot on Center Avenue and make the treacherous hike to the waterfront. Without a concession stand, Bluffers are forced to starve themselves while attempting to enjoy a nice day on the sand.

Literally the only reason why one would go to the Lake Bluff beach is because it’s not as populated. Seems ironic to argue that the beach without as many people wanting to attend is better because of that very fact.

It’s also worth noting that when someone asks to head to “the beach,” it’s implied by everyone that Lake Forest beach is the destination spot. In reality, Lake Bluff beach is just a glorified private beach that a homeowner on Lake Road may have to themselves, except the whole community is supposed to use it.

Who has the better beach?

• Lake Forest
• Lake Bluff

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