Lakeview: Our Favorite Chicago Neighborhood in the Summer

If you live in Chicago, you know that summertime is truly when this midwestern city comes alive. With its fervent lakefront culture, Chicagoans far and wide love to take these months to relax, swim, and chat by the Lake Michigan beaches. 

One of our favorite neighborhoods in Chicago for summertime activities is Lakeview. Often celebrated for its outdoor spaces and proximity to the water, this neighborhood has plenty of other activities and perks that make summer a blast. Here’s a look at why Lakeview stands out, spotlighting transit convenience, green spaces, and summer events. 

Lakeview’s Allure in Summertime

So, what makes this neighborhood so special in the summer months? Lakeview’s appeal is rooted in its dynamic mix of urban amenities and closeness to the Lakefront Trail. Though on the north side, it’s only four miles north of downtown, balancing the city’s vibrancy with the easygoing feel of lakeside living. Whether strolling along tree‑lined streets, catching fireworks at Belmont Harbor, or watching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, Lakeview is an immensely inviting neighborhood during the summer. 

Green Spaces & Lakeside Fun

Lakeview’s landscape is defined by its generous green spaces, perfect for the sweltering heat of Chicago summers. With plenty of beaches, parks, and trails, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors on the north side. 

The Lakefront Trail is Lakeview’s central hub for outdoor life. This paved, multi-purpose trail runs parallel to Lake Michigan’s shore, with picturesque views, beaches, parks, and recreational areas for lounging and bird watching. Expect joggers, cyclists, and beach-goers enjoying Fullerton Beach, Belmont Harbor, and the grassy stretches in between for picnics and sunsets. 

Lincoln Park & North Pond

Though mostly in Lincoln Park, the North Pond is a perfect place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. With an expansive green oasis that peaks into Lakeview’s southeast corner, there’s plenty of space to lounge, picnic, and sunbathe by the scenic water. 

Near the North Pond, you can find the Lincoln Park Zoo, a conservatory, and breathtaking trails that circle the neighborhood. For those who like bird watching, North Pond is a biodiversity haven, with various birds, fish, turtles, and small mammals to watch and identify. If you need a more tranquil water source to lounge by, the North Pond will definitely do the trick. 

Belmont Harbor & AIDS Garden Chicago

Belmont Harbor is a summertime hive of activity: stunning views, picnic spots, boat-watching, and the poignant AIDS Garden. This memorial park features installations like a 30-foot Keith Haring sculpture, commemorating the LGBTQ folks who lost their life during the HIV epidemic. To the east of the sculptures are the striking concrete steps of Belmont Harbor, where locals like to sunbathe and jump into the refreshing Lake Michigan waters. 

Getting Around Lakeview in the Summertime

Lakeview’s proximity to many CTA stations makes it an excellent neighborhood for maximizing your outdoor activities. The neighborhood has six train stops from the Red, Brown, and Purple Lines, including the Addison, Belmont, Paulina, and Sheridan stops. The Belmont station alone handles over two million riders a year, ensuring that summer adventures are only a short ride away. 

Easy Bus Commutes

Living in Lakeview often means ditching the car. With a bus stop just a block or two away, most commutes take fifteen to twenty minutes to downtown. Buses like the 36 on Broadway, the 22 on Clark, and the 76 Diversey can help you move from north and south neighborhoods or towards the beach. Whether you’re going to work or heading to a charming green space, these buses can quicken your commute. 

Bike & Ped Path Paradise

Beyond public transit, Lakeview is a great place to be a cyclist. Dedicated bike lanes on major streets combined with the iconic 18-mile Lakefront Trail can make biking both scenic and effortless. The beautiful lakeside route runs north‑south through Lakeview between Fullerton and Irving Park, offering a car-free path for commuting or leisure.  

There are plenty of Divvy bike stations around the neighborhood for those who don’t own a bike. Accessing these bikes through an app makes maneuvering around Lakeview quick and easy, especially during the warm, sunny months.  

Summer Events & Cultural Buzz

When it comes to arts and culture, Lakeview pulses with summer energy. The Belmont Theater District hosts around 150 weekly performances, ranging from comedy at Laugh Factory to indie films at the Music Box Theatre. Various seasonal festivals like art walks and street festivals showcase the neighborhood’s creative residents, typically highlighting local bands, artists, and small businesses.

Bonuses like pop-ups, public concerts, and movie nights at Gallagher Way elevate the summer Chicago vibe. Plus, weekend farmer’s markets like the Green City Market are perfect for finding seasonal produce and iced drinks to cool down.

Tips for Making the Most of Lakeview This Summer

Now that you know what to look out for this summer, here are some things to note that can help you elevate your summer fun: 

• Bike Around: Grab a Divvy or your own bike and cruise the Lakefront Trail early to beat crowds and enjoy the sunrise.
  
• Catch a Show: If you’re catching a movie or an improv show, book ahead of time since summer schedules may sell out quickly.
  
• Check the Chamber of Commerce Calendar: Visit the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce website to see what events are coming up in your area.
  
• Sunset by the Harbor: Pack snacks and drinks and watch the skyline glow from the Belmont Harbor pier.
• Enjoy the Beach: Not a fan of the concrete steps? Head north to Montrose Beach for a real beach experience. 

Lakeview truly delivers the magic of a summer paradise within Chicago’s city limits. With seamless transit, expansive green spaces, cultural diversity, and endless seasonal activity, it’s no wonder locals love Lakeview during the summer months. Whether you’re biking along the lake, catching a comedy show, or savoring a lakeside picnic, Lakeview’s blend of accessibility and scenic beauty can make every summer day a splendid and unforgettable time.