Attractions and Activities
Be wowed by city sights
Grant Park
Proudly referred to as "Chicago's Front Yard," Grant Park totals 313 acres and is located in Chicago’s central business district, just one block from the Hilton Chicago. A city centerpiece much like New York’s Central Park, Grant Park is home to some of Chicago's most iconic landmarks and attractions. The park includes the Chicago Museum Campus, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium, along with a portion of Millennium Park. Grant Park's centerpiece is the Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, built in 1927 to provide a monumental focal point while protecting the park's breathtaking lakefront views.
Chicago Museum Campus
The setting of the Museum Campus couldn’t be lovelier — three Beaux-Arts-inspired buildings perched on the shores of Lake Michigan. Surrounded by lush parks and gardens, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium (the oldest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, by the way), sit side by side, beckoning lovers of ancient civilizations, undersea worlds, and amazing universes.
A couple of things not to be missed: Máximo the Titanosaur (the largest creature ever known to man) and SUE the T. rex at the Field Museum; sharks, belugas, stingrays, sea otters, and sea lions at the Shedd; and high-powered stargazing at the Adler’s "Doane at Dusk."
Millennium Park
Located in the heart of downtown, Millennium Park is home to the iconic Cloud Gate statue (aka “The Bean”), interactive fountains, tranquil gardens, free events, public art, skating rinks, rock climbing, and plenty of green space.
Millennium Park offers a busy calendar of public events all year round, including the beloved Summer Music Series and Summer Film Series, when you can grab a seat on the Great Lawn and enjoy a free show under the stars. The park is also home to annual festivals, including the Grant Park Music Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and Chicago Gourmet. In the summer, the park also hosts outdoor workouts, including free yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and tai chi classes.
Navy Pier
Navy Pier is a must-see Chicago destination. This family-friendly attraction has endless options for things to see and do, including scenic boat rides, summer fireworks displays, local food favorites, the largest rooftop bar in the country, free outdoor music, indoor gardens, carnival rides, and so much more.
The Centennial Wheel at Pier Park is one of Navy Pier’s most recognizable sights. This nearly 200-foot ride, inspired by the world’s first Ferris wheel that debuted at Chicago’s World Fair, consists of climate-controlled gondolas that take you soaring above the lakefront. Another favorite: summer fireworks displays every Wednesday and Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. They’re especially jaw-dropping when watched from the deck of one of Navy Pier’s many cruise boats.
Other options when visiting the Pier: Catching a play at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, enjoying live music in the Navy Pier Beer Garden, having a cocktail at Offshore Rooftop, and exploring the Chicago Children’s Museum.
Chicago Observation Decks
Chicago boasts two adrenaline-pumping observation deck experiences, located in two of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. Skydeck at Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) invites you to literally step out on The Ledge, or rather a glass box that extends approximately 4 feet from the skyscraper’s facade, over 1,300 feet above ground level. TILT at 360 CHICAGO, located at 875 N. Michigan Ave. (formerly the John Hancock Center), tips you out and over The Magnificent Mile, and affords views of the city and Lake Michigan from 1,000 feet up.
Chicago Zoos
The Chicago area is fortunate to have not one, but two award-winning zoos. The Lincoln Park neighborhood is home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest and largest free zoos in the country, set in a scenic lakefront park. And nearby, you’ll find the Brookfield Zoo, another large zoo known for family-friendly events and cutting-edge animal care and conservation.
Soldier Field
Soldier Field may be best known as the home of the Chicago Bears, but the surrounding parkland also boasts a children's garden, the Soldier Field Colonnades (open and accessible to the public year-round), the Memorial Water Wall, and much more.
Chicago Riverwalk
Whether you’re in the mood to relax, party it up, or soak in the culture, the Chicago Riverwalk encompasses a variety of interests and experiences rolled into one. Sip wine on a riverside patio, or go island style under a canopy of light-strewn trees. Kayak the Riverwalk’s skyscraper canyon, take an architectural boat tour, or kick back on a tiki party boat. Visit a working bridgehouse and view the largest video-projected artwork in the world at Art on theMART. You can even immerse yourself in nature with a bit of pier fishing and birdwatching, right in the heart of downtown Chicago.
Chicago Beaches
Chicago is home to miles and miles of stunning lakefront beaches. Let the kids run and play at Foster Beach, rent a beachfront cabana at North Avenue Beach, or enjoy the skyline views at Rainbow Beach.
If you’re looking to get active on the water, you can rent a jet ski, kayak, paddleboard, or flyboard from Chicago Water Sport Rentals at 31st Street Harbor. Or embark on a kayak tour or paddleboard class with Urban Kayaks at Monroe Harbor.
Chicago's Vibrant Neighborhoods
Chicago is a city of unique neighborhoods, so no visit is complete without checking out one of its diverse enclaves. Each neighborhood has its own distinct culture, history, and vibe, so visitors are guaranteed to find one to spark their interest. Explore cultural history in Bronzeville or Chinatown, dive into the local dining scene in Logan Square or Pilsen, or surround yourself with nature in Lincoln Park or Garfield Park. No matter which you choose, you’ll get a slice of authentic Chicago life and spend the day living like a local.