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Chicago had over 60 million tourists in 2019, and as Covid-19 subsides, the numbers are getting closer to that again.
You may be one of the many people thinking about visiting Chicago this summer! If you are, you may want to learn more about the fun things to do in Chicago so that you can create a list and get on it!
Ready to learn about what you should do? Check out these top 6 things that we think are the best things to do when you visit Chicago!
Happy exploring!
1. Go to an Event
There are so many things to do in Chicago and going to an event is one of the most popular because there are always so many things going on.
But what do we mean by events? Well, there is always something happening! You could try out a music or art festival, a food festival, a wine or beer event, a concert, and so much more.
You can learn more about this area’s events so that you know which to choose depending on your own schedule!
2. Have a Lazy Beach Day
While there are so many Chicago attractions that you could go and see, that’s not always something that you want to do! You may want to have a rest day or some downtime. If that’s the case, you’ll want to have a lazy day at the beach.
The best part is that it’s not like your normal beach day because you’re in the North and you are on a lake rather than an ocean! This makes the vibe feel just a bit different – and it’s nice to enjoy some fresh water every now and again as well!
There are so many beaches that you can choose from:
- Oak Street Beach
- Rainbow Beach and Park
- North Avenue Beach
- Margaret T. Burroughs Beach
- Kath Osterman Beach
And there are so many other beaches in the area that you would love to enjoy as well.
3. Satisfy the Foodie in You
Chicago has some of the best food in the country (we may be biased – but we do love it!).
And there are so many restaurants that have great views as well. Whether you want to go to a rooftop, dine on the waterfront, or just simply sit outside on one of the many streets of Chicago, there are many different options for you.
If you want to try out some of our favorites, you’ll want to check out these restaurants on the waterfront for some of the best waterfront dining you’ll get:
- Pizzeria Portofino
- RPM Seafood
- Raised
- Gibsons Italia
- Robert’s Pizza & Dough Co.
- The Kitchen
Make sure you try out some of the restaurants that aren’t on the water as well to mix it up a bit. And don’t forget to try some of the nicer restaurants spread throughout the city as well – you won’t regret it.
4. Take a Boat Tour
Chicago is a really unique city because the Chicago River goes right through it. It’s not often that you see a river go right through a city with large skyscrapers right next to it on both sides.
Not only is there a river, but Lake Michigan offers unparalleled views of the city for you to take in all the city views. From the skyline to the amazing architecture to thinking about the culture and the history of the city, seeing the view from the Lake is not to be missed.
Related article: 5 Tips for Preparing for Your National Park Trip
That is why taking a boat tour is such a great idea! You can do a boat tour on the river or you can choose to go out onto Lake Michigan. They are both different experiences, but you truly cannot go wrong!
5. Take a Stroll Around a Museum
There are many different museums that you can visit in Chicago. Whether it is a rainy day or a really hot day during the summer, going into a museum is a great idea.
There are also often galleries and pop-ups during the summer months that are great to visit as well.
Depending on the type of museums that you like, you can check out the following:
- Medieval Torture Museum
- Museum of Illusions Chicago
- Field Museum
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
Take some time to explore these and then continue to add more museums to the list!
6. Go on a Day Trip
If you want to go on a day trip from Chicago, there are so many options to do that as well. Chicago is front and center, so there are many areas around it to visit.
For starters, you could head on over to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to tour around the heart of this city. Or, you could visit Fennville, Michigan to visit Michigan’s fruit belt.
If you want to go to a different state, you could try out South Bend, Indiana to explore the many art murals and some Notre Dame football if you’re a fan!
Things to Do in Chicago This Summer
There are always so many things to do in Chicago during the summertime! From going to an exciting art festival to spending time on the water with a boat tour, there are endless options. You definitely won’t be bored – that’s for sure!
Did you enjoy learning about the endless things to do in Chicago? Well, once you have your summer in Chicago, check out our other articles to learn more about other areas that are great places to be as well!
