Chicago in the winter is not a pleasant place to be, with icy winds whistling off frozen Lake Michigan. However, summer in the Windy City is a completely different destination with daily warm weather and a balmy lake breeze. Book a stay in the middle of downtown Chicago at the gorgeous and contemporary Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel and leave your car parked while you walk to most tourist sites, or use the readily available public transportation.
There is plenty to do in the city, but start by purchasing a Go Chicago Card online, which offers discounts on twenty different attractions and tours.
Chicago River by Martijen Scheepers via trover.com
Chicago Foundation Architecture Tour
Be sure to arrive early for this very popular tour since it may be a little difficult to find as it leaves from a dock area on the river. Sit on the top-level for the best view, but wear a hat and bring bottled water as the sun in summer can be very hot on this tour. Have your camera ready to capture some of the most interesting architecture in Chicago on this narrated and fascinating tour.
Chicago Beach by Sarah Pfenning via trover.com
Lake Michigan Beaches
Surprisingly, for a major metropolitan city, Chicago has several beautiful and well maintained beaches. One of the best kept secret beaches, however, is Kathy Osterman Beach. Considered to be part of Lincoln Park, this lovely, crescent-shaped beach is located on North Lake Shore Drive and has clean water, white sand, spectacular views of the lake, and a concession stand serving alcohol and all kinds of food. There is also a large comfort station with restrooms, lifeguard offices, and a first aid station. This is a very popular family beach with shallow water the kids will love. Parking is limited so public transportation is your best bet for visiting this beach.
Lake Michigan by Richard Remington via trover.com
Sailing Lake Michigan on the Tall Ship, Windy
You can be forgiven for thinking you are actually on the ocean when you are sailing on Lake Michigan. The furthest shoreline disappears into the distance on this 23,000 mile body of water. One of the best ways to enjoy it is on the Tall Ship, Windy for a boat tour. Leaving from popular Navy Pier where you can enjoy the famous Ferris wheel before or after your cruise, there are a variety of tours everyone will enjoy. Be sure to take seasickness medicine before your cruise if the lake is choppy.
Chicago Pizza by Adam Sockel via trover.com
Pizza Tour
Chicago has a lot of claims to fame, depending on your interests, but one of the most well-known of these claims to fame is their delicious pizza choices. A fabulous way to sample a number of slices of this wonderful concoction is by scheduling a pizza tour with Chicago Pizza Tour. After sampling pizza at the first location, board the van that drives around to different pizza places, each more delicious than the last. From Margherita pizza to pizza prepared in a coal-fired oven, you will enjoy every bite as well as getting to experience a number of Chicago’s distinctive neighborhoods.
You will love Chicago in the summer!
I am a writer for Hipmunk and this is an article for the Expert Opinion Piece category.
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