Chicagoland's Best Waterfront Spots to Enjoy This Summer

Overlooking the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Chicago features one of America's great urban waterfronts. And with summer on the way, this is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy it. These are some of our real estate agents' favorite waterfront spots in Chicagoland. 

• Lakefront Trail - 900 W Ardmore Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
  One of Chicago's best destinations for jogging, cycling, dog walking, and simply enjoying the view, the Lakefront Trail stretches 18.5 miles along the city's shoreline. The trail connects multiple neighborhoods and links more than a dozen lakeside parks and beaches, making it accessible from various places in the city. The northern terminus of the Lakefront Trail, located adjacent to the scenic Kathy Osterman Beach in the Edgewater neighborhood, is a great place to start exploring. 
  
  
• Navy Pier - 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
  Extending 3,300 feet into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is arguably Chicago's most iconic lakefront attraction. The pier is like a city unto itself, offering carnival rides and games, multiple shopping and dining options, and attractions like the Centennial Wheel and weekly fireworks shows during summer. Located adjacent to the Streeterville neighborhood on the Near North Side, Navy Pier is also the jumping-off point for many sightseeing cruises and tours.
  
  
• Lincoln Park - 2391 N Stockton Dr, Chicago, IL 60614
  Lincoln Park is Chicago's largest park and its most visited, sprawling across 1,214 acres in the neighborhood of the same name. Crisscrossed by trails and dotted with public art installations, it's a beautiful park that takes multiple visits to fully explore. In addition to being home to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory, the park offers 7.5 miles of lakefront trails that lead to several beaches, boat harbors, fishing access sites, and piers. Another highlight of Lincoln Park is its South Lagoon, which is popular for fishing and paddling. 
  
  
• Museum Campus - 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
  Just south of Downtown Chicago in the South Loop area, the Museum Campus is the beautiful 57-acre green space surrounding the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. The museums are all marvelous attractions in their own right, but the waterfront campus is also a beautiful place to simply enjoy the view. The campus includes a lovely segment of the Lakefront Trail—look northwest for a perfect view of the Chicago skyline—as well as swimming and sunbathing at the adjoining 12th Street Beach. 
  
  
• Oak Street Beach - 1000 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
  Chicago has 22 public beaches along its 26-mile lakefront, and Oak Street Beach is often cited as one of the best. Located in the luxurious and historic Gold Coast neighborhood, Oak Street Beach offers a picturesque strip of fine sand overlooking the deep blue waters of Lake Michigan. Lifeguards are posted during beach hours between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and the nearby Oak Street Beach Restaurant offers tasty burgers and drinks.
  
  
• Urban Kayaks - 435 E, Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
  Let's not forget about Chicago's other waterfront: the Chicago River. Bordered by the 1.25-mile Riverwalk, the Chicago River offers outstanding paddling and river cruises right in the heart of Downtown Chicago's skyscrapers. To rent kayaks or take a guided paddling tour of the Chicago River, head to Urban Kayaks, located right along the Riverwalk among the modern high-rises.

Contact us today to learn more about living life to the fullest in Chicagoland! Our beautiful waterfront is just one of many reasons our real estate agents are glad to call Chicago home.