Best Beach in Bloomingdale

"Hyde ParkTucked away behind the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street Beach was designed by renowned landscape architects Olmsted and Vaux as part of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Parking is fairly easy west of Lake Shore Drive, and the beach is accessible via the pedestrian underpass. Once the sun goes down, head on over to nearby Promontory Point and gather around a bonfire pit (reservations needed).What to know: While the criminally underrated Promontory Point is worth a visit to this beach alone, nearby (and always bumping) neighborhood music venue The Promontory makes the trip even more appealing."

"57th Street Beach is one of Chicago's most popular swimming beaches, located within Jackson Park at 57th Street's terminus at the Lake Michigan shoreline. Though developed beachfront has existed at the site since the park's original landscaping by famed park designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1871, it was not renovated into a swimming beach until 1899, following the completion of Chicago's Drainage Canal. Today, it offers unprecedented views of the Chicago skyline for swimmers, along with a long-distance swimming area spanning between 55th Street and the beach's ADA-accessible pier."

"Unlike other dog beaches in Chicago, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach isn’t as crowded. And this beach is perfect to see how the dogs react to the beach for the first time. Nestled just a few minutes' walks away from Wrigley, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach has plenty of spaces for playing around, splashing in the waters, soaking up in the sun, and more."

"Dogs love hanging out at the beach, and what dog parent doesn’t want to spend time with their pup playing in the waves?. Belmont Harbor Dog Beach is the perfect spot for you and your dog. It’s great because it is not as busy as other dog beaches/parks in Chicago."

"The name says it all, and if you don’t have a dog, don’t worry. You can watch the pups play in the water together. It’s a short walk from Wrigley and is a little quieter than Montrose."

"Found in the heart of Wicker Park, Whiskey Business is a spacious, fun and unique Chicago rooftop bar, offering vibes and happenings pretty much every day of the week. Up at the colorful and quirky rooftop terrace you can watch classic movies on the 100” TV’s, party under the stars all weekend, or just enjoy the vibes and sounds of the 80’s and 90’s whenever. The rooftop menu comes filled with over 100 different whiskeys, crafted and seasonal cocktails, an expansive beer list, as well as a wide range of culinary creations."

"The Wicker Park bar features an outdoor curling rink, where bar-goers can test their skills at the winter sport while enjoying an array of seasonal cocktails. Or warm up inside one of the heated, private gingerbread houses decked out with holiday decor and faux fireplaces."

"Dining out with kids shouldn’t mean giving up margarita-spiked taco nights — it just means limiting the pitchers. The Wrigleyville location of Big Star caters to the kiddos with coloring sheets and taco trivia with their very own menu. While parents chow down on al pastor tacos and queso fundido, the smaller set can indulge in ham-and-cheese Cubanos, quesadillas and pint-size horchatas."

"Probably the most eccentric inclusion on this list, Map Room deserves to be here despite the fact that for most hours of the day, it’s a bar!. Open until 2am, they serve up a bunch of global beers on tap and have daily food specials to boot. It’s a popular place for day drinking in the late afternoon, when you can lounge among all of their maps and browse through dozens, if not hundreds, of travel books — I mean, I had to include a travel-themed coffee lounge and bar."

"There was a time when Guinness was the only option for a craft beer option in a town with draft handles dominated by big beer companies. The Map Room, when it opened in 1992, was a refreshing change. With a “traveler theme” — the shelves are full of travel magazines like National Geographic, the beer list includes selections from all over the world."

"When it comes to an eclectic and industrial atmosphere alongside unforgettably good American fare and a wide range of beverages to wet the whistle, Raised raises the bar. (pun intended!) Set in the heart of the Chicago River’s main stem, the surrounding views of the river are hard to beat. In addition to a great view high above the river, the food, service and drinks are simply unmatched."

"Bars Cocktail bars Loop. A rooftop bar on the third floor of a Renaissance hotel?. It doesn't sound very exciting, but you shouldn't underestimate this stunning oasis perched above Wacker Drive in the Loop."

"Another new offering in Chicago’s rooftop bar world, Raised is changing the game by creating new twists on old favorites – like their berry mint julep – and huge, shareable platters of food that are both home-grown and exotic."

"Restaurants Chinese Armour Square. Kenny Yang of Strings Ramen Shops has taken the reins at this classic Chinatown restaurant, renovating the space and adding neon accents and artwork inspired by the streets and markets of 1950s Hong Kong. Spanning two stories, Ken Kee Restaurant diners can order from a traditional menu packed with familiar Chinese dishes or a new Noodle Cart menu, served out of a dedicated kitchen."

"The revival of a longrunning Chinatown favorite, overseen by Kenny Yang of Strings Ramen Shops. Why we love it: With decor and neon accents inspired by he streets and markets of 1950s Hong Kong, Ken Kee is like two restaurants in one. Order crab rangoon, assorted congee and beef brisket caasarole from the all-day menu, or opt for the Noodle Cart offerings (served from a dedicated kitchen)."

"The Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory are both fun to wander through, but I love Lincoln Park for its cafes, boutiques, and adorable homes. Armitage Avenue is a perfect spot to boutique-hop for the afternoon. I love Art Effect for cute gifts (and travel accessories!), and Interior Define is fun to check out for home decor. If it’s one of those hot, sticky midwestern summer days and you’re not up for shopping, check out one of the nearby beaches along Lake Michigan."

"The Lincoln Park Conservatory is a conservatory and botanical garden in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. The conservatory is best known for its horticultural collections, community work, and educational programming. It is also housed in a glass house from the Victorian Era that is stunning to view on its own."

"For a big city, Chicago has a surprising number of places dedicated to all things green. For example, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, on the shores of Lake Michigan, has a botanical garden teeming with ferns, tropical flowers, and palms."

"The Rookery is an iconic building, positioned in heart of downtown Chicago's financial district. The building, a mashup of modern building techniques (elevators and fireproofing) and traditional design (ornamental brick facades), was completed in 1888 by Burnham and Root. In 1905, Frank Lloyd Wright remodeled the lobby with white marble and Persian-style ornamentation."

"Before even visiting Chicago I knew about the famous stairs of the Rookery Building. If you want to take a picture of them (from the bottom) you’ll need to go on a tour of the building. Since the whole building is amazing, it’s well worth the admission…plus it goes to a good cause."