Mentioned by Thrillist
Chicago’s 21 Best Beaches to Visit This Summer
"Rainbow Beach is a 61-acre public beach and park within Chicago's South Chicago neighborhood, originally developed as two separate beaches in the early 20th century before being consolidated into a single beach when the area was acquired by the Chicago Park District in 1959. The beach is named in honor of the United States Army's World War I 42nd Rainbow Division and is located at the terminus of 75th Street at the Lake Michigan shoreline, one of 18 street-end municipal beaches located throughout the city. A field house at the beach, developed in 1999, offers a fitness center, gymnasium, handball courts, and multipurpose community rooms, while a nine-acre natural area preserves significant dune habitats."
"South ShoreLike many South Side beaches, Rainbow has a lovely view of the Downtown city skyline, as well as Wi-Fi, free parking, a playground, handball courts, and a nine-acre natural dune habitat. What more can you ask for?. What to know: With a gymnasium and fitness center, it’s Chicago’s version of Muscle Beach."
"Located in the South Chicago neighborhood, Rainbow Beach is also connected to the Rainbow Beach Park. Pack a picnic and escape the hot sun for a midday lunch in the shaded park!"
"Tucked away at the edge of Lincoln Park that juts out into Lake Michigan, the Montrose Bird Sanctuary is a 15-acre wooded respite that features a few peaceful mulch-covered hiking trails to stroll through. What was once a site of Army barracks from the ’50s to the ’70s is now one of the best places in the area to spot a few of the tens of thousands of migratory birds from more than 300 different species that reportedly stop for some green space along their trek along the lake. Within the sanctuary, a 150-yard stretch of honeysuckle bushes has been nicknamed “The Magic Hedge,” because it attracts an especially high number of migratory birds."
"UptownThis more laid-back section of Montrose Beach is both a dune habitat and a bird sanctuary, as well as one of the best spots for trail hiking in the city with killer skyline views. If that’s not enough, there’s also a beach bar. And a damn fine beach bar at that."
"Chicago’s Lakefront Trail I promised we’d do a lot of walking today, so next, head back towards Lake Michigan and enjoy the lakefront trail, a nearly 20-mile stretch of paved walkway that meanders down the city’s coastline. The views are spectacular and it’s a great way to see the city’s skyline from a distance. If you’d prefer to bike the trail (highly recommended!), check out the city’s bike-sharing system, Divvy, where you can grab a bike for a 24-hour rental period from one of the city’s many stations"
"Water Tower Place is a 74-story skyscraper on North Michigan Avenue along the Magnificent Mile. The building is home to an eight-level shopping center located at the northern tip of the Magnificent Mile that boasts 758,000 square feet of retail space filled with over 104 stores, a myriad dining options, a theater that is part of Broadway in Chicago and the Chicago Sports Museum. The center is home to stores such as American Girl Place, Sephora, Forever 21 and its new beauty boutique."
"Whether you have the money for a Chicago-style shopping spree or just want to walk around window shopping while pretending that you do, the Water Tower Place is a great place to check out while you're in town. Here you'll see the big retailers and plenty of high-end stores. This seven-story complex also has a food court and the Lego and American Girl stores if you're there with the kids."
"Water Tower Place is a Chicago landmark on the Magnificent Mile and renowned for its vast selection of over 100 stores. Beyond shopping, the eight story mall also houses a number of restaurants and entertainment options, including a live theatre..."
"You'll be uttering, "Oui, oui" and "Merci" dining at "my place" or Chez Moi, Chef Dominique Tougne's comfy bistro serving delicious French food and charm. The Alsatian bistro by way of Lincoln Park offers classics from escargots fragrant with butter and garlic to duck a l'orange and beef Bourguignon. Pescatarians have plenty of options, too, and fans of cassoulet can get the satisfying Toulouse stew stuffed with lamb, beans, sausage and duck year round."
"Diners will feel right at home at this cozy Lincoln Park bistro. Chef Dominique Tougne’s rustic approach to regional specialties offers dishes like duck confit tart, braised rabbit, and the signature qualidu — quail, duck, and foie gras in bordelaise sauce. The restaurant also recently converted its private dining space into a speakeasy lounge, called Ooh La La, that serves classic French cocktails and bar bites."
"Chez Moi serves a traditional French menu prepared by a French Chef. The restaurant’s menu is created by Chef Dominique who has a passion for sharing French cuisine. In addition, he cooked and trained under great culinary chefs."
"Restaurants French Rush & Division. You didn't think this upscale French restaurant in the Gold Coast would skimp on desserts, did you?. At Margeaux Brasserie, the last course is a show, with options like a giant chocolate macaron stuffed with fresh raspberries and milk chocolate crémeux or the banana tarte tatin with warm citrus caramel that's poured tableside."
"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Visit Margeaux brasserie and experience classic, French dining at its best. Nestled on the third floor of The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, this restaurant features an exotic menu filled with exquisite food devoted to retaining the classic French vibe while the bar is filled with a dynamic cocktail menu."