Planning a Chicago trip? See why staying near the lakefront gives you easy access to scenic trails, parks, museums, beaches, dining and iconic city views.
One of Chicago’s best features is that it sits right on Lake Michigan.
It just isn’t a complete visit to Chicago without spending some time along the lakefront. Luckily, the city has recognized what a treasure it has. Chicago’s lakefront has been thoughtfully developed into one of the country’s best urban waterfronts.
When you’re here, you’ll be able to enjoy miles of walking trails, beaches, parks, attractions and so much more, all an easy walk away.
When you’re deciding where to stay during your upcoming trip to the Windy City, why not consider a hotel near Chicago’s lakefront? Here are just some of the many benefits you’ll experience during your stay.
Walk or Bike Along the Lakefront Trail
Chicago’s Lakefront Trail is a scenic 18-mile-long paved path that runs around the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It runs from Ardmore Avenue down to 71st Street in the South Side neighborhood.
Walk, run, bike or even rollerblade along this trail, and you’ll find beaches, parks, public art installations, harbors and so much more.
The trail is specially designed for everyone to have a great experience. In 2018, a trail separation project was completed, providing pedestrians and bicyclists with their own lanes.
Improved lighting, signage and resurfacing have made the trail an even more enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. The pathway is flat, making it accessible to families with young children and visitors using wheelchairs.
Enjoy Being Outdoors in Chicago’s Iconic Parks
Want to take a break from sightseeing and spend some time in the great outdoors? You don’t have to go very far to find greenspace: the city has over 8,800 acres of parks for you to enjoy.
Staying in a hotel near the lakefront gives you the best access to outdoor fun. Most of the city’s largest parks are conveniently clustered near Lake Michigan’s shores.
### Parks Near Central Downtown
Staying centrally in either the Loop or South Loop neighborhoods is a great choice, especially for first-time visitors.
Located within walking distance of these neighborhoods, Grant Park is considered a centerpiece of Chicago, hosting popular events like Taste of Chicago and Grant Park Music Fest.
Nearby, you’ll find shopping, restaurants, the Buckingham Fountain and Museum Campus, home to Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum.
Millennium Park, located just north of Grant Park, is home to “The Bean” statue, as well as an outdoor theater. Check the schedule to see if there are any concerts or events during your visit!
### Parks North of Downtown
Located north of the central downtown area, the seven mile-long Lincoln Park is the largest public park in the city. It’s a great spot for families to visit, especially during the summer.
Check out the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the last free-admission zoos in the U.S., and say hello to aardvarks, zebras and everything in between.
Or cool off at the North Avenue Beach, a popular spot for swimming, relaxing and playing beach volleyball.
### Parks South of Downtown
Take the Lakefront Trail further south, and you’ll find several smaller parks.
Burnham Park is home to playgrounds, great lakeside views and the McCormick Bird Sanctuary. Enjoy walking the trails through protected areas that serve as important habitat for both native plants and migrating birds.
Located at the very southern end of the Lakefront Trail, the 550-acre Jackson Park features a Japanese garden, a popular beach and Bobolink Meadows, a managed natural area that’s another birding hotspot.
Enjoy Incredible Views
Want the best views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline? There’s no better place than the Chicago lakefront.
Head out early and watch the sunrise over the water, or take a peaceful walk to end a busy day of touring the city. No matter when you decide to visit the lakefront, you’re sure to find amazing skyline views.
Our recommendations for the best spots for a photo op:
- Museum Campus: Home to some of Chicago’s top museums, Museum Campus is also a great spot for photos. You’ll find some of the most iconic views from the Adler Planetarium and Northerly Island.
- North Avenue Beach and Fullerton Beach: Located near Lincoln Park, these two beaches give you some of the very best views of Chicago. They’re a great choice if you need a spot to cool off during the summer months.
- Montrose Harbor: While this spot is a fairly long trip north from central downtown, it offers one of the best panoramic views of the city skyline.
Stay Close By Top Attractions
One of the biggest advantages of staying near the lakefront is that many of Chicago’s top attractions will be mere minutes away from your hotel.
Staying centrally in the Loop or South Loop neighborhoods will give you easy access to destinations on the top of your Chicago bucket list, like:
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum Campus
- Navy Pier
- Chicago Riverwalk
- The Magnificent Mile
When you stay centrally near the lakefront, you’ll be able to reach many of these attractions by foot. If something’s a little too far away, it’s easy to catch a ride on one of Chicago’s public transit options.
Not only will you spend less time planning out your day, you’ll spend less time traveling from location to location. That means you’ll have more time to simply enjoy your trip.
Book Your Stay Near the Chicago Lakefront
Walking the Lakefront Trail and enjoying a beautiful sunrise over Lake Michigan.
Dancing along to live music in Millennium Park.
Being able to walk to some of the best museums, restaurants, shops and parks in the country.
There’s always something exciting to do near Chicago’s lakefront. Staying in a hotel nearby allows you to experience the very best that the city has to offer, without having to spend most of your trip searching for a parking spot.
Ready to book your stay near the Chicago lakefront?
Located in the Loop neighborhood next to Grant Park, the Congress Plaza Hotel offers comfortable stays with panoramic lake views. Explore our rooms and suites, and book your next stay for an unforgettable trip.
