Summertime CHI
Summer in Chicago has arrived, along with lots of sun, traffic, Midwest charm, and the potential for unforgettable memories. With endless opportunities for exciting events, relaxing days at the beach, cultural experiences, superior shopping, and more, how should you decide to spend your summer?
Let AptAmigo inspire you to make the most out of Chicago this summer AND find your dream apartment.
Related: Is Chicago a Good Place to Live?
What to Do Over the Summer in Chicago
Head to Lake Michigan
While summer in the city can feel toasty, the beautiful Lake Michigan coast wraps itself around the eastern edge of Chicago, creating the perfect reprieve from the heat. Walk, bike, train, or drive to one of the many public beaches. While there, enjoy the sound of the waves, a cool beverage (no glass, please), and a refreshing dip in the water. If swimming isn’t your thing, check out boat rental options and spend your day coasting on the waves.
Check Out the Best Restaurants and Bars
With hundreds of restaurants and bars across the city, you’ll find unlimited options for tasty food and drinks. While we recommend trying as many as you can, here are some of our current favorites:
Blue Violet at Hubbard Inn: This River North cocktail lounge and bar meets all the standards your Instagram model friends require. From beautiful, bespoke cocktails, to stunning interior decor this is a must-try. Arrive hungry, and don’t forget your party shoes.
Parson Chicken and Fish: If you desire an aesthetically pleasing, causal food joint, then Parson’s has you covered. With casual Southern cooking, delicious slushie cocktails, and outdoor games, you will not grow bored of coming back here again and again.
Utopian Tailgate: Utopian Tailgate brings the rooftop party of your dreams to life. It will make you wish you spent every tailgate playing putterball, super-sized Jenga, Plinko, and drinking games. Come for the games, but stay for the food, cocktails, and extensive draft beer list. Not only will you enjoy the nostalgia of drinking out of the red solo cup, but you will fall head over heels for the incredible city views and dreamy decor.
ROOF on the Witt: This 27th-story bar will make you feel like the Kardashian you were meant to be, with its unbeatable views, incredible entertainment, bougie vibes, and tasty food and drinks. Visit during the day to relax on the patio, check in for golden hour drinks, or dance the night away on the weekends. But, no matter what time of day you arrive, dress to impress.
Happy Camper: If you’re in need of good vibes and even better pizza, look no further than Happy Camper, with locations in Old Town and Wrigleyville. These two trendy and fun locations offer good music, great food, and tasty cocktails. Come and watch the game or take cute pictures with your friends – it’s perfect for both.
Related: Best Bars in South Loop
Play Tourist
When you need a break from the beach and the booze, play tourist in your own city. Check out the places below for summer fun!
The Magnificent Mile: Hit up all the stores from Dylan’s Candy, to Louis Vuitton, and discover that Michigan Ave. truly offers something for everyone.
Navy Pier: Take a ride on the ferris wheel, grab a bite to eat near the water, visit Crystal Indoor Botanical Gardens, and learn about the history of Navy Pier and the World Fair in 1932.
Skydeck Chicago: Face your fears at Willis Tower’s Skydeck by hanging out over the ledge of the city, while your friends snap pictures to prove it.
The Bean: You definitely didn’t go to Chicago if you didn’t get a picture in front of the reflective cloud gate sculpture commonly known as the “Bean.” While you’re there, take a stroll around Millennium Park, which borders the South Loop on the west and Lake Michigan on the east.
Get Educated at Chicago’s Museums
Chicago offers best-in-class museums throughout the city. Take advantage of these affordable attractions and learn more about our oceans, history, and art.
Shedd Aquarium: Shedd is a great place to spend an afternoon among the fish (and other sea creatures). You can pet stingrays and learn more about ocean and lake life.
Field Museum: Do you want to learn more about the history of the Earth? Want to see massive Dinosaur skeletons? Then head to Chicago’s Field Museum to spend a memorable day surrounded by Earth’s miracles.
Art Institute of Chicago: Known as the home of the Obama portraits and home to one of our nation’s largest art collections, this is the perfect place to learn more about and gain a deeper appreciation for art.
Van Gogh Exhibit: One of the most popular attractions in Chicago right now, the Immersive Van Gough exhibit transports you into Van Gough’s most well known works of art. Head to the exhibit for a relaxing afternoon full of incredible moving art projections.
Catch a Cubs Game
A Chicago Cubs game is the perfect way to spend time in Chi Town. Head up to Wrigleyville before the game to grab some pre-game grub at one of the many Cubs themed bars in the area. From there, you can hop over to Wrigley Stadium to catch the game with a full belly.
Go to an Outdoor Movie
Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather at one of Chicago’s outdoor movie venues. If you have a car, head to ChiTown Movies in Pilsen for a drive-in movie experience to watch one of their flicks, like Toy Story, Scream, or Bridesmaids. No car? No worries. Walk or take the train to Whiskey Business for a rooftop movie experience with great food and cocktails, or check out the free outdoor movies at Millenium Park Summer Film Series.
Don’t forget to post your summer adventures on Instagram! If you need ideas, try these 12 Instagrammable Spots around the city.
What to Do After a Summer Day in Chicago
With so much to do, Chicago is a great place to spend a fun-filled summer. But, where you go after a day of fun is equally important. Let us help you find the perfect apartment with amazing views in your ideal location with the amenities you want, all within your budget. With over 800 reviews averaging 4.9 stars, AptAmigo is your premier apartment hunting partner. Get in touch with us today to find your new home for FREE!
Maddie Easterday is an Operations Coordinator at AptAmigo, where she helps to build and maintain strong relationships with apartment buildings.
