Promontory Point Park

Beautiful spot to spend a day by the lake! Arrive in the afternoon and snag a bonfire spot so you can make some s’mores while enjoying a view of the city skyline. Also fun to visit in the winter when the lake is frozen over to see a gorgeous sunrise over the ice.

Beautiful view of the Great Lake. Nice place to walk, very clean. Parked by museum. $1 an hour.

I hate telling people about this place, but sharing is caring, right? On the south side in Hyde Park exists a beach that is not a beach. If you don't like sand, but love sunbathing on the lakefront, go here. It's got large slabs of concrete rock that line the lake and are perfect for lounging. Also a great place to swim if you're into that. You can always walk to restaurants on 53rd street from here as well.

Not worth a special trip but if you're in the area there's a very nice view of the Chicago skyline. It borders on Shoreline Drive but the traffic really isn't a distraction.

View the city skyline from popular man-made peninsula. Distance swimmers are fond of swimming south to 57th Street beach.