Magnificent Mile Things To Do Nearby: A Tourist’s Guide

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most famous areas in Chicago. Spanning from the Chicago River north to Oak Street, this stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with high-end stores, luxury hotels, and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a longtime resident of the Windy City, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy along the Magnificent Mile. From a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to a craft beer crawl through downtown, here’s a guide to all the best things to do near the Magnificent Mile.

A Brief Overview of Chicago

The city of Chicago is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the state of Illinois. With an estimated population of over 2.7 million, it is the third-most populous city in the United States and one of the country’s largest cities by land area. Chicago is a major global city and has long been considered one of America’s great metropolises.

Chicago has a rich cultural history and has long been known for its iconic architecture and skyline. The city was home to the world-famous 1893 World’s Fair, which was held at the city’s Jackson Park. Chicago is also known for its vibrant music scene, with jazz, blues, and rock and roll all having their roots in the city.

The Magnificent Mile is one of the most famous areas in Chicago and is located along Michigan Avenue. This stretch of road is lined with luxury stores, high-end hotels, and some of Chicago’s best restaurants and attractions. It has long been a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the city’s premier attractions.

The Best Things to Do Near the Magnificent Mile

There’s plenty to do near the Magnificent Mile, but here are some of our favorites:

Take a Leisurely Stroll Along the Waterfront

One of the best things to do near the Magnificent Mile is to take a leisurely stroll along its waterfront. The lakefront path extends from Navy Pier all the way north up to Oak Street Beach, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan, downtown Chicago, and some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk with a loved one or an energizing jog in the fresh air, this path is the perfect place to do it.

Explore Millennium Park

Millennium Park is located just south of the Magnificent Mile and is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. This sprawling park features lush gardens, iconic sculptures, and stunning architecture. It also boasts numerous interactive art installations, such as Cloud Gate (otherwise known as “The Bean”) and Crown Fountain, as well as world-class attractions like Lurie Garden and Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax or a lively spot for some people-watching, Millennium Park has something for everyone.

Visit Navy Pier

Navy Pier is located just south of the Magnificent Mile and is one of Chicago’s most iconic attractions. Originally built as a shipping hub in 1916, Navy Pier has since become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Today, it boasts dozens of restaurants, shops, and attractions, including an IMAX theater, a children’s museum, and an amusement park. During the summer months, Navy Pier also hosts numerous concerts and events, such as free concerts on the Grand Staircase and fireworks displays over Lake Michigan.

Enjoy a Craft Beer Crawl Through Downtown

The Magnificent Mile is just steps away from some of Chicago’s best craft breweries. Whether you’re looking for a cozy neighborhood spot or a bustling downtown brewpub, there are plenty of places to explore. Some popular spots include Revolution Brewing Company, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Half Acre Beer Company, and Goose Island Beer Company. Grab a flight at each spot to sample their unique brews or attend one of their special events for an even more memorable experience.

Explore Michigan Avenue

Michigan Avenue is one of Chicago’s most famous streets, and it runs right through the heart of the Magnificent Mile. This stretch of road is home to numerous luxury stores and high-end hotels, such as The Shops at North Bridge and The Peninsula Hotel. Whether you’re looking for some serious retail therapy or just want to window shop in style, Michigan Avenue is sure to have something for everyone.

Popular Tours Near The Magnificent Mile

In addition to exploring all that the Magnificent Mile has to offer, there are also plenty of great tours available near the area that provide an even more immersive experience. Here are two popular tours that are sure to be an unforgettable experience:

Segway Tour along Lake Michigan

This Segway tour takes you along Lake Michigan on an exciting journey through history. You’ll learn about some of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks as you cruise along on your own two-wheeled tour guide. The tour starts at Navy Pier and takes you north past some of Chicago’s most famous sites, from Buckingham Fountain to Cloud Gate. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will share facts about each location as well as interesting tidbits about Chicago’s vibrant history. You can book a Segway tour here, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore one of America’s greatest cities!

Chicago River Boat Cruise

For a more leisurely way to explore Chicago, hop aboard one of these popular boat cruises along the Chicago River. You’ll get up close views of some of the city’s most impressive landmarks as you float past them on your leisurely journey through downtown Chicago. Your knowledgeable guide will provide information about each location as well as stories about some of Chicago’s more colorful characters throughout history. The cruise also includes drinks and snacks that you can enjoy as you take in all that this historic city has to offer. You can book a river boat cruise here, so don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Conclusion

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a longtime resident of Chicago, there’s plenty to explore near the Magnificent Mile. From taking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to hopping aboard a riverboat cruise or Segway tour, there are plenty of things to do near this iconic stretch of road. So be sure to take some time out to explore all that the Magnificent Mile has to offer during your next visit to Chicago!