Outdoor Activities Surrounding The Peninsula Chicago

Get a head start on your summer vacation planning with our recommendations of outdoor activities near The Peninsula Chicago! As the weather warms and the sun shines over Lake Michigan, there are outdoor adventures for everyone to enjoy.

Millennium Park

Take a stroll through iconic Millennium Park, located south of The Peninsula Chicago in the downtown Loop neighborhood. Millennium Park is an expansive area with iconic architecture and activities to enjoy. Stop to take photos at Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, or splash around the interactive Crown Fountain. You can also catch a free summer concert or movie at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. For those with children, Maggie Daley Park is adjacent to Millennium Park and provides acres of outdoor activities, with a rock-climbing wall, playgrounds, skating path and more.

Chicago Riverwalk

If you ask a local, there are few things better than dining near the water while being immersed in skyscraper views. The Chicago Riverwalk provides just this, with a 1.25-mile path along the Chicago River lined with restaurants and shops, including a winery, brewhouse and more. For those with an adventurous side, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards along the river to explore the area by water. There is also public art on display to view as you walk along the sidewalk path.

Boating on “The Lake”

Over the summer, there are many options to venture out on Lake Michigan and marvel at the Chicago skyline. For an in-depth look at Chicago’s architecture, hop aboard Chicago’s First Lady for a historic architectural boat tour. For an action-packed outdoor adventure, reserve a spot on a speedboat to cruise along Lake Michigan at a high speed. For a private experience, there are many boat and yacht rentals available for chartering on Lake Michigan for an afternoon or a full day.

Walking Tours

For an active outdoor activity, sign up for one of the many Chicago walking tours around the city. Chicago is a very walkable city, with many places of interest to explore around The Peninsula Chicago. From food walking tours which highlight Chicago cuisine, to cultural walking tours through unique neighborhoods, our Concierge can recommend tours that will pique your interest. We also offer a self-guided outdoor art walking tour that you can do at your leisure from the hotel.

Local Beaches

A sandy beach may not be the first thing you think of when you picture Chicago, however, there are many beaches on the shores of Lake Michigan that turn into hotspots during the summer months. Within a 15-minute walk of The Peninsula Chicago, you will find Oak Street Beach along North DuSable Lake Shore Drive. The beach is complete with a seasonal restaurant and a walking/biking path which winds up and down the lakefront. Make your way a little further north to one of the most popular beaches, North Avenue Beach, which features an array of amenities such as rentable volleyball courts and food concessions.

As you plan your summer vacation, opt for extra space in a Peninsula suite and receive complimentary breakfast for two and a $100 hotel credit with our Suite Escape package.