• January 2, 2025 - Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. The Chicago Lakefront Trail

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© James/stock.adobe.com

2. The Driehaus Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Driehaus Museum

3. Garfield Park Conservatory

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© rich/stock.adobe.com

4. Chicago's Navy Pier

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© YOONSOO/stock.adobe.com

5. The American Writer's Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The American Writer's Museum

6. Dreambox Gallery and Studio

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© Iwona Biedermann Photography

7. Chicago for Chicagoans

© creativefamily/stock.adobe.com

8. Monk's Pub Chicago

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Monk's Pub Chicago

9. The Randolph Street Market

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Ekaterina Pokrovsky/stock.adobe.com

10. Bobby's Bike Hike

Tours in the Area
© Tomasz Zajda/stock.adobe.com

11. Merz Apothecary

12. Adler Planetarium

Category: Kids & Family Fun
© spiritofamerica/stock.adobe.com

13. BLVD

14. Mi Tocaya Antojeria

© Mi Tocaya Antojeria

15. Cruz Blanca

© Redzen/stock.adobe.com

16. HaiSous

17. Spacca Napoli

18. Protein Bar and Kitchen

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Protein Bar and Kitchen

19. Mordecai

© Andrew Bayda/stock.adobe.com

20. The Magnificent Mile

© rarrarorro/stock.adobe.com

21. 360 CHICAGO

© 360 CHICAGO

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Chicago is the American Midwest's most populous and bustling metropolis, known around the world for attractions such as its lively family-friendly Navy Pier complex, upscale Magnificent Mile shopping district, and record-breaking John Hancock Tower skyscraper. While millions of visitors travel to the city each year to catch a glimpse of its most popular attractions, the city also has a plethora of activities and destinations to offer tourists looking for off-the-beaten-path day trip outings.

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