A SURPRISING city has been named one of the best road trips in the United States by a popular travel magazine.
Travel and Leisure released its list of the 23 best road trips in America, and one shocking metropolitan destination was named as a top road trip spot.
A surprising city made the list for the best road trips in the US[/caption]
Along the drive, visitors can see the Willis Tower[/caption]
Travelers can cool off at Oak Street Beach[/caption]
Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive offers a trip for travelers of all ages: from its bars to its beaches, no one will ever be bored.
Lake Shore Drive spans the length of the city, reaching a total of 15 miles.
The beach-lined drive has a backdrop of tall skyscrapers, and, most notably, the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower and once the world’s tallest building.
Travel and Leisure called the towering structures “the rock stars of American architecture.”
Along the drive, visitors can marvel at the Willis Tower, a 110-story skyscraper that stands 1,451 feet tall.
Architecture lovers can also admire the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed nineteenth-century building, The Rookery.
For some fun and games, travelers can stop at Navy Pier for carnival rides, shops, and, in the summertime, you may even catch fireworks.
Break up the trip with a stroll around Millennium Park for interactive displays at the Crown Fountain, a show at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and a walk along the BP Pedestrian Bridge.
In Millennium Park, visitors can also stop by the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as “The Bean.”
For a refreshing dip, stop by one of the city’s famous beaches.
Oak Street Beach is known for its lively atmosphere and Lake Michigan views, while North Avenue Beach is best for bar hopping.
North Avenue Beach is also conveniently located near the Lincoln Park Zoo, allowing families to enjoy a relaxing visit to the 35-acre zoo.
Art enthusiasts can visit The Art Institute of Chicago for captivating exhibitions and over 300,000 pieces of art.
The art institute also features its own architecture and design collection and hosts changing exhibitions throughout the year.
Things to do near Lake Shore Drive
- Willis Tower
- Millennium Park
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Oak Street Beach
- Wrigley Field
- Boystown
This year, the institute is running a gallery for European design and an exhibition of Japanese Prints.
Only five minutes away from the iconic highway is Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs play.
During baseball season, Wrigleyville is packed with Cubs fans drinking beers and hopping from bar to bar all within walking distance from the field.
Just moments away is Boystown, the city’s famous LGBTQ+ friendly area with an abundance of coffee shops, gay bars, and thrift stores.
Taking in the whole city isn’t a one-day feat, but luckily, there are plenty of hotels for weary travelers to stay the night at.
From budget accommodations to five-star stays, there’s a spot for every budget.
