- I've been to 48 US states, and Chicago is my favorite city to visit in the summer.
- Lake lovers, foodies, and cyclists will love exploring the Windy City in the summertime.
- The city offers so many music, art, and food festivals all summer long.
If you're based in the US like me, June and July are some of the most expensive months to fly internationally, so I think summer is a great time to explore what my own country has to offer.
After visiting 48 of the 50 US states, Chicago is my favorite place to be in the summer. The Windy City gets a bad rap for its severe winters, but summertime Chi is a completely different story.
Here's why I love Chicago summers.
I can spend hours exploring the river
The Chicago River runs through the city and offers some of the most picturesque views.
I love taking the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise in the summer to learn the fascinating backstories of the beautiful buildings along the route. But if you're looking for something more laid back, BBQ Pontoon rentals allow you to be your own captain — the boats are even equipped with gas-fired pizza grills.
I also love renting a kayak from Urban Kayaks for a sightseeing workout with or without a guide.
If you're not interested in going out on the water, the Chicago Riverwalk is a pedestrian-friendly path lined with restaurants, wine bars, and shops. Beat Kitchen and Chiya Chai are some of my favorite spots.
The city even displays a free, illuminating art show every night on the Riverwalk.
The food and drink scene is unmatched
The city prides itself on being home to over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants and having a diverse food culture. And things only get better in the summer when patios and rooftops flourish.
If you're coming to the city for its famous deep-dish pizza, look no further than The Art of Pizza or Lou Malnati's.
I constantly find myself eating spinach and cheese empanadas at Café Tola and dining in awe at the artsy Michelin-starred Esmé.
But nothing compares to Sifr's Middle Eastern-inspired dishes or its rooftop dining experience, and Indienne offers the most memorable tasting menu for Michelin-starred Indian cuisine.
For drinks, Diego is my favorite neighborhood bar for a tasty cocktail and good tunes, and Swadesi is my go-to Chicago café.
Of course, we can't forget about summer treats. I suggest Mario's Italian Lemonade, a walk-up stand that sells incredible Italian ice.
Boating culture in Chicago is an entire lifestyle
Lake Michigan is huge, and boating on it feels like you're on the ocean since you can't see to the other side. There's a section of the lake called The Playpen where boats tie up to each other — it turns into a sort of floating day club in the summer.
GetMyBoat.com, essentially Airbnb for boats, is a great website to use if you don't have access to a boat.
But if boating really isn't your thing, Chicago also has some great beaches, like Oak Street Beach, where you can rent chairs and umbrellas for the day.
There are plenty of activities to match every interest
Museum lovers will want to spend hours at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, or the Museum of Science and Industry.
Outdoor enthusiasts can bike or walk along the 18 ½-mile Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan or the 2.7-mile elevated 606, which has paved paths, fun public art, and observation decks. The city's public Divvy bikes are easy to rent and a great way to see the city in the summer.
I also love visiting Jackson Park, the main site of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, and Ping Tom Memorial Park, with its pagoda-style pavilion and Chinese-inspired landscaping.
Festivals and outdoor events are in full swing in the summer
The Chicago streets absolutely come alive every summer with free and paid events.
There are street festivals all summer long, like the Old Town Art Fair and Logan Square Arts Fest. Between Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, Sueños, and the Chicago Blues Festival, music opportunities are plentiful, too.
For foodies, Windy City Smokeout, Lakeview Taco Fest, and Taste of Greektown are a must-visit.
One of my favorite summertime events is Jazzin' at the Shedd, a jazz performance held on the terrace of the Shedd Aquarium. The event offers incredible city views and access to the indoor aquarium, providing a cool respite from the heat.
Millennium Park hosts several free weekly events, such as classical music performances and movie screenings under the stars. Fulton Market's Rooftop Cinema Club is also an incredible open-air cinema experience.
If you're looking for more of a thrill, NASCAR takes to the streets of Chicago in July, and the Chicago Air and Water Show features spectacular aerial demonstrations above the lake each August.
I never want to miss a summer in Chicago
Between delicious bites, zen parks, rooftop mingles, artsy street festivals, plentiful outdoor activities, and some of the best music festivals in the country, summer in Chicago is such a blissful season.
The upbeat summertime vibe also makes Chicago one of the friendliest cities I've ever been to.
Chicago comes alive during Memorial Day weekend, and the fun in the sun lasts until the end of September, so be sure to make the most of the city's warm-weather offerings.