Great Museums, green parks, a huge lake, and amazing food – South Loop has it all. You may end up spending your whole Chicago vacation here.
Running from the historic Buckingham Fountain down to the Interstate 55, South Loop is the southern half of Chicago’s prime lake-front real estate. Skyscrapers, five-star hotels, and fine dining surround you.
There’s plenty to do in South Loop, and it should be on every Chicago visitor’s bucket list. Start at Museum Campus, which houses the city’s Adler Planetarium, where the amazing shows will entertain little and big kids alike. Next door is the science-focused Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium, home to more than 32,000 species of sea life. All these attractions are found along the lakefront in the Second City, close to the beaches and outdoor restaurants and concert spaces that give Chicago such a unique vibe. A busy morning can meld into a lazy afternoon exploring the lakeshore. Grant Park, Chicago’s Front Yard, hosts food, music, and arts festivals all summer, while in winter there’s outdoor ice skating on a ribbon of river.
Sports fans won’t want to miss Soldier Field, home to the famous Chicago Bears. The stadium has been here since the 1920s, but, thankfully, it had an upgrade a few years ago. Northerly Island is like a wilderness within the city; rent a bicycle or pull on your sneakers for a bracing hike or bike ride, and don’t forget to look back at Chicago’s stunning skyline. With all this on your doorstep, it would be tempting never to leave South Loop at all. We won’t tell if you don’t!
Come the evening, you’ve got plenty of choice in South Loop. Obviously, you’ve got to try some Chicago deep dish, but there’s also everything from noodles to waffles. You’re also right by Chinatown, a part of the city since the 19th century, and an ideal spot for a mean Peking duck.