I've been to 48 states, but there's one US city I want to visit every summer

25.07.2024 - 16:41 / insider.com

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.

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 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.

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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.

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.

Museum lovers will want to spend hours at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, or the Museum of Science and Industry.