Half-mile-long Navy Pier is Chicago's most-visited attraction, sporting a 150ft Ferris wheel, an IMAX theater, a beer garden and gimmicky chain restaurants. Locals groan over its commercialization, but its lakefront view and cool breezes can't be beat. The fireworks displays on summer Wednesdays (9:30pm) and Saturdays (10:15pm) are a treat too.
The Chicago Children's Museum and gorgeous Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows are also on the pier, as are several boat-cruise operators. Try the Shoreline water taxi for a fun ride to the Museum Campus.
