Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has been attracting Chicago’s wealthiest citizens since at least the turn of the twentieth century. Bordered by North Ave to the north, Chicago Avenue to the south, Lake Michigan to the east and Clark and Franklin Streets to the west, it is full of beautiful graystone mansions and deluxe modern high-rises. Some of the most exclusive estates in the area were built along Lake Shore Drive after the Chicago Fire and belonged to wealthy industrialists like Potter Palmer, whose downtown hotel still bears his name, or Robert McCormick, after whom Chicago’s convention center is named.

 

While the Palmer mansion no longer stands, it established the affluent character of the neighborhood, which has endured for a century and a half. Along Rush Street, five-star dining establishments such as Nico Osteria, Chicago Chop House, Rosebud, and Le Colonial all rub elbows with more affordable establishments for date nights or the occasional sandwich shop. You might even catch a glimpse of Da Coach at Ditka’s Restaurant. Many high-end boutiques, spas, and exclusive designer shops such as Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin and Prada dot the area. For a wider range of retailers, you can visit the beautiful Water Tower Mall or 900 North Michigan Shops with six floors of designer stores. Don’t miss the latest in avant-garde art at one of the many galleries in the Gold Coast area, including Expression Gallery, Richard Gray Gallery and Colletti Gallery.

 

The bar scene at Rush and Division is notable for its nightclubs, pubs, and dive bars that attract scenesters and a college-age crowd of students most weekend nights. The scene is host to bands, DJs and a vibrant party scene that attracts locals and visitors alike. Bars like Mother’s, Tavern on Rush and McFadden’s Bar and Grill are longstanding favorites.

 

Across Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street Beach is one of the hottest summertime relaxation spots in the city, and attracts swimmers, volleyball players, and those looking to catch some sun. The Lakefront Bike Trail winds its way past the beach and through miles of lakefront greenspace that is anchored by the south end of the seven mile long Lincoln Park, home to a zoo, nature museum and a botanical conservatory.