Navy Pier: An Afternoon at Chicago’s Lakefront Gem

Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks. It offers a delightful blend of entertainment, dining, and scenic views. Stretching into Lake Michigan, this 3,300-foot-long pier has been a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. With its rich history and diverse attractions, Navy Pier is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the Windy City.

We had originally planned and scheduled our exploration of Chicago for a Friday with the family, so we decided to just visit Navy Pier, which was not on our initial itinerary. Upon arrival, we walked around, simply enjoyed the sights, and took photos.

It was quite hot during our visit since it was summer. We quickly got exhausted and decided to grab a bottle of water, and thought of getting some snacks as well. We stopped by America’s Dog and Burger (AD&B) where I got the Dallas hot dog — chili, shredded cheddar cheese, onions on a Texas toast roll.

After our meal, I had a craving for something sweet. I thought of a drink, a boba milk tea. Good thing, I stumbled upon Te’Amo Boba Bar during our walk. The boba tea did not disappoint! I had brown sugar black milk tea and I loved that they used real tea leaves instead of powdered tea. The milk is organic too. Aside from the selection of drinks, they also offer desserts. I would definitely recommend this boba shop.

Navy Pier offers a variety of activities to enjoy. You can ride the Carousel, Drop Tower, or the iconic Centennial Wheel, which offers stunning views of Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. Other attractions include the, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Chicago Children’s Museum. For more information, see Navy Pier’s official website

The pier also hosts seasonal events and live performances, making it a lively destination all year round. By the way, don’t miss the free Summer Fireworks every Wednesday at 9:00 pm and Saturday at 10:00 pm from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend.

We ended our day by heading back home, where we enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by our Uncle Willie. He made oven-baked bbq ribs, and we also had salad and Chicago-style deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s, which was a perfect way to wrap up our day.

Navy Pier added a wonderful mix of fun and relaxation, making it a memorable part of whole Chicago experience. Whether you are looking for thrills, good food, or scenic views, Navy Pier has something for everyone.