Explore Chicago's North Shore: Top Activities, Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
Explore Chicago's North Shore: Must-Do Activities & Attractions
Hi I’m Liz and I run the Chicago Boudoir Photography studio! As a resident of Chicago's North Shore since 2012, I've had the pleasure of exploring the unique charm and diverse attractions this area offers. Stretching north from the city along Lake Michigan, the North Shore – encompassing vibrant communities like Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Highland Park, Highwood, Lake Forest, and Lake Bluff, and often considered to include nearby towns like Deerfield, Northfield, Northbrook, and Glenview – is truly a gem of the Midwest. It seamlessly blends stunning natural beauty, world-class cultural attractions, upscale amenities, and unique local experiences, all just a stone's throw from downtown Chicago.
Since I LOVE venturing from place to place around the North Shore, trying new things and experiencing new places every time I am out, I wanted to make and share a list of some of the most must-do activities for YOU to do around the North Shore! Whether you're planning a visit or a local seeking weekend adventures, here are some of my personal favorite things to do on Chicago's North Shore.
Discover the Top Things to Do on Chicago’s North Shore
I’ve created this ultimate guide for things to do on Chicago’s North Shore as a trusted North Shore resident! This guide explores the wide variety of things to do across Chicago's North Shore, highlighting the diverse experiences available in these charming communities along Lake Michigan. You'll find suggestions for immersing yourself in nature, whether strolling through beautifully cultivated gardens, biking scenic trails, or enjoying activities along the lakefront. Discover options for relaxation and wellness at unique spas, alongside numerous ideas for family fun including interactive museums and engaging play centers for children. The guide also delves into the vibrant arts and culture scene, covering renowned music venues, live theater performances, and insightful museums. I hope you’re able to explore the North Shore region's diverse culinary landscape, varied shopping opportunities from local boutiques to larger centers, chances to visit historic landmarks offering impressive views, and options for unique personal experiences like professional photography services.
NATURE
A visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe is a must for nature lovers. With 385 acres of lush gardens, serene water features, and themed landscapes, it’s a paradise year-round. Whether you're strolling through the Japanese Garden or enjoying a summer evening concert, this place is pure magic.
Located in Wilmette, the Baha’i House of Worship is an architectural masterpiece surrounded by serene gardens. Whether you’re interested in spirituality or simply want a peaceful spot to reflect, this stunning landmark is worth a visit.
Lakefront
Lake Michigan provides plenty of opportunities for water activities, and Evanston’s lakefront is a great place to rent a kayak or paddleboard. It’s a fun way to explore the shoreline while getting a little exercise.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Green Bay Trail is a fantastic biking and walking path that runs through the North Shore, connecting multiple communities and offering scenic views along the way.
RELAXATION
Step into tranquility at King Spa & Sauna, a massive Korean-inspired spa in Niles. This 24-hour relaxation haven offers various saunas, hot tubs, and therapeutic treatments. From the charcoal sauna to the Himalayan salt room, every experience is designed to detoxify and soothe both body and mind.
For couples looking to escape the everyday, Sybaris is the ultimate retreat. This luxurious getaway features private suites with whirlpools, waterfalls, and even swimming pools in some rooms. It’s the perfect spot for rekindling romance and enjoying a little indulgence.
FOR THE KIDS
Explore hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children, allowing them to explore and learn through play in environments like a pretend grocery store, veterinarian's office, and construction zone.
An indoor playground and exploration space for children, featuring interactive play areas like costumed dress-up, water play, music-making, trains, and a multi-story maze.
An active entertainment center featuring climbing walls, ropes courses, a caving system, giant slide, and jungle gym for active play.
An indoor aquatic center with four pools, including an activity pool with a waterslide, a lap pool, a whirlpool, and a warm water therapy pool. Note: Scheduled to close for renovations from July 3, 2025, reopening Spring 2026.
ENTERTAINMENT
For an incredible live music experience, check out SPACE in Evanston. This intimate venue hosts a wide variety of performers, from up-and-coming artists to well-known musicians. The cozy setting and excellent acoustics make for a fantastic night out.
Ravinia Festival is a North Shore tradition, hosting world-class musicians and performances throughout the summer. Located in Highland Park, it’s the perfect spot for an outdoor concert experience. Bring a picnic, grab some wine, and enjoy an unforgettable night of live music under the stars.
Experience an innovative theatrical production in Winnetka, where over 30 years of cultural excellence bring contemporary, classic, and newly premiered plays to life.
A complex with two theaters hosting a variety of entertainment, events, and educational programs. It is home to Northlight Theatre and other cultural organizations.
A highly-ranked music school offering conservatory-level training combined with the academic resources of Northwestern University. They host various concerts and events.
A professional non-profit theatre company located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, producing a mix of contemporary dramas, musicals, and refreshed classics.
Northwestern University's center for performing arts, staging numerous student productions in theatre, music theatre, and dance across multiple venues on the Evanston campus.
MUSEUMS
Located in Skokie, this powerful museum offers exhibits and survivor testimonies that educate visitors about the Holocaust and the importance of human rights. It’s an important and moving experience.
The Block Museum of Art on Northwestern University’s campus fosters experimentation, and collaboration and uses visual arts to explore the human experience. By embracing diverse perspectives, the gallery creates shared encounters to deepen understanding of the world and our place in it.
FOOD & DRINK
LeTour is a brasserie in Evanston featuring "unconventionally French" food with Moroccan influences, served in a distinctive 360-degree room. While mint tea isn't explicitly mentioned as a standalone item in the search results, it fits the Moroccan influence. My favorite thing on the menu is their Moroccan Mint Tea - they come and pour it from a height at your table from a special moroccan tea pot!
A boutique donut shop in Evanston offering small-batch donuts with rotating flavors and custom blend coffee.
An independently owned bakery specializing in naturally fermented breads, pastries, and sandwiches using locally sourced, organic grains.
SHOP
Founded in 1977 in Winnetka, Illinois just north of Chicago. Material Possessions quickly became a Chicagoland destination known for innovative and inspiring home accents and decor. This shop is known for its curated selection of refined home accessories, ranging from tableware and lighting to jewelry and unique gifts.
Vivid was founded by two friends who recognized that the North Shore would welcome a different kind of art gallery. Vivid opened its doors in October 2016, with the mission of providing a more engaging gallery experience. Exhibiting works by more than 20 artists every day gives customers the ability to “gallery hop” in one location. Vivid offers an eclectic mix of styles and media, specializing in contemporary American painting, works on paper, and ceramics.
Stumble & Relish is a jewelry & gift shop opened in Evanston by a mother & daughter team in 2013. In this shop you are sure to love the things you will stumble on and savor…lovely artists, handmade goods, unique finds, vintage accents, home decor, and stationery!
Notice is a shop in Evanston featuring contemporary women's apparel, jewelry, candles, sophisticated and quirky gifts and a baby department, the store has become a one stop shop for many customers.
JUST FOR FUN
History buffs and adventure seekers alike will love climbing the Grosse Point Lighthouse. Built in 1873, this historic beacon offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Guided tours are available seasonally, allowing you to learn about its rich maritime history while enjoying a stunning vantage point.
Sheridan Road
Take a scenic drive along Sheridan Road that winds through the North Shore, offering stunning views of historic mansions, Lake Michigan, and charming neighborhoods. It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.
Book an empowering boudoir photoshoot at our luxury studio in Winnetka, IL. The boudoir photography experience is for every woman, regardless of age, size or shape. Giving boudoir photos as a gift is really fun, but this experience is really for YOU.
From scenic landscapes to cultural hotspots, Chicago’s North Shore has something for everyone. Whether you're unwinding at a spa, taking in the beauty of a botanical garden, or enjoying live music under the stars, this region offers unforgettable experiences just minutes from the city.
What’s your favorite North Shore activity? Let us know in the comments!
P.S. Looking for even more ideas for activities in the greater Chicago area? Download my free ebook using the link below!