In the summer, walking to the end of the pier and just looking out at the lake and the Chicago skyline is one of my favorite things to do. Sure, the whole scene can be a little touristy, but it's still fun. Take a cheap boat ride out on the lake or get great views from the ferris wheel. There are tons of cute shops inside. The Crystal Gardens are cool (and free) and the Shakespeare Theatre is amazing. Even in the winter, Navy Pier has a lot going on, like ice skating and the Winter Fest. Navy Pier is easy to walk to from most of downtown.
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