In 2021, Chicago received around 30.7 million tourists coming from a wide number of countries and locations. In fact, as far back as January 2012, Chicago’s Mayor launched the “Choose Chicago” tourism organization in order to streamline tourist activities and market the city more effectively. This has certainly paid off as the number of visitors to the Windy City continues to climb.
And there’s a good reason for this. With the multitude of tourist attractions and activities, Chicago offers something for everyone. This is why we’ve compiled a list of the top five group day trips in Chicago for you and your loved ones to immerse yourselves in and enjoy to the max. Take a look.
1. Chocolate day tour
We know that most people love chocolate. And this is why our list starts with a chocolate tour. There are several options you can choose from including the Chicago Chocolate Lover’s Walking Tour and the Underground Donut Tour, which is Chicago’s first such type of tour. These tours take from two to four hours to complete, respectively. And there’s something there for all. Whether you’re into mouth-watering glazed or chocolate donuts or something cream-filled, you’re bound to discover something to delight your taste buds.
But that’s not all. You can also embark on the Chicago Chocolate and Desert Tour, which is available for private parties as well and is open all year long. From chocolates to delicious desserts, you’ll walk through the heart of the city on a three-hour adventure. You’ll visit five memorable restaurants and food specialty shops, all while getting a taste of the city’s history, culture and interesting, fun facts.
2. Church day tour
Interested in architecture but not necessarily skyscrapers? No problem! You can go on a three-hour guided visit of two to four churches in Chicago with the Catholic Church Tours. Here, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the detailed explanations of the art, architecture, and history of each church, all while having time for observation, exploration and/or silent worship. A major perk of this tour is that on it, you’ll be accompanied by an English or Spanish speaking guide, depending on your preferences.
This tour is perfect for groups including schools, park districts, clubs, families and individuals. If all this sounds good and well but you’re wondering what to eat – don’t worry. The organizers can help incorporate a good meal ranging from a picnic to a sit-down, ethnically themed banquet. The choice is yours. You also have the option to embark on private church tours, with the size of the parties being as small as five.
3. Cultural neighborhood day tour
If culture and living spaces interest you more, then you may want to embark on a cultural neighborhood tour. This can include neighborhoods including: Lower West Side, Chinatown, Greektown, Little Italy, Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Rogers Park, and South Side. Each place in their own corner of Chicago offers a taste of the different nationalities and traditions that are kept alive by residents. From food to architectural delights – a cultural neighborhood tour is a great option to explore.
4. Foodie day tour
For those interested in food, food, and more food, why not join a foodie tour? You can kick it off with the Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food & Walking Tour or even create your own delicious pizza through the Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class. With the former tour, you will be able to stroll through downtown Chicago and visit important sights such as Millennium Park, Chicago River, the Palmer House Hotels, as well as other landmarks.
But if you are ready to take your tastebuds on an adventure, then you’ll definitely want to try some quintessential Chicago foods such as deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, chocolates, and pastry. Your tour can be upgraded to include three pours of local craft beer. Whether in summer or winter, the tour is great for any food lovers!
5. Beach day tour
And finally, there’s something for the beach lovers! Chicago boasts several highly popular beaches, which you can enjoy by dipping your toes in the sand, enjoying a cocktail, and going for a swim or even a bit of a surf. With some beaches close to important city landmarks, others are great for waterfront dining or recreational activities. And some offer all of these!
Some of the most prominent beaches you can try out for waterfront dining, for example, include Montrose, North Avenue, South Shore, and Oak Street. If outdoor recreation is more your style, you can try North Avenue Beach for a wide range of activities including paddle-boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, volleyball, and bike rentals. Montrose Beach, on the other hand, offers sailing and boat charters.
And finally, if you’re looking for a beach near popular tourist attractions, 12th Street Beach will see you go to the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Huntington Bank Pavilion. Meanwhile, South Shore Beach is near the South Shore Cultural Center, while 57th Street Beach will take you to the Museum of Science and Industry, Jackson Park, and Garden of the Phoenix. The list is pretty much endless so we’ll stop here but you get the picture – the variety of activities on offer is pretty amazing.
Wrapping it all up
Traveling as a group to Chicago can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life! With such a sheer variety of options to choose from, you will not be bored even for a moment. And to make your trip even more memorable, why not enjoy the comfort and leisure offered by Bus Connection’s transportation services? Our guests are always top of mind with every group trip embarked upon. And we take great care of you all while ensuring you have the best time. Never worry about getting lost or finding a free parking spot again. Just get in touch with us and we’ll take care of it all!