The Gold Coast includes many different neighborhoods, each with their own history, culture, and style, offering some of the best recreation and entertainment in Chicago.

 Many Gold Coast buildings are on the National Registry of Historic Places, are open for tours and can be studied at the various libraries and history museums in and around the neighborhood. 

Gold Coast Entertainment

 With a very lively nightlife, the Gold Coast offers some of the best dining in Chicago. The Magnificent Mile is mostly responsible for this reputation, with hundreds of upscale restaurants and cafes to choose from. Other areas of the Gold Coast claim excellent restaurants as well, many of them nationally recognized, such as Gibsons, Morton’s Steakhouse, and Tavern on Rush. 

 
The Newberry Library, an independent research library that focuses on humanities, is very popular among Chicagoans. A free library with a large selection of reference material of rare manuscripts, music, and books, the Newberry Library also hosts several riveting exhibits, performances, and lectures throughout the year.

 One of the favorite activities of residents and visitors alike is Navy Pier, which is known for its Children’s Museum, walk-in maze lined with Chicago historical scenes, and a Ferris wheel that soars 150 feet into the air, offering stunning views of the lake and city. Navy Pier also features over 200 sculptures during summer and autumn months, the Crystal Gardens terrarium, the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and miniature golf.

Gold Coast Recreation

 While the cultural life of the Gold Coast is plentiful, it’s really known for its shopping. The Gold Coast is home to numerous upscale stores, shops, and boutiques, some of them from the world’s finest designers.  Since shoppers are known to work up quite an appetite, the area (Magnificent Mile) also offers fine dining next to none.