A one-day lakeside day trip from The Wade
Start your one-day lakeside trip from The Wade by walking across Lake Shore Drive to Ohio Street Beach and the Lakefront Trail, then continue east to Navy Pier for lakeside attractions. Return to The Wade for a lakeside lunch at Current and an early-evening drink at Current Bar or the rooftop terrace.
In this guide
Getting started at The Wade
Meet at the hotel entrance on 644 N Lake Shore Dr and use the 24-hour front desk if you need directions, maps, or to confirm restaurant hours. If you’re staying overnight, room options include Room, City View; Room, Lake View; Premium Room, Lake View; and Suite, 1 Bedroom, Lake View.
Plan to leave mid-morning if you want to cover the lakefront and Navy Pier at an unhurried pace. Note the hotel’s check-out time and check-in rules if you’re arriving or departing the same day.
- Hotel address: 644 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
- Front-desk / booking assistance: BookResorts agents, 24/7 +1 (888) 605-1350
- If you’re using hotel amenities: indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, Current restaurant and Current Bar
| Room type | Typical view |
|---|---|
| Room, Lake View | Lake Michigan |
| Premium Room, Lake View | Corner lake & city views |
| Suite, 1 Bedroom, Lake View | Living area and bedroom lake views |
Morning: Ohio Street Beach and the Lakefront Trail
Walk across North Lake Shore Drive to Ohio Street Beach for a short lakeside stroll; the Lakefront Trail runs past the hotel and gives uninterrupted views of Lake Michigan. Beaches in Chicago are public and free to visit.
If you prefer a longer ride, the Lakefront Trail is bike-friendly and runs north and south along the lake; rental kiosks and guided bike tours can be arranged nearby.
- Walk time from The Wade to Ohio Street Beach: a few minutes (cross the street)
- Activities: walking, running, cycling, and shoreline photos
- Facilities: public beaches have seasonal services but check local signage for details
| Activity | Suggested time |
|---|---|
| Short beach walk or photos | 20–30 minutes |
| Lakefront Trail bike ride (one-way) | 30–60 minutes depending on route |
| Relax at shoreline | 30–45 minutes |
Late morning: Stroll to Navy Pier
From the lakefront near The Wade, it’s an easy walk east and then south to Navy Pier (about a 13-minute walk according to public listings). Navy Pier has shops, seasonal attractions, and lakeside views, useful if you want a short ride on the Centennial Wheel or to browse the pier.
If the pier is busy, consider staying along the lakefront path for quieter views or detouring into the nearby Museum of Contemporary Art for a short visit—both are within easy reach of the hotel.
- Walking time to Navy Pier: about 13 minutes (public sources)
- What to expect: seasonal crowds, rides, shops, and lake views
- Alternatives: Museum of Contemporary Art or a riverside walk
| Option | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| Navy Pier | Lakeside rides and casual shopping |
| Museum of Contemporary Art | Indoors and quieter on busy pier days |
| Lakefront Trail detour | Longer, scenic walk with fewer crowds |
Lunch at Current (on-site)
Return to The Wade for lunch at Current, the hotel’s seasonal American restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Current lists breakfast for a surcharge and maintains specific hours that vary by day; check with the concierge for current service hours.
If you prefer a lighter, social setting, Current Bar and the lobby Living Room Bar serve cocktails and curated small plates. Current hosts a Social Hour Monday–Friday from 4:00–6:00 PM according to the hotel’s information.
- Current: seasonal American cuisine; reservations via +1 312-255-4460 or OpenTable
- Current Bar and Living Room Bar: cocktails and small plates
- Seasonal patio (Chandon Garden) usually open May–September
| Venue | Typical offering |
|---|---|
| Current (restaurant) | Cooked-to-order breakfast, lunch, dinner |
| Current Bar | Signature cocktails and small plates |
| Living Room Bar | Lobby cocktails; open late (source lists until 2:00 AM) |
Afternoon: Shopping or lakefront museums
After lunch you can walk up Michigan Avenue (the Magnificent Mile) for shopping — it’s roughly four blocks from The Wade and is a straightforward walk. If you prefer museums, the Museum of Contemporary Art is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
If you want to relax back at the hotel instead of more walking, the indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center are available; the indoor pool is described by some sources as reserved for adults, though the hotel’s own material does not confirm an adults-only policy for the pool.
- Magnificent Mile: about 4 blocks northeast; flagship stores and boutiques
- Museum of Contemporary Art: roughly 10-minute walk
- Indoor pool: year-round indoor pool with lounge seating and adjoining sun deck; some listings describe it as adults-only
| Option | Distance/time on foot |
|---|---|
| Magnificent Mile shopping | About 4 blocks |
| Museum of Contemporary Art | About 10 minutes |
| Return to hotel pool/fitness | Immediate |
Early evening: Sunset and drinks at The Wade
Finish the day with a sunset view from the hotel’s rooftop venues (Altitude/Altitude Ballroom and The Wade Terrace are used for events and offer skyline and lake views). For a casual drink, Current Bar or the Living Room Bar provide easier walk-in options.
If you have time before your departure, the hotel offers luggage storage at the 24-hour front desk and can assist with late check-out requests subject to availability.
- Rooftop venues: Altitude (33rd floor) and The Wade Terrace — used for events with lake/skyline views
- Bar options: Current Bar or Living Room Bar (the Living Room Bar is noted as open late)
- Hotel services: luggage storage and late check-out upon request
| Evening spot | Best for |
|---|---|
| Altitude / Wade Terrace | Sunset views and event photography (check availability) |
| Current Bar | Cocktails before or after dinner |
| Living Room Bar | Late-night drinks |
Practical tips and accessibility
The Wade is smoke-free and pet-friendly (call ahead to confirm details). Valet-only parking is available; the hotel’s sources list valet fees on third-party sites but the exact nightly rate can change, so check with the front desk.
The property offers wheelchair-accessible routes and accessible rooms. Wi‑Fi policy varies across sources — some list complimentary access while others list a surcharge — so confirm with the front desk if Wi‑Fi cost is important to your visit.
- Minimum check-in age: 21 (primary guest must be 21+) — have ID and a card ready
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM; standard check-out by 11:00 AM (some sources list noon)
- Fitness center: 24-hour and complimentary for guests; indoor pool open year-round
| Service | Note |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Provided (valet-only) — confirm current fee at front desk |
| Wi‑Fi | Sources conflict on whether complimentary; confirm at check-in |
| Pool access | Indoor pool with sun deck; some listings describe it as adults-only |
