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Magnificent Mile Lights Festival 2026: Schedule, Parade Route, Tips & Things to Do Nearby

October 21, 2026

From Lights Festival Lane at Pioneer Court to the evening parade and fireworks over the river, here's how to plan your Lights Festival weekend in
Things to Do in Chicago Over Thanksgiving Weekend 2026

October 21, 2026

From the State Street parade to Christkindlmarket and a river cruise before dinner, here's how to plan a Chicago Thanksgiving weekend your whole group will
Family-Friendly Winter Activities in Chicago

October 21, 2026

Skating ribbons, German holiday markets, indoor winter festivals, and holiday lights from the river: here's how to plan a Chicago winter your whole family will
Where to Take Family Visiting Chicago for the Holidays

October 15, 2026

Hosting relatives this season? Here's where to take family visiting Chicago, with picks for every age, ready-made holiday itineraries, and tips to keep guests happy.
Chicago Marathon Weekend 2026 Guide: Things to Do Downtown

September 11, 2026

Bank of America Chicago Marathon weekend brings road closures, huge crowds, and one of downtown's busiest stretches of the year. Here's what to expect Friday
Halloween at Navy Pier 2026: Events & Things to Do

September 10, 2026

Navy Pier's Halloween season brings free family trick-or-treating, a 21+ bar crawl, and a dog costume contest just down the block. Here's what's happening this
How to See Chicago Without a Car: A Car-Free Day

September 8, 2026

Between a river cruise, the water taxi, and Chicago's walkable downtown core, you can cover a lot of ground without ever getting behind the wheel.
Chicago Weather in October: Temperature Guide for Visitors

September 1, 2026

How cold does Chicago get in October, and is it still a good time for a boat tour? Here's a look at average temperatures through
What is the Best Chicago Boat Tour for First-Time Visitors?

August 11, 2026

Planning your first Chicago boat tour? Here's how to choose between a 45-minute lake tour and a longer architecture cruise, what you'll actually see from
Chicago Fall Activities: Fun Things to Do Downtown September Through November

August 11, 2026

Fall foliage boat tours, Pioneer Court's market, Color Factory, and Bears game days, here are the best ways to spend the season near our docks.
Win the Ultimate Chicago Summer Experience

August 10, 2026

There’s no better way to experience Chicago than from the water and the stands. This season, Shoreline Sightseeing is teaming up with Chicago Fire FC
What Makes Chicago’s Architecture So Famous?

August 7, 2026

What makes Chicago's architecture so famous? Explore the city's history, styles, and iconic buildings, and why the river is the best way to see it
Soldier Field Water Taxi: Sail to a Bears Game and Skip the Traffic

August 5, 2026

Skip the parking and traffic, and instead take the Chicago water taxi from Navy Pier to Soldier Field. Plus, find out where to eat and
Where’s the Best Place to See the Chicago Skyline?

August 4, 2026

Where's the best place to see the Chicago skyline? Compare Lake Michigan boat tours, Navy Pier, Museum Campus, and the Riverwalk to find the best
What River Runs Through Chicago? A Guide to the Chicago River

July 28, 2026

What river runs through Chicago, and how deep does it run? Get the facts on the Chicago River's name, depth, reversal, three branches, and why
One Day in Chicago: A 24-Hour Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

July 23, 2026

Only have one day in Chicago? Use this 24-hour itinerary to see the river, skyline, Riverwalk, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier without wasting time in
The History of Shoreline Sightseeing: Chicago Boat Tours Since 1939

July 19, 2026

Shoreline Sightseeing has been part of Chicago’s waterfront since 1939. Learn how one family-run speedboat operation grew into Chicago boat tours, architecture cruises, and water
Date Night Ideas in Chicago: Dinner, River Views, and Skyline Moments

June 30, 2026

Plan a downtown Chicago date night with dinner or drinks, a romantic river cruise, skyline views, a Riverwalk stroll, and easy stops near Shoreline Sightseeing’s
Things to Do in Chicago Labor Day Weekend 2026

June 30, 2026

Planning Labor Day weekend in Chicago? Build an end-of-summer itinerary with boat tours, lakefront views, Navy Pier, the Riverwalk, water taxis, and downtown sightseeing. [...]Read
Things to Do Near Our Union Station / Willis Tower Dock

June 27, 2026

Visiting Union Station, Willis Tower, or the west side of the Loop? Explore nearby attractions, Riverwalk stops, downtown dining, and easy ways to continue your
How Far is Wrigley Field from Lake Michigan?

June 25, 2026

Planning a Cubs game in Chicago? See how far Wrigley Field is from Lake Michigan, whether you can walk to the shoreline, and how to
How Big and Deep is Lake Michigan?

June 25, 2026

How big and deep is Lake Michigan? Explore key Lake Michigan facts, including size, depth, shoreline, location, and why the lake creates some of Chicago’s
Things to Do in Chicago for 4th of July 2026

June 23, 2026

Discover the best things to do in Chicago for 4th of July, from Navy Pier fireworks and lakefront beaches to boat cruises, skyline views, and
What to Wear and Bring on a Chicago Boat Tour

June 23, 2026

Wondering what to wear on a Chicago boat tour? Use this seasonal packing guide to plan for river tours, Lake Michigan cruises, photos, families, and
Kid-Friendly Activities in Chicago: Why Families Love Boat Tours

June 19, 2026

Looking for kid-friendly activities in Chicago? See why Shoreline Sightseeing boat tours are a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy skyline views, Chicago architecture, Lake Michigan,
Why a Chicago Boat Tour is One of the Best Summer Activities in the City

June 15, 2026

Looking for things to do in Chicago during summer? See why a boat tour is one of the best ways to enjoy skyline views, architecture,
Iconic Chicago Landmarks That Look Completely Different from the Water

June 8, 2026

Discover Chicago landmarks from a new perspective. See which iconic buildings, skyline views, and lakefront attractions look best from the river or Lake Michigan. [...]Read
The Best Time of Day for a Chicago Boat Tour: Morning, Afternoon, or Sunset?

May 13, 2026

Find the best time of day for a Chicago boat tour, including when to choose morning, afternoon, or sunset based on visibility, crowd levels, comfort,
How Long is a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour? What to Expect on the River

May 11, 2026

Learn how long a Chicago architecture boat tour lasts, what to expect on the river, and how to choose between 60- and 75-minute Shoreline Sightseeing
Things to Do Near Our Michigan Avenue Dock

May 8, 2026

Explore things to do near Shoreline Sightseeing’s Michigan Avenue Dock, including the Chicago Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, nearby dining, and architecture river tours. [...]Read
Dining with a View in Chicago

May 6, 2026

Discover the best dining with a view in Chicago, from riverfront patios and rooftop restaurants to lakefront spots near boat tours, skyline cruises, and waterfront
Things to Do on Chicago’s Lakefront

May 2, 2026

Discover the best things to do on Chicago’s lakefront, from biking the Lakefront Trail and visiting beaches to exploring Museum Campus and taking a Lake
Things to Do Near Our Navy Pier Chicago Dock

April 25, 2026

Explore the best things to do near Navy Pier Chicago, including restaurants, lakefront attractions, indoor activities, and easy downtown access by Shoreline Sightseeing water taxi.
Things to Do Near Our Museum Campus Dock

April 23, 2026

Explore the best things to do near Museum Campus Chicago, including major museums, lakefront views, nearby food stops, and easy access by Shoreline Sightseeing water
Why Boat Tours are a Must-Do in Chicago

April 17, 2026

Discover why Chicago boat tours are one of the best things to do in Chicago, from river architecture views to Lake Michigan skyline cruises, sunset
Is a Chicago River Boat Tour Worth It? What Visitors and Locals Should Know

April 8, 2026

Is a Chicago river tour worth it? Learn what to expect on a Chicago River boat tour, why it offers a unique view of the
Things to Do in Chicago Memorial Day Weekend 2026

April 7, 2026

Explore the best things to do in Chicago Memorial Day weekend 2026, including top events, river cruises, lakefront activities, and a complete 2-day itinerary to
Chicago River Tours vs. Lake Michigan Boat Tours: Which Experience is Right for You?

April 2, 2026

Chicago river vs. lake tour: which is better? Compare Chicago River cruises and Lake Michigan boat tours to understand the differences in views, pace, and
Chicago Architecture Tour Differences Explained: River Cruises vs. Walking Tours

March 16, 2026

Compare Chicago architecture river cruises and walking tours to understand which experience offers the best perspective of the city’s skyline and landmarks. Learn why a
Sunset Skyline Boat Cruises & More Date Night Ideas in Chicago

March 11, 2026

Skyline sunsets make for a great date night. Spruce up your next night out with your partner with us in the mix! [...]Read More... from
10 Chicago River Views You Can Only See on a Boat Tour in Spring

March 10, 2026

Discover 10 Chicago river views you can only experience from the water in spring, from skyline reveals and landmark architecture to unique river-level perspectives you
Spring Break at Navy Pier 2026

March 2, 2026

Planning spring break at Navy Pier? Discover the top family-friendly activities in Chicago, including the Chicago Children’s Museum, rides and attractions, and Shoreline Sightseeing boat
Free Chicago Museum Days 2026

January 5, 2026

Museums across the Chicagoland area are offering free days of admission to Illinois residents! [...]Read More... from Free Chicago Museum Days 2026
7 Buildings That Transform in December

December 11, 2025

Chicago architecture has its holiday attire on, lit with reds and greens, find out which ones to lookout for! [...]Read More... from 7 Buildings That
The Holiday Season is Upon Us!

November 13, 2025

The start of the holidays is two weeks away! Get in the right spirit by checking out these fun and returning holiday traditions! [...]Read More...
Chicago CityPASS: More Sights, More Savings

September 30, 2025

The more of Chicago you see, the more you can save! See your options and plan your day full of sights. [...]Read More... from Chicago
Ditch the Traffic: Ride our Water Taxi

August 5, 2025

Avoid the gridlock by riding on the lake or river with our efficient, scenic, and affordable water taxi service [...]Read More... from Ditch the Traffic:
Fourth of July Giveaway

June 28, 2025

Happy Fourth of July! - Click to learn about our giveaway and enter to win! [...]Read More... from Fourth of July Giveaway
Mother’s Day Giveaway

May 2, 2025

Happy Mother's Day to all who have been by our side! - Click to learn about our giveaway and enter to win! [...]Read More... from
St. Patrick’s Day Giveaway

March 7, 2025

Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade is here and a giveaway - read below on how to enter! [...]Read More... from St. Patrick’s Day Giveaway
Ultimate Holiday Staycation Giveaway

December 5, 2024

GIVEAWAY! Read through this post to learn what one lucky winner will win for the holiday season and how to enter! [...]Read More... from Ultimate
Happy National Hot Dog Day!

July 17, 2024

Be a Chicago native for the day, or even month, and try a Chicago Style Hot Dog near our docks! [...]Read More... from Happy National
A Guide to our All Ports Pass

June 6, 2024

Sightseeing in Chicago? Read about our new package deal that allows you to see Chicago efficiently! [...]Read More... from A Guide to our All Ports
Happy National Museum Day

May 18, 2024

Celebrate National Museum Day by using our water taxi service to get you to Chicago's very own museums! [...]Read More... from Happy National Museum Day
A Celebration for the Moms!

May 7, 2024

Bless all the women in our life! Indulge in some experiences over gifts this year around! [...]Read More... from A Celebration for the Moms!
How to Become Part of the Family: More About Positions

April 19, 2024

We are hiring for full-time and part-time positions! Come join our family ran business! [...]Read More... from How to Become Part of the Family: More
The Great Deep Dish Pizza Debate

April 5, 2024

In time for National Deep Dish Pizza Day, the big question, Lou Malnati's or Giordanos, whose got your vote? [...]Read More... from The Great Deep
A Guide to Making Chicago a Spring Break Destination

March 19, 2024

Don't make summer the only time you visit Chicago, come visit us for Spring Break! [...]Read More... from A Guide to Making Chicago a Spring
Everything You Need to Know Before Parade Day and River Dyeing

March 13, 2024

We know things can get confusing, here's some information to help plan your day of fun accordingly! [...]Read More... from Everything You Need to Know
St. Patrick’s Day Staycation Giveaway

March 5, 2024

GIVEAWAY! Who wants the ultimate St. Patrick's Day Staycation in Chicago? Enter for your chance to win and test your luck! [...]Read More... from St.

A Chicago tourism staple since 1939 Shoreline Sightseeing operates Chicago's largest and most diverse fleet of cruise boats and water taxis with 11 major tour vessels and 7 water taxis.

(312) 222-9328 ext. 1
info@shorelinesightseeing.com

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