Rent a Car in Chicago???
May 3rd, 2012, 12:02 PM
#1
Original Poster
Rent a Car in Chicago???
I'll be working about 5 minutes from O'Hare and will have rides back & forth to my work location. I'll stay at an airport hotel.
I'll have one full day off to explore the city--and possibly one or two mornings when I'll have a couple hours off.
I was told I could easily take a train downtown--but would then need a taxi if I wanted to go to the beaches. I don't the city well enough to know what I'd want to do, but I like to walk and explore cities--and beaches.
So ... would it be best to rent a car? I don't have a sense of what it's like to drive in Chicago. If it's like NYC -- I'll pass.
I'll have one full day off to explore the city--and possibly one or two mornings when I'll have a couple hours off.
I was told I could easily take a train downtown--but would then need a taxi if I wanted to go to the beaches. I don't the city well enough to know what I'd want to do, but I like to walk and explore cities--and beaches.
So ... would it be best to rent a car? I don't have a sense of what it's like to drive in Chicago. If it's like NYC -- I'll pass.
May 3rd, 2012, 12:06 PM
#2
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NO, unless you want to sit in traffic. Take the "L" into the city from O'Hare, and then walk to the beach (or take a taxi, but sans luggage, the walk is great). Someone will chime in with the best stop, but it looks like Clark/Division might work.
May 3rd, 2012, 12:55 PM
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I don't think a couple hours is enough time to take the train downtown, explore, and get back out to the airport area.
A full day, definitely the train is the easiest way to get to downtown and explore. I've only been to one beach near downtown and it was walkable from Michigan Avenue.
A full day, definitely the train is the easiest way to get to downtown and explore. I've only been to one beach near downtown and it was walkable from Michigan Avenue.
May 3rd, 2012, 01:01 PM
#6
Look at Oak Street Beach,and North Aveune Beach..Take the train and walk north on Michigan Avenue to where Lakeshore Drive curves west, across from the Drake Hotel . That's Oak St. Beach. North Ave Beach is 4-5 blocks north.You can walk north form the train or take a bus or taxi.
May 3rd, 2012, 01:12 PM
#7
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The Blue Line will take approximately 45-60 minutes between ORD and The Loop. Public transit will take you most places you want to see. Downtown and most tourist sights are in a pretty compact area and the farthest points are only about 3 miles apart.
The closest beaches to the central city are the Oak Street Beach, at Oak and Michigan or the North Avenue Beach, about one mile north. Both are easily accessible via the Number 151 bus northbound.
Check www.transitchicago.com for maps, schedules, a trip planner and how to track trains and buses with a smart phone. For your whole-day excursion, you can purchase a day pass that allows unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses. A 1-day pass is $5.75 and is available on the lower level of the O'Hare Hilton, most Dominick's and Jewel supermarkets, or Walgreens and CVS pharmacies. Three and Seven day passes are also available.
The closest beaches to the central city are the Oak Street Beach, at Oak and Michigan or the North Avenue Beach, about one mile north. Both are easily accessible via the Number 151 bus northbound.
Check www.transitchicago.com for maps, schedules, a trip planner and how to track trains and buses with a smart phone. For your whole-day excursion, you can purchase a day pass that allows unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses. A 1-day pass is $5.75 and is available on the lower level of the O'Hare Hilton, most Dominick's and Jewel supermarkets, or Walgreens and CVS pharmacies. Three and Seven day passes are also available.
May 3rd, 2012, 07:40 PM
#11
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Skip the car! Traffic stinks, parking is expensive and construction is rampant. Not sure when you are coming, but right now we are not having beach weather, and the water temperature is still only about 50 degrees. You MUST see the lake, but that does not necessarily mean beach. If you are NOT really looking for beach (ie. suntanning or swimming) take the blue line (el) from O'Hare to the Monroe stop (45-60min as mentioned above). When you exit the subway, you will be in the "loop". Walk east (just ask anyone "which way to the lake?") about 3 blocks to Michigan Avenue, and you will see Millennium Park, which has an interesting fountain, a tourist- and locals-favorite sculpture nicknamed "The Bean", gardens and a Frank Gehry-designed band pavillion. This is one of my favorite places in the city, and I go there frequently in the summer. Walk a few blocks more and you will be at the lakefront/marina where there is a nice paved path (watch out for bikers) that you can walk in either direction. Heading north will take over the Chicago River to Navy Pier and eventually a small beach. Heading south will take you to the Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium) and Soldier Field where the Bears play). It's a lovely stroll in either direction, although I prefer going south. Again, watch out for bikers! Also, once you get to the lake, make sure you turn around and look at the skyline from there-one of the best views! Now, if the weather is crappy, it's better to just get in a cab once you get off the el and go check out one of the museums mentioned above or walk to the Art Institute which is at the corner of Michigan and Monroe. When you get tired, there are tons of restaurants in the loop and in the area north of the river.
May 4th, 2012, 02:10 PM
#13
Original Poster
Thanks everybody. Great info!
FYI, no interest in dipping my toes or lounging in the sun. I'll be in Hawaii ten days later! I was just looking for a nice scenic walk--maybe along the lake.
The only thing I've ever done in Chicago is visit the fantastic Art Institute where I got to see my favorite painting--George Seurat's "Le Grand Jatte ..." It was a "bucket list" moment.
I do want to see Millennium Park & the Bean. Not sure what else.
FYI, no interest in dipping my toes or lounging in the sun. I'll be in Hawaii ten days later! I was just looking for a nice scenic walk--maybe along the lake.
The only thing I've ever done in Chicago is visit the fantastic Art Institute where I got to see my favorite painting--George Seurat's "Le Grand Jatte ..." It was a "bucket list" moment.
I do want to see Millennium Park & the Bean. Not sure what else.
