A beach located directly across from the W Hotel. If you like open water swimming, there is a swim rope and a buoy that marks the 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile mark.

If you jump on the lakefront path and head north, first you'll hit Oak Street Beach and then North Avenue Beach. North Avenue Beach is a place to see and be seen in the summer. They have the famous Castaway Bar and live bands playing most Saturdays during the summer. (The drinks are always poorly iced and the food pretty mediocre, you definitely just go for the experience.) But there are also lots of fun beach activities, like volleyball, kayaking, jet skis and more.

If you haven't been here before, it's worth the half mile walk from the W Hotel (mile walk from the Gwen maybe not as worth it) to just check it out and take pictures. It is definitely a tourist trap, but great if you have young kids. The main attractions are the boat rides/tours, ferris wheel, children's musuem, and mini golf. If you do go, fear not, they also have a beer garden.

Join us on Saturday, September 2nd from 8:30-10:00 p.m. in the Living Room Bar at the W Hotel Lakeshore. Around 10:00 p.m. we will relocate with our beverages to the Wet Deck and watch the Navy Pier fireworks.

A 15-minute walk from the W Hotel and a 3-minute walk from the Gwen. Chef Mario Batali's sprawling, modern outpost featuring a range of Italian eateries & food markets. Great place to grab some wine and cheese to enjoy back on the terrace of either hotel.

This is a 90-minute architechural boat tour that offers amazing views and history of Chicago. If you haven't done it before, it's highly recommended. Locals enjoy this just as much as new comers to the city.

Join the bride on Sunday, September 3rd from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. for yoga on the Wet Deck of the W Lakeshore, taught by the bride's sister and yoga instructor, Kelly Sloan. Towels, mats, and water will be provided, but if you are local, please feel free to BYOM. Please note, if raining, class will be taught inside.

The Chicago Riverwalk is an open, pedestrian waterfront located on the south bank of the Chicago River. It's a great place to get in your steps and then stop in City Winery for a glass of wine or Tiny Hatt for a quick bite. The Riverwalk just opened last year and if you want a quick tour of the city, or go for a jog, you can follow it through downtown until it connects with the lakefront path.

This park is a nice walk from either hotel and another great spot with kids. Check out Cloud Gate aka "The Bean", the interactive Crown Fountain and Maggie Daley Park. Continue just a little further south and see the famous Buckingham Fountain.