Enjoy upscale shopping, varied dining experiences and waterfront walks at this affluent suburb set on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Discover a wonderful blend of retail and recreation in the well-heeled Gold Coast suburb. Shop at the stores of luxury brands, dine at the restaurant of a celebrity chef and stroll along the banks of Lake Michigan. Gold Coast came into existence in the late 1800s as the Astor Street District, named after wealthy entrepreneur John Jacob Astor. Walk down Astor Street to appreciate the lavishness of the suburb’s 19th-century residences and see a cornucopia of architectural styles.

Indulge in some shopping and relaxation on Oak Street. Check out the latest trends by fashion labels such as Giorgio Armani, Prada and Ted Baker. Browse boutique jewelers, housewares stores and an independent art gallery. The street intersects with the northern end of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, a dining and shopping district on a 1-mile (1.6-kilometre) stretch of North Michigan Avenue.

Come to Oak Street Beach, a wide sandy beach with great views of the city’s impressive skyline and vast lake. Join in a game of volleyball, swim in the cool lake water and watch yachts sailing along the shoreline. Come in early September for the Chicago events of the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.

Running north from the beach and skirting the coastline is part of the 18-mile-long (29-kilometre) Lakefront Trail. Throughout the day and night it’s popular among bikers, joggers, skaters and walkers. The trail connects with North Avenue Beach and the sprawling Lincoln Park. The Chicago History Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo are among the park’s many attractions.

Spend an evening hopping between the bars, lounges, nightclubs and restaurants on Rush Street. Find a seat at an outdoor terrace and participate in some people-watching. Treat yourself to an exquisite meal at the Michelin-starred Spiaggia, an Italian restaurant presided over by the famous local chef Tony Mantuano.

Gold Coast is about 2 miles (3 kilometres) north of the Loop – Downtown district. Ride a bus or L train to get here from other Chicago neighbourhoods. Clark/Division is a convenient train station.