The 13 most scenic drives in Chicago

Only in Chicago does the phrase "cruising on LSD" not raise concern. The abbreviation "LSD" stands for Lake Shore Drive, a stretch of road that hugs up against the city's eastern most border, separating our sprawling metropolis from Lake Michigan. Running from Edgewater to Jackson Park, the expressway offers breathtaking views of the skyline, notable institutions and—of course—aqua-hued waters.

If you've ever been on the campus at the University of Chicago, chances are you've probably ended up on the Midway Plaisance, a mile-long bit of road that connects Jackson Park and Washington Park. There's plenty of lush green space sandwiched between the opposing roadways, and you'll be able to see the stately University of Chicago buildings off to the north. Continue west to loop around the DuSable Museum of African American History, or go east to wrap around the lagoons of Jackson Park.

Connecting the Loop to River North over the Chicago River, this double-decker bridge is a postcard-worthy landmark for locals and tourists alike. The upper deck is lined with tracks for the CTA's Brown and Purple lines, while the lower deck offers three lanes of southbound traffic for cars. If you time it just right, you'll be cruising into the Loop with a CTA car rumbling by overhead. A quick glance out the passenger's side window will reveal the glassy city skyline.

No doubt you've heard of Route 66, the iconic stretch of roadway that once ran all the way from Chicago to Los Angeles, spanning almost 2,500 miles. Though most of it's been dismantled and replaced by more efficient highways, there are still remnants of the historic path, including its start and end points in downtown Chicago. You'll find the "begin" sign on Adams Street, just west of Michigan Avenue; the "end" sign (for the portion of the road within in the city) sits near the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue.

Between Soldier Field, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are a few connected roads that feel like an escape from downtown Chicago. These quiet paths are disconnected from the noise of the busy streets just a few blocks away. Pull over to see one of the best views of the city skyline on Solidarity Drive or follow the weaving paths to catch glimpses of Burnham Harbor. While most of this hidden pocket of the city is for parking or often closed for events, it’s quite a sight to see if you're able to cruise through.

Cutting through Millennium Park and Grant Park before merging onto Lake Shore Drive, Columbus Drive is surrounded by green space and sightseeing landmarks. While you're coasting, you'll pass under the BP Pedestrian Bridge designed by architect Frank Gehry past Butler Field before you catch an unobstructed view of Buckingham Fountain and its surrounding gardens.

Taking drivers past some of the city’s most famous attractions, Clark Street is filled with sights. Start on the North Side and head south—you’ll encounter the many boutique shops and restaurants that make up one of Chicago’s coolest neighborhoods, Andersonville, followed by Graceland Cemetery and Wrigley Field (and its iconic marquee). As you get farther south, you’ll come across beautiful Lincoln Park and, eventually, towering downtown skyscrapers and fascinating architectural wonders like the Thompson Center.

Take a Sunday cruise through Jackson Park to revel in the beauty of the sprawling public park. Drivers can enjoy the striking Museum of Science and Industry, observe the gleaming water of the West Lagoon within the park and loop around the stately Statue of the Republic. During the warmer months, be sure to stop at the Osaka Garden or pull right up to 63rd Street Beach to end a beautiful summer cruise.

If you want to drive along the lake at a leisurely pace, Sheridan Road is the route for you. Originating in Lakeview, the street snakes north while hugging the shoreline at multiple points. You’ll enjoy scenic views of parks and the water before passing Loyola University. Once you’re beyond city limits, Sheridan Road continues to follow the lake, cutting through Northwestern’s campus and offering glimpses of North Shore landmarks like the Bahá'í House of Worship.

Encompassing parts of Humboldt Boulevard, Kedzie Avenue and Logan Boulevard, the "boulevards" of Logan Square are lined with some of the most stunning architecture in all of Chicago. Marvel at massive Victorians, stately brick homes and textbook examples of Prairie School style. The tree-lined streets and grassy picnic nooks that line the streets don't hurt the view, either.

Remember the scene in The Dark Knight where Batman, the Joker and a crew of cops face off in a high-speed chase beneath the city streets? That heart-pounding scene was filmed on Chicago's Lower Wacker Drive, located directly below Wacker Drive downtown (fun fact: There's even a third tier below that, known as "Lower Lower Wacker Drive." Though many Chicagoans will disagree about the street's scenic appeal, there's no denying that this iconic city shortcut feels like an entirely different world.

When the weather is agreeable, Humboldt Park is buzzing with action—from folks walking the winding trails and sports teams warming up to swan boats gliding across the lagoon. You can see it all when you cruise through the center of the Park via Humboldt Drive; wrap around Luis Munoz Marin Drive to extend your trek before checking out the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture.

When they visit Chicago, New Yorkers often refer to the CTA as the "subway," but city-dwellers know that many of the city's train tracks are actually above ground. In the downtown area, streets like Wells, Clinton and Wabash are shaded by these tracks, which sit just above street level. Beyond blocking the sun from our eyes, they cast beautiful, speckled shadows on the pavement below, creating an enjoyable and iconic path on which to drive. Just be careful not to run into one of the pillars!