Is there anything better than enjoying a thin crust pizza while soaking in the best views in Chicago? While there are many wonderful indoor dining options around the city, sometimes you just need a good old fashioned picnic in the park. Here, we’ve gathered our favorite scenic spots where we suggest taking a picnic blanket, your friends, and your to-go order of thin crust pizza. In this article, we’ll discuss what makes each of these parks special, which ones feature the best Chicago scenery, and any additional features we think are worth checking out during your visit.
Ping Tom Memorial Park for Chicago Skyline Views
Ping Tom Memorial Park is a riverfront park located in the heart of Chinatown. Named in honor of the prominent Chinese-American leader Ping Tom, the park covers approximately 12 acres along the south branch of the Chicago River and offers some of the best Chicago skyline views around. Ping Tom Memorial Park also features a range of amenities for people to enjoy, including walking and biking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a boathouse with seasonal kayak rentals.
In addition to the stunning skyline views and fun amenities, Ping Tom Memorial Park has ecological significance. The park provides green space for wildlife in the middle of the city, which not only benefits local birds, mammals, and flowers, but also means that you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of nature as you take in Chicago’s scenery.
Before you head to Ping Tom Memorial Park, grab a pickup order of thin crust Chicago-style pizza near you, then make your way to any spot along the river to take advantage of the gorgeous views.
The Great Lawn at Millennium Park for Chicago Scenery
The Great Lawn at Millennium Park is one of the city’s most well known green spaces and the perfect place to enjoy a thin crust pizza while taking in the Chicago scenery. Millennium Park is centrally located in downtown Chicago, which makes it easily accessible for both residents and visitors. The Great Lawn offers beautiful Chicago skyline views and includes landmarks like the Cloud Gate sculpture, more commonly known as “The Bean.” The park is spacious, which means there’s plenty of room for you and your friends to spread out and enjoy your pizza without feeling crowded. Bring a blanket or set up on one of the many benches to enjoy thin crust pizza made with real ingredients.
Promontory Point at Burnham Park for Best Views in Chicago
Burnham Park is named after one of Chicago’s most famous architects, and it has some of the most stunning skyline views in the whole city. The park includes the well-known Promontory Point, which extends into the water of Lake Michigan and is the perfect spot to set up a blanket and enjoy a slice of thin crust pizza. The park also features plenty of greenery, trees, and open grassy areas where you and your friends can spread out blankets or set up at a picnic table to eat your pizza.
Even though Burnham Park is located in the center of the city, we’ve found that it has a secluded atmosphere and feels like an escape from Chicago’s urban life. This is partially because the park isn’t located close to any busy streets or commercial areas, allowing visitors to enjoy some quiet.
After you finish eating your thin crust pizza (and don’t forget desert!), be sure to check out Promontory Point for additional outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, biking, and fishing. No need to plan ahead. You can explore the park’s paths and shoreline easily on foot.
Humboldt Park for Room to Sprawl
Humboldt Park is a beautiful area known for its lagoon and historic boathouse. There’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy your thin crust pizza while bird watching, admiring the wildflowers, and watching the swan-shaped paddle boats in the water. After you’ve enjoyed your pizza, we suggest taking a walk around the water to enjoy more of the best views in Chicago.
Washington Park for Colorful Flowers
Washington park is beautiful all year round, though we’ve found it’s especially vibrant in the spring and summer due to the many colorful flowers. This park is a favorite due to its expansive green spaces, beautiful gardens, and scenic landscapes. The park also offers a variety of picnic areas, including designated picnic groves, open fields, and plenty of picnic tables. After you’ve eaten your thin crust pizza and enjoyed the Chicago scenery, you can also check out some of the Washington Park landmarks such as the DuSable Museum of African American History, the Fountain of Time sculpture, and the Beaux-Arts style refectory building.
Washington Park is located on the south side of Chicago, which makes it easily accessible by both public transportation and by car.
Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool for Quiet Oasis
Designed by landscape architect Alfred Caldwell in the 1930s, the Lily Pool is a designated Chicago Landmark and the perfect spot to set up a picnic to enjoy your thin crust pizza. Unlike some of the larger parks in the city, the Lily Pool tends to be less crowded, especially during weekdays. The Lily Pool features winding pathways, stone bridges, and different alcoves for some of the best views in Chicago. When you arrive, you’ll be able to choose from a number of spots within the garden to sit and enjoy your pizza.
Despite its tranquil setting, the Lily Pool is easily accessible by both public transportation and by car. It’s a short walk from public transit stops and has designated parking nearby. We suggest placing a to-go order of thin-crust pizza, then heading to Lily Pool for a scenic afternoon.
Learn More About Where to Find Chicago Style Pizza Near You
At Rosati’s, we pride ourselves at crafting Italian food our customers always enjoy. We started with a single storefront, and through the years we’ve created a franchise that stands behind our original vision. With our selection of pastas, sandwiches, and Chicago-style pizza near you, Rosati’s Pizza has something for everyone.