Chicago isn’t just hustle and bustle — there are also plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy all the serene activities and locations our city has to offer. And since August is National Wellness Month, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of our immaculate spas, unique fitness classes, peaceful outdoor places, and healthy bites.
Here are just a few of Chicago’s self-care activities and amenities worth visiting during National Wellness Month and all year long.
Indulge with a Chicago spa day
Chicago has some of the best spas. These havens of pure relaxation can be found in stand-alone locations or inside luxury hotels.
The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Center: Indulge in an array of services, inspired by modern and timeless Asian techniques and philosophies. The center also includes a yoga room and indoor pool.
AIRE: An oasis of relaxation in the heart of the city. The beautifully restored factory offers exclusive massages, rituals, and a journey through a traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman ancient experience of thermal baths.
The Ritz Carlton: The luxury Gold Coast spa offers extensive treatments, including facials and massages designed to heal, relax, and renew.
Piva Beer Spa: Chicago’s first and only beer spa offers luxurious beer soaks, massages, and a state-of-the-art salt room.
The Langham Hotel Chuan Spa: Immerse yourself in an ambiance of peacefulness with revitalizing wellness treatments that nurture, heal, and restore. Experienced therapists are on hand to help you embark on a journey of self-discovery.
Palmer House: The iconic hotel features a massive spa space that provides the latest trends in skin and beauty, including a comprehensive range of massages, facials, body wraps, and more.
Scratch Goods: This self-service interactive skincare experience offers a do-it-yourself mask bar. Learn how to mix and master handmade products with mini coaching sessions by professional estheticians.
Unique fitness classes in Chicago
Whether you’re a beginner or a fitness guru, there are plenty of workout classes and facilities for all levels. Here are just a few Chicago workouts to choose from, on land and in the water.
ChicagoSUP: Find zen (and a burn) during a yoga class on a stand-up paddleboard, including full moon and meditation-focused classes.
Zen Yoga Garage: Housed in a former car wash, this urban yoga studio offers an inclusive array of class formats, from traditional vinyasas to yoga-inspired strength workouts.
Bike and Roll Chicago: The premier bicycle rental and tour company is celebrating over 30 years offering a wide range of Chicago rental bikes, signature bike tours, and more.
Bobby’s Bike Hike: Hop on a guided bike tour of the city that gets your heart rate up while diving into local cultures and landmarks.
T&C Fitness Club: This fitness club is more than a gym. The mission is also to focus on addressing often overlooked aspects of community well-being, including mentoring, empowerment, and a safe haven for the youth.
Chicago Cycle Boats: Explore the waters of Lake Michigan while pedaling your own way on these bike-boat hybrids. Boats are motor assisted, so you can decide on your level of workout.
Bikettle: This indoor cycling studio has multiple locations throughout the Chicagoland area. Fitness offerings include indoor spin classes, HIIT, body sculpting, and kettlebell strength training.
Find your zen in Chicago gardens and trails
Chicago has a plethora of spots, from waterfront green spaces to indoor gardens, to let your mind wander and aim toward enlightenment.
Lakefront Trail: The scenic pedestrian pathway along the shores of Lake Michigan offers 18-miles of stunning views. The popular year-round waterfront destination is home to museums, beaches, restaurants and more.
Chicago Botanic Garden: Explore 27 gardens on 385 acres of diverse plants and fungi. Walking and tram tours are available.
Jackson Park Japanese Garden: This hidden treasure is serene and peaceful. Also referred to as The Garden of Phoenix, this historic oasis features a koi pond, Japanese architecture, and beautiful landscaping.
Garfield Park Conservatory: Embrace and honor the importance of nature at this Garfield Park gem. Walk through the indoor and outdoor gardens at your leisure or check out an educational event.
Healthy eats in Chicago
Discover vibrant menus featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative vegetarian dishes that are both good for you and satisfying.
Beatrix: This chic health-focused spot has several Chicago locations throughout the downtown area, with an all-day menu of wholesome fare.
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen: Enjoy flavorful and affordable plant-based cuisine, from jackfruit short rib to sun-dried tomato sashimi.
Soul Veg City: This vegan soul food spot in Grand Crossing has been cooking exclusively with plants for more than 40 years.
Growing Home Farm Stand: The USDA-certified organic urban farm and non-profit is located in the Englewood neighborhood and sells produce at affordable costs while supporting the community.
Majani Restaurant: This fast-casual vegan restaurant serves plant-based southern cuisine. Every recipe is made with fresh local ingredients and mouth-watering spices.
Healthy Substance Kitchen: The vegan side of Mexico is on display with delicious meals with plant-based options for burritos, quesadillas, tortas, and beyond.
Planta: In River North, this upscale vegetarian restaurant serves artful plates of vegetable-based tartare, sushi, bao and other Asian dishes.
Sundrip: A Black and woman-owned raw vegan restaurant and shop, Sundrip is spreading the plant-rich lifestyle in the West Loop and Hyde Park.
Find more healthy options at these vegan and vegetarian restaurants throughout Chicago.
