Explore Chicago with Navy Pier Marina boater resources
Explore
Our Endless Offerings
When you dock with Navy Pier Marina, you gain access to a bounty of potential Chicago experiences. Whether you’re stopping in for a meal or ready for a night out to see a show, the resources below will help you plan the best stay imaginable! Learn more about local cultural touchstones and boater safety.
The People’s Pier offers a diverse and eclectic range of activities and experiences that ignite the imagination, stimulate the senses, and allow your spirit to soar. It’s no surprise it’s a place that continues to inspire discovery and wonder after more than a century. Find out what it has to inspire you!
From cultural programming to seasonal celebrations, fireworks, and more, there is always something happening at Navy Pier. Discover fun and free events for everyone all year long.
See Marina staff for the code.
Exclusive Boater Benefits
As a Navy Pier Marina guest, you’ll unlock exclusive offers with our on-site partners, including Flyover Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and the Sable Hotel.
Sable Hotel
Located on Chicago’s Navy Pier, this unique hotel offers incredible views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. Sable is within 10 minutes of iconic attractions like Cloud Gate, Magnificent Mile, and the Wrigley Building. Enjoy several parks, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in the heart of Chicago, just a few minutes away.
Flyover Chicago
Discover absolute awe at Flyover. Our exhilarating immersive journeys connect you with our planet like never before. Soar over iconic locations including Chicago, dive into authentic stories and lose yourself to an adventure unlike any other. Find us inside Navy Pier and experience Flyover for yourself.
For more information visit: experienceflyover.com
See Marina staff for your discounted tickets.
Chicago Children’s Museum
Celebrating over 40 years as a Chicago cultural institution dedicated solely to young children and the important adults in their lives, Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) takes seriously its role as a national leader in developing original, play-based experiences that engage children in creative, collaborative learning. Playful experiences, including more than 15 interactive exhibits and daily programming, tap into how kids learn and engage to develop the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Located at Navy Pier, Chicago’s number one attraction at 700 E. Grand Ave.
Please visit chicagochildrensmuseum.org for more information.
Show ticket office evidence of being a Marina guest, Dockwa reservation, to receive 20% off all admissions.
Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a leading international company and the nation’s largest year-round theater dedicated to Shakespeare. Led by Artistic Director Edward Hall and Executive Director Kimberly Motes, CST creates bold, engaging performances that reflect the richness of our world. With contemporary voices in the spotlight, CST brings unforgettable stories to life across three dynamic venues on Navy Pier: The Yard, the Courtyard Theater, and the Thoma Studio.
For more information visit: chicagoshakes.com
See Marina staff for your discounted tickets.
From Pilsen to Wrigleyville to Lincoln Square and everywhere in between, Chicago’s culinary scene offers guests exciting and authentic restaurant choices, starting at Navy Pier. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or an upscale night on the town, there’s no wrong way to experience the flavors of Chicago.
Bar Sol Mariscos
Bar Sol brings the diverse and vibrant flavors of coastal Latin American cuisine to Chicago. Enjoy laid-back lakefront vibes and the joy of sharing a meal with good company. Bar Sol’s mission is to create a welcoming environment for all, providing their guests with a lively experience, phenomenal skyline views, and impeccable service.
Bar Sol’s mariscos (seafood) menu features everything from oysters, fajitas, Peruvian ceviche, and the best-selling parrillada: a large dish meant for sharing that includes a little bit of everything. Stop in for a table in our newly renovated dining room, enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the bar, and watch the famous Navy Pier fireworks right from our patio.
Interested in dining in? Make your reservation on OpenTable and enjoy lakeside dining that’s as easy as stepping off your boat.
All Marina guests will receive 20% off at Bar Sol by showing their boater reservation and mentioning the code “Marina 2025.
For more information and to view our full menu, visit: barsolnavypier.com
Chef Art Smith’s Reunion
Chef Art Smith’s Reunion Restaurant on Navy Pier is a celebration of comfort food, Southern hospitality, and the joy of coming together over a great meal. What sets Reunion apart is their commitment to genuine hospitality—a place where every guest feels like family.
Chef Art Smith, known for his time as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef and his renowned restaurants across the country, created Reunion as a tribute to family, tradition, and the comfort of Southern cooking. Inspired by the idea that food has the power to bring people together, Reunion offers a welcoming retreat where guests can enjoy heartfelt dishes crafted with love.
Experience Reunion with an Exclusive Navy Pier Marina Discount. Show your server your Marina reservation and receive 20% off all food items (tax, gratuity, and alcohol excluded). Order today for delivery to your boat at Navy Pier Marina.
For more information and a full menu visit: reunionrestaurants.com
Beat Kitchen Cantina
Beat Kitchen Cantina is located inside Navy Pier. They have quick, counter-service food and drinks to go! Specializing in Mexican-style food, they are most popular on the pier for quesabirrias, tacos, empanadas, freshly made guacamole, the best margaritas, and more. All Marina guests will receive 20% off by showing their boater reservation and mentioning the code Marina 2025.
For more information, visit: beatkitchen.com.
Big City Chicken & Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice
Exploring Chicago by boat? Make your next stop a delicious one. Big City Chicken and Frankie’s by the Slice are now offering group catering packages with dockside delivery at Navy Pier. Order up crispy, buttermilk-brined, fried chicken sandwiches and tenders from Big City Chicken, or grab a slice (or a whole pie) of Frankie’s signature pizza, hot and ready to go. Perfect for a quick bite or a casual feast aboard the boat, it’s the easiest—and tastiest—way to refuel on the water. Beverages, including beer, are also available.
Experience Big City Chicken and Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice with an Exclusive Navy Pier Marina Discount. Show your cashier your Marina reservation and receive 20% off all food items (tax, gratuity, and alcohol excluded).
Discover Chicago
Old Town Chicago
Explore Old Town’s vintage charm, beautiful boutiques, and late-night buzz.
The Museum Campus
Generations of Chicagoans and visitors have explored the Museum Campus to engage with Chicago’s prime cultural, nature, and sporting offerings. Situated in the heart of Chicago adjacent to the Loop’s business and entertainment district, the site occupies an urban lakefront oasis unique among the world’s global cities.
The Loop
Welcome to the Loop, Chicago’s official downtown and everyone’s neighborhood. From shopping on State Street—“that great street”—to wandering into one of the country’s largest art museums, the Loop has something for everyone.
11 Must-See Museums Near the Chicago Loop
The Loop’s major museums are among the largest of their kind in the country, home to collections you won’t see anywhere else in the nation. In other words, whether you’re in love with all things art or hopelessly devoted to science, these museums are can’t-miss stops during any Chicago visit.
Sports Venues in Chicago
Chicago is one of the top sports cities in the country, attracting fans from all over the world to come cheer for our teams. While you’re here, check out upcoming games and historic venues.
Official Guide to Illinois Travel
Welcome to your Illinois adventure! We’re a state of world-famous sights, friendly folks, unforgettable experiences, and your journey of a lifetime.
Chicago Big Boat Rentals
The best options for charters, boat rentals, service, and value are available at Chicago Sailboat Charters. BIG BOAT accommodates up to 36 people for shoreline cruising, sunbathing, swimming, fireworks displays, cocktail parties, river trips, and more, every day of the week.
Come Sailing Charters
Come Sailing is Chicago’s premier sailing experience and private sailing charter offering a variety of boat rides, sailing charters, sightseeing tours, swimming trips, and customized private charters for smaller groups on Lake Michigan. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a person looking to try something new with the family, you’re going to love sailing in Chicago!
On A Boat Sailing
With over 500 5-star reviews, On A Boat Sailing is the premier purveyor of private sailing charters and cruises for intimate celebrations in Chicago. Enjoy world-class sailing and luxury, all-inclusive amenities on board a 37-foot, French-built sailing yacht, captained by a service-oriented crew.
Yachts Chicago
Discover the world of Yachts Chicago, a full-service luxury yachting house for water enthusiasts in search of bespoke experiences and lifelong adventures. Rated Top Luxury Yacht in Chicago 4 years in a row, discerning clients and parties up to 12 are invited to enjoy the Chicago coastline like never before.
Resources
Boating Safety Education Resources
In Illinois, persons born on or after January 1, 1998, may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower only if they have a valid Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources.
Safe Boating Council Resources
National Safe Boating Council
Chicago Harbor Safety Committee Resources
The Chicago Harbor Safety Committee (CHSC) promotes safety, security, and environmental stewardship on the waters of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan by fostering partnerships between the private sector and government agencies. The CHSC plays a pivotal role in representing the diverse users of the increasingly active Chicago Waterway.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free vessel safety checks and both in-person and virtual Safe Boating Classes nationwide.
Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats
A Boater’s Guide: Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats. This guide contains information about federal laws and equipment carriage requirements for recreational vessels of the United States.
Illinois Boating Laws & Responsibilities
The Handbook of Illinois Boating Laws and Responsibilities
Friends of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse
Our mission is to preserve, restore, and celebrate the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse for future generations.
For more than a century, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse has guided sailors and provided security to those on the water. Now, it is our turn to return this magnificent structure to its original beauty.
