There are gardens and parks throughout the city, but few offer the beauty and privacy of these:
• Just south of the Art Institute's main entrance is a garden surrounding Loredo Taft's 1913 "Fountain of the Great Lakes." Perfect for an outdoor lunch.
• The Osaka Garden on Wooded Island in Jackson Park is an unexpected sanctuary on the South Side.
• Hidden in plain sight, the Lincoln Park Conservatory is a hothouse waiting to be explored.
• Despite being at the foot of Navy Pier, Ohio Street Beach remains a haven mostly for locals.
• Admire the handpainted murals on the benches along Loyola Park's bike path in Rogers Park.