Not only does the Shedd Aquarium play home to some of the most beautiful and exotic sea creatures humans could ever lay their eyes on, but it also is home to one of the best views you’ll find in the entire city of Chicago.

Located on a peninsula jutting out in Lake Michigan, from outside and within its dome-like windowed walls, the entire city of Chicago is laid out like a panoramic postcard from within the museum. The view aside however, kids and adults alike ooh and ahh over the amazing array of sea life. From teeny tiny seahorses of all colors and shapes majestically fanning around their world, to dolphins jumping and baby beluga whales being born, the Shedd Aquarium provides top notch entertainment day and night, all year round.

Visitors learn about sea creatures from every crevice of the world and can catch specially scheduled shows to see the dolphins and whales in action. After hours, the Shedd hosts plenty of parties and mixers so be sure to check their schedule to see if a cocktail hour at the Shedd is happening (always a blast!). Jazzin’ it at the Shedd happens Wednesday nights and serves as the perfect place to catch the nightly fireworks shooting from Navy Pier.