Naperville, Illinois, is a well-known, family-friendly suburb of Chicago. It’s an award-winning community, ranking in the Top 100 Places to Live in 2024 for its tech job opportunities, agriculture, education, healthcare, and cultural attractions. Originally starting as a prairie town to a thriving township, Naperville has become a go-to destination for many.
Learn the most popular things to do in Naperville and why this community attracts locals and visitors alike to come here.
Where is Naperville in Illinois?
Naperville, IL, is a southwestern suburb of Chicago in DuPage County, about a 30-minute drive. Locals love living in Naperville township because it offers a slower-paced or vibrant lifestyle of your choosing. Whether you’re commuting for work or want to live near the city but not directly in it, Naperville is one of the most popular neighborhoods near Chicago for many reasons.
Top Things to Do in Naperville: Explore Like a Local
Below are the most popular things to do in Naperville with travel directions.
Explore Downtown Naperville
Did you know that Naperville has its own downtown area? Downtown Naperville is consistently voted one of the nation’s best suburban downtowns. It has hundreds of national stores, one-of-a-kind boutiques, local businesses, and dining options worth exploring.
Some of the most popular downtown Naperville attractions are:
•Peace: An independent, consciously-sourced shop with handmade gifts, including jewelry, crystals, natural body products, and essential oils.
•Galleria Azul: A newly opened art exhibit featuring contemporary artists from around the world.
•Purple Dog Records: A local staple vintage vinyl store with a collection of turntables, posters, t-shirts, and more for sale.
•Anderson’s Bookshop: A 1975 local bookshop with book groups, annual literature conferences, and an extended toyshop for families.
Downtown Naperville is a 45-minute drive west of Chicago via I-88 and I-355. It’s also conveniently accessible by public transportation. The Naperville Metra station is five blocks away via the Union Pacific West (UP-W) Line. You can also take the commuter Pace bus with multiple stops in the area throughout the day.
Stroll Along the Naperville Riverwalk
Like the Chicago Riverwalk, Naperville has its own, too. The Naperville Riverwalk is located along the DuPage River with 1.75 miles of brick paths, fountains, outdoor sculptures, bridges, and plenty to do along the way.
Naperville Riverwalk has many recreational activities, including:
•Grand Pavillion: A large, covered structure for picnics, walk-a-thons, and seasonal events.
•Millennium Carillon in Moser Tower: A 158ft tall bell tower with 253 steps and 72 bells with interactive exhibits of local Naperville history.
•Paddleboat Quarry and Fishing Pier: Seasonal kayak and paddleboat rentals to explore the historic Naperville quarry.
•Centennial Skate Park: An inline skating and skateboard park adjacent to the Riverwalk, with quarter-pipes, grinding rails, and fun boxes.
The Naperville Riverwalk is accessible via I-290, I-55, and I-88 W, about a 40-minute drive from Chicago for those looking to wind down the bustling city. The Aurora Ave & West St bus stop is a five-minute walk via Bus 530 and the closest public transit option. The Naperville train station is a 30-minute walk via the BNSF Line.
Visit the Naper Settlement
Credit: NCTV17
As an award-winning outdoor history museum, the Naper Settlement is a must-see destination. It sits on 13 acres and offers educational programs, exhibits, and special events to learn about local history in a fun way for all ages—and it’s free for Naperville residents! From guided walking tours of Naperville’s 19th-century frontier to interactive underground railroad explorations for children’s learning and weekly farmers’ markets, the Naper Settlement is much more than a museum.
Naper Settlement is close to I-88, I-355, and I-55, 28 miles west of Chicago. If you need public transit, the Aurora Ave & West St bus stop is a 10-minute walk via Bus 530. The Naperville Metra station is a 20-minute walk via the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) Line.
Swim at Centennial Beach
Credit: Visit Naperville
Naperville’s Centennial Beach isn’t your typical outdoor swimming pool. It’s a seasonal historic stone quarry with a zero-depth entry up to 15ft! It also has family-friendly activities for all fitness levels, such as bag toss areas, float rafts, a sand playground, volleyball, and grilling stations.
Centennial Beach is within walking distance to multiple community destinations, including downtown Naperville and Riverwalk. If you’re traveling from Chicago, driving is recommended as the closest option via I-294 or I-55, about a 40-minute trip.
For public transit, the Naperville Metra is a 30-minute walk via the BNSF Line or a five-minute ride share from the station. The Aurora Ave & West St bus stop is a 10-minute walk via Bus 530.
Eat at the Best Restaurants in Naperville
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking for new things to do in the area, eating locally at Naperville’s restaurants is a must. Below are some of the best ones and why they make the list.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Credit: Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants
Dine at a restaurant with its own wine club and Napa-style tasting room at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants. It’s a modern, casual setting with a brunch, dine-in, and carryout menu. From seasonal chef recommendations like short rib grilled cheese to breakfast gnocchi carbonara and pistachio-crusted grouper, you can eat here any time of day and be wowed.
The wine-tasting room offers happy hours, including five appetizers and wines by the glass. Their award-winning wine menu has a wide selection of flavors, like chocolate almond red, and spiced pear with nutmeg and clove white wines.
Cooper’s Hawk is only a 30-minute drive from Chicago via I-290 and I-88. The Diehl Rd & Centre Point Cit (E) bus stop is the closest public transit option, a ten-minute walk via Bus 714.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Credit: Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Looking for places to go in Naperville for date night? Impress your loved one at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. It’s a fine dining chain that won the 2024 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. The restaurant features live music with specialty meats and seafood, like the rarest cut of A5 Japanese wagyu, tempura lobster tails, and Hong Kong-style Chilean sea bass.
The closest public transit option is the Diehl Rd & Centre Point Cit (E) bus stop via Bus 714, a ten-minute walk. It’s also only a 30-minute drive from Chicago via I-290 and I-88.
Empire Burgers+ Brew
Credit: DynaDome
Don’t settle for basic burgers. At Empire Burgers + Brew, it’s a two-floor burger bar with the only retractable rooftop in the area for beautiful views while you eat outdoors.
Enjoy top-notch burgers like 100% certified Angus beef with classic tomato and lettuce, vegan beyond burgers with guacamole, and turkey burgers with maple bourbon glaze. They also serve unique cocktail flavors, like s’mores old fashioned, hot pear cider, and fig gin.
Empire Burgers + Brew is easily accessible with public transportation. The Naperville train station is a 15-minute walk via the BNSF Line. The Washinton St & Aurora Ave bus stop is a five-minute walk via Bus 530. For drivers, it’s around a 35-minute drive via I-290.
SanguCHE
Credit: SanguCHE
Enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine at one of the best restaurants in Naperville at SanguCHE. It won the Best of Naperville in 2017 and 2023 and was the runner-up in 2016 and 2018. Inspired by cultural flavors from Indigenous, Spanish, Italian, African, and Asian dishes, it has incredibly diverse dishes.
SanguCHE is a casual restaurant specializing in sandwiches, including shredded chicken in creamy black olive aioli on Ciabatta, sauteed beef sirloin in garlic soy sauce on a French roll, and spicy quinoa burger with house chile mix. It also serves chef specialties like whole roasted Peruvian chicken, seasonal ceviche, and empanadas.
It’s also easily accessible for Chicago travelers. The Route 59 Metra station has a bus and train route, both around a five-minute walking distance via the BNSF Line and Bus 559.
Your Next Naperville Apartment Awaits: Rent with TLC Management Co.
Does Naperville sound like your next home sweet home? Let us help you find the perfect place to rent.
At TLC Management Co., we have 37 apartment properties around and within Chicago, each with unique amenities tailored to your exact lifestyle. As property owners and managers, we pride ourselves on providing a top-notch renting experience—as it should be.
We have luxury apartments in Naperville at our The Iroquois Club Apartments, with upscale conveniences including:
•Heated indoor swimming pool with a retractable roof and sundeck
•Scenic grounds with jogging and walking paths and an outdoor oasis with a firepit
•Glass showers and soaking tubs, double sink vanities, quartz countertops, and oversized bay windows
•Pickleball court, bark park, and a deluxe playground
Ready to make your move to Naperville or nearby?
Browse our Chicago suburb apartment listings or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com to start your search today!
