Forget Maggie Daley and Grant Parks. The best downtown spot tourists haven’t discovered is Lakeshore East Park, bounded by Columbus Drive, Randolph Street, Wacker Drive, and the lake. Surrounded by a mountain range of high-rise condo buildings, including Jeanne Gang’s Aqua and St. Regis masterpieces, the park provides a lush landscape of flowers and fountains. It’s a great place to read a book, have a picnic, or just wander. 450 E. Benton Pl. chicagoparkdistrict.com