One Of Milwaukee's Best Neighborhoods Is A Walkable Gem With Music-Filled Summers And Serious Charm

If Milwaukee, Wisconsin, isn't on your vacation wishlist, it should be. After all, this lively Midwestern gem with beaches, breweries, and bliss, is also America's most affordable lake destination. The city is made up of several hip little neighborhoods, including Bay View, which sites along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. This charming district is filled with live music in the summer and plenty of charm. With so much to do and see in a compact area, Bay View is also one Milwaukee's most walkable neighborhoods. Laid-back yet active, it offers something for everyone.

If you're traveling from out of town, your best bet is to fly into Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, conveniently situated just a few miles away from Bay View. Like much of the Midwest, Milwaukee can be chilly for much of the year, making summer the best time to visit. Lodging options in and around the neighborhood include The Muse Gallery Guesthouse, Kinn Guesthouse Bay View, and The Bentley.

A big part of Bay View's allure is that, despite how vibrant and modern it is in many ways, its rich history is still on display. If you enjoy 19th-century architecture, stop by the Beulah Brinton House, home to the Bay View Historical Society, located at 2590 S. Superior St., or Puddler's Hall, a historic tavern, located at 2461 S. St. Clair St. The neighborhood is dotted with other historical landmarks, each offering a glimpse into its backstory. While in the Brew City, don't miss Milwaukee's most stylish neighborhood, Historic Third Ward, which mixes historic charm, river views, and a walkable arts scene.

Music fills the air in Bay View during the summer. The neighborhood kicks off the season with the annual Jazz at the Vine series. Free and open to the public, this concert series features eight shows, held on two Thursdays each month from May through August, at the Vine Humboldt Beer Garden in Humboldt Park. There's no better way to spend an evening in Milwaukee than by listening to some live jazz while sipping on a cold brew.

Humboldt Park is also home to another summer music festival, Chill on the Hill, which occurs every Tuesday night. This family-friendly event features food trucks and live music from local performers. You can even bring in your own food, along with chairs and blankets, to make for the perfect picnic experience. Dogs are welcome as well, but must remain on leashes. Like Jazz at the Vine, this weekly event is free.

As September approaches and summer winds down, Bayview closes the hottest time of the year with — you guessed it — an outdoor music festival. The Bay View Bash is held on the third Saturday of each September and features multiple stages of live music, along with workshops, competitions, food, and other festivities for visitors of all ages. As a bonus, money raised from the Bay View Bash goes right back into Milwaukee's neighborhoods, making it a great way to support the community. For even more festivals, art, and entertainment, visitors can explore Riverwest, one of Milwaukee's most creative neighborhoods that blends eclectic festivals, local art, and a strong community.

Bay View has plenty to offer, just like Juneau, another one of Milwaukee's most vibrant neighborhoods, brimming with art, history, and access to sparkling lake views. One of Bay View's defining traits is its walkability, making it an ideal place for anyone who wants to get their steps in for the day. Humboldt Park is home to summertime music festivals, but there's far more to explore across its 73 acres. With trails, ponds, and picnic areas, it makes for a scenic slice of outdoor heaven in the heart of the neighborhood. 

Of course, because Bay View sits along the Lake Michigan shoreline, it only makes sense for it to have its own lakeside escape: Cupertino Park. This spot is popular with ducks and features beaches, a marina, and a portion of the Oak Leaf Trail, which winds through Milwaukee County.

If you're more drawn to the urban side of Bay View, most of this hip little neighborhood's dining, entertainment, and shopping, is concentrated along Kinnickinnic Avenue, all within easy walking distance. Take a stroll down this boulevard and encounter all kinds of eateries, including Hungry Sumo Sushi Bar & Asian Bistro, Honeypie Cafe, and Centraal Grand Café & Tappery. Entertainment highlights include the Avalon Atmospheric Theater, which recreates the feel of an outdoor theater indoors, and Bay View Bowl, a century-old bowling alley with a full bar and arcade. Get some shopping done at the unique stores along Kinnickinnic, including Voyageur Book Shop, Acme Records, and Alive and Fine, a vintage clothing store.