Because the show’s demonstration/aerobatic box is about 500 feet east of the beach, over the water, the show can be seen from as far as 5 miles in either direction along the coast, and a few miles inland as well (provided you are elevated). The official ‘show center’ for the CAWS is what’s known as the Boat House, a large ship-shaped structure on North Avenue Beach. VIPs are hosted on both levels and have a special viewing area set up in front, facing the blocked-off section of the beach used for the skydivers’ landing area. To the north of the Boat House is the main viewing area for the general public – this includes the beach, some grassy areas with shade trees and a recreation park further west. An area just south of the Boat House (normally a bike path) plays host to the vendors, food and beverage tents and the lavatories, all provided in ample amounts for the amount of people. The main section of the beach fills up by about 9:30am on the main show days, so an early arrival is imperative if a front and center view is wanted. Beach chairs and umbrellas were available for a rental fee ranging from $20-$35 for the day. Navy Pier, a popular tourist attraction about a mile and a half south, is a good spot to avoid the heavy crowds that flock to the beach at Show Center. Because the Pier juts about 3300 feet into the lake, this is a good spot to have the larger aircraft and the jet demonstration team fly directly overhead. Spectators here, though, will not experience the smaller aerobatic aircraft and solo fighter jet demonstrations because of the distance from the aerobatic box. This is a good spot to take photographs of the aircraft with the skyline of downtown Chicago in the background, or as the airplanes fly right overhead. Another popular location to watch is between Navy Pier and North Avenue Beach, called the Oak Street Beach. This includes a small beach area, complete with café and facilities, and a cement shoreline walkway/bicycle path going north toward show center. This area is usually less crowded than North Avenue Beach and still allows for a good view. Access to all of these areas is free of charge, as is use of the lavatories. If you are fortunate enough to know someone who lives in one of the condominium buildings on Lakeshore Drive, most of them host private parties on their rooftops or balconies, offering a spectacular aerial view of the show and a much more personal experience when the jets fly overhead. If you can’t make friends with an owner, you can combine your day at the air show with a trip to the John Hancock Observatory, one of the most unique viewing points due to the height of nearly 1000 feet above the lake. Many of the maneuvers, though about a mile to a mile and a half away, take place below you – not to mention you are in an air conditioned building with restrooms, a restaurant, and free WiFi. Adults can gain admission for $16.80 after tax, and youths age 3-11 are admitted for $11.80. A more costly option is to watch from a boat anchored to the east of the aerobatic box. If you don’t have your own, several skyline or dinner cruise boats offer specials for the air show, varying in price from $50 to upwards of $200 per person.