Planning a trip to Missouri? Carve out time to explore all the best things to do in St. Louis, MO. This Midwest gem is renowned for its beer and baseball. But after visiting the Show Me State’s second-largest city on our last Midwest road trip, we found so much more to experience here than brews and bleachers!
Set on the banks of the majestic Mississippi, St. Louis is a vibrant cultural hub packed with must-see museums, enthralling art, soulful music, and—our favorite reason for visiting—mouthwatering food. And with miles of beautiful trails, parks, and waterways to explore, the Gateway City is a natural choice for outdoor adventurers, too.
Not sure where to start? Check out our complete guide to our favorite places to visit in St. Louis, MO—and you’re good to go!
Our favorite spots to visit in St. Louis
Saint Louis Zoo
Want a one-of-a-kind encounter with creatures great and small? Then head to the world-renowned Saint Louis Zoo, one of the most popular tourist attractions in St. Louis. Spread over 90 acres in beautiful Forest Park, the zoo features interactive exhibits and fun activities, a gift shop, and even dining, which explains why it attracts hordes of families.
The Saint Louis Zoo is known for its naturalistic environments and a diverse assortment of animals from around the world. It’s home to over 16,000 residents of the furry, fishy, and flying variety. When we passed through, we loved the chance to get up close and be enthralled by fascinating species ranging from polar bears to penguins, lions to lemurs.
Explore exciting habitats like Big Cat Country, Polar Bear Point, and Grizzly Ridge. Want an immersive experience? We’d recommend taking a behind-the-scenes tour with a zoo pro and to learn what it takes to be a zookeeper. Feed giant tortoises and gentle giraffes. Parlay with penguins – and snap a selfie!
Best of all? The Saint Louis Zoo offers complimentary admission for both locals and tourists!
Gateway Arch National Park
Ready to hit the top place to visit in St. Louis? Let’s set our sights on Gateway Arch National Park. Perched on the shores of the Mississippi River in Downtown St. Louis, this historic site marks the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 and the beginning of Westward expansion.
When we decided to stop in St. Louis to break up our trip between Kansas City and Chicago, this legendary landmark was number one on our STL bucket list. And it didn’t disappoint!
Gateway Arch National Park may be the smallest national park in the US, but it’s got something really big going for it: its namesake, the Gateway Arch. Prepare to be awed by this downtown skyline icon. (We certainly were!)
Towering at 630 feet, this stainless steel-encased riverfront wonder is the tallest monument in the country. We learned on our visit that it’s actually twice the height of the Statue of Liberty!
Our recommendation? Take the tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch for stunning views of the “The Lou.”
Explore the on-site museum to learn more about the region’s history, pop into the gift shop, then hop aboard a paddle-wheel boat for a narrated scenic cruise down the Mississippi River.
Forest Park
Think NYC’s Central Park is big? Then prepare to be floored by the size of Forest Park, one of our favorite green spaces in St. Louis! Home to the legendary 1904 World’s Fair, this massive urban park sprawls across 1,300 acres, giving outdoor enthusiasts plenty of room to move.
Take your pick of fun outdoor activities at Forest Park. On our visit, we found plenty of options to stay active here like walking, biking, in-line skating, tennis, golf, and more.
Lace up your hiking shoes to hit up Forest Park’s scenic hiking trails to explore 200 acres of pristine nature preserves, including walking among more than 60 acres of mature trees in the John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest.
Want an opportunity to rest the body and exercise the mind? The grounds at Forest Park are also home to the Missouri History Museum, the St. Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the St. Louis Zoo.
We’d also recommend dropping into the Jewel Box, a gorgeous greenhouse brimming with beautiful floral displays. If the timing’s right, take in a performance at the Muny, America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater—and end your visit to this prime location on a high note.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Craving some greens? Enjoy a heaping helping at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Dating back to 1859, this remarkable National Historic Landmark is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the US—and one of the most interesting spots we visited in St. Louis for nature lovers.
The Missouri Botanical Garden spans 80 lush acres, featuring horticultural displays from around the world. Take a narrated tram tour, or wander on foot through vivid plant displays set amidst fountains and statues.
Experience a rainforest in the Climatron, a geodesic greenhouse filled with exotic plants, tropical birds, and cascading waterfalls. In the Conservatory, visitors will love watching several dozen species of colorful butterflies fluttering above at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House.
Discover Tower Grove House, the intriguing 1850s home of “Botan” founder Henry Shaw. Let the kiddos loose in the interactive Children’s Garden. Wander through the tranquil Japanese Garden, the largest traditional Japanese garden outside Japan, and one of the two most impressive we’ve visited in the United States. (The other is in Portland.)
Looking for a cultural fix? Explore the Sachs Museum, a 160-year-old collection of rare art and artifacts gathered by Henry Shaw over his lifetime. Browse antiques and vintage collectibles in the gift shop.
Then—phew!—end your journey through the Missouri Botanical Garden by unwinding with some alfresco refreshments at the Café Flora.
Saint Louis Science Center
No need to be a science nerd to experience a rush of excitement at the Saint Louis Science Center. Set in Forest Park, this domed, futuristic-looking building is one of the largest science museums in the US. If we were visiting STL with kids, this museum would be one of our first stops!
The Saint Louis Science Center is all about immersive experiences. Take a virtual undersea odyssey, investigate the laws of physics in live Amazing Science Demonstrations, or explore the night sky at the Planetarium, the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere.
And there’s more! Explore over 700 hands-on exhibits, kids’ activities, and experiments in the Discovery Room. Have an up-close encounter with a life-sized animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex, or be a Top Gun star with a flight simulator.
Let the kids dive into unique exhibits like a dino-dig and a giant UFO maze. Young creatives will love Made for Kids, a huge “makerspace,” where they can learn screen printing, create videos, or design and print 3D objects.
General admission to the Saint Louis Science Center is free. If you want to check out its special paid exhibitions or special events, you and your travel group can book your tickets in advance at the center’s official site.
Saint Louis Art Museum
Art lovers: Are you craving a cultural shot in the arm? Get your culture fix at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the fountains of historic Forest Park, this site began life as the Palace of Fine Arts during the 1904 World’s Fair. Today, it’s known around the world as one of the most prominent art galleries in the US and, in our opinion, is one of St. Louis’s must-see museums.
The Saint Louis Art Museum showcases 33,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years and multiple genres. This stunning three-story collection features a wide array of paintings, cultural artifacts, sculptures, and ancient masterpieces from around the world.
On our visit, we warmed up with a stroll in the Grace Taylor Broughton Sculpture Garden to admire its small handful of sculptures. Keep on the lookout for he life-sized Hercules and the Hydra sculpture by German sculptor Mathias Gasteiger. Depicting Hercules’ heroic battle with a multi-headed snake, this was our favorite sculpture in the park.
After browsing the sculptures, step inside the Saint Louis Art Museum to take in a multitude of visual delights. Touring the collection, we spotted works ranging from Ming Dynasty textiles to French Impressionist watercolors to contemporary artwork.
Browse the gift shops for an eclectic assortment of art-inspired mementos. Time to reboot? Grab a bite and enjoy the view at the Panorama Restaurant.
Tower Grove Park
Ready for a bucolic break? Saunter over to Tower Grove Park, and say thank you to Henry Shaw, the St. Louis merchant who bequeathed this slice of beauty to the city in 1868. Set on 290 acres next to the Missouri Botanical Garden, Tower Grove Park is one of the oldest and best-preserved 19th-century “Gardenesque” parks in the United States.
A family-friendly green space, Tower Grove Park features grassy meadows, winding paths, manicured landscapes, and elaborately carved stone structures.
When we toured the park on our last St. Louis layover, we discovered a number of historic stone buildings, including the original park foreman’s residence built in 1870. We’d also suggest popping next door to the stables to greet the park’s Clydesdales.
To get more active on your visit to Tower Grove Park, explore the forest trails, hit the tennis courts, and play catch on the athletic fields. Want a breather? Spread a blanket out on the grass or relax in a pavilion.
Tower Grove Park also hosts concerts, art exhibits, and a Farmers’ Market. Check out the park’s official events calendar to see what’s up during your visit.
Missouri History Museum
History buffs: Put the Missouri History Museum at the top of your St. Louis must-see list. Set in Forest Park on the site of the 1904 World’s Fair, the Missouri History Museum offers an intriguing and interactive glimpse into the region’s past.
With over 150 years under its belt, the Missouri History Museum features one of the largest collections of artifacts and historical materials of any regional history museum in the US.
Get the lowdown on baseball lore from the days of the Browns to today’s Cardinals. View the sister plane to Lindbergh’s “Spirit of Saint Louis.” Take in fascinating depictions of the 1904 World’s Fair.
Traveling to St. Louis with kids? Visit the History Clubhouse, featuring 6,000 square feet of immersive, kid-friendly activities. Youngsters can take a trolley ride back in time, pilot a steamboat on the Mississippi, or learn about life in the ancient city of Cahokia.
Exhibits rotate throughout the year; check the events schedule on the official website.
Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery
Okay, amber nectar fans: time for some—ahem!—scientific research. Grab your lab coat and head down to the Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery, the crown jewel in a town brimming with brewers.
Set in the historic Soulard neighborhood, this premier suds source dates back to its founding in 1852 by Adolphus Busch. Today, this famous brewery is a National Historic Landmark.
Although we can’t say we’re the biggest fans of Anheuser-Busch beers, as bonafide beer aficionados, this was one attraction we weren’t going to miss on our trip to St. Louis!
Walk the halls of the lovingly preserved Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery to get transported back in time. Get an insider’s look at A-B’s one-batch brewing expertise, get some BIY (brew-it-yourself) tips, and visit the massive Budweiser Clydesdales, the legendary horse breed used to pull beer wagons in the 19th century.
Guests will also love exploring the on-site Lyon Schoolhouse Museum. Built in 1868, this historical gem is filled with rare photos and mementos that tell the Anheuser-Busch story from its earliest days.
The grand finale: Savor two complimentary glasses of any A-B product in the Hospitality Room. Prost!
After your tour of one of America’s most famous breweries, save time to explore the historic Soulard area. Famed for its blues music venues, Southern restaurants, and fun bars, Soulard is a great addition to any St. Louis itinerary—and one of the most interesting historic neighborhoods we explored in the city.
Savor the taste of authentic St. Louis barbecue at Bogart’s Smokehouse (1627 S 9th St), one of the most popular BBQ spots in the city. Tuck into juicy pulled pork or beef brisket from some of the city’s finest pitmasters. (They’ve even got grab ‘n go selections if you want to take some home with you!)
Or enjoy dinner and drinks at the colorful Chava’s Mexican Restaurant (925 Geyer Ave #3921). Savor Mexican classics like enchiladas de crema and chile con queso, chased with a margarita or sangria.
End the evening exploring Soulard’s nightlife scene. Enjoy the smooth sounds of blues paired with Southern snacks and drinks at Hammerstone’s (2028 S 9th St), a historic tavern set in a building dating back to 1884.
The St. Louis Wheel
Want to get a bird’s eye view of St. Louis and its surroundings? Hop aboard The St. Louis Wheel, the city’s high-rolling twist on the Ferris wheel. You’ll find it in St. Louis Union Station, a National Historic Landmark that was the world’s largest rail station when it opened in 1894. Today, the station is a family-friendly attraction that’s home to the St. Louis Aquarium, a mini golf course, and a carousel.
Book your spot on the St. Louis Wheel and buckle up for a spectacular experience. While we can’t say it’s quite as impressive as the Gateway Arch, reaching a height of 200 feet, you’ll be awed by amazing panoramic views of the St. Louis city skyline. Soar over the historic Union Station train shed and take in the city’s beautiful architecture, including the Gateway Arch and other downtown landmarks.
Ready to go for the gusto? Book a private VIP Gondola, sink into leather captains’ chairs, and enjoy breathtaking views through the glass floor gondolas.
Busch Stadium
Sports fans, if you want to get your head in the game, a visit to Busch Stadium is a must. Once known as “first in booze, last in the American League,” St. Louis has undergone a winning transformation. This baseball hotspot is home to the town’s beloved St. Louis Cardinals, 11-time World Series champs.
(Admittedly, even though we’re more into hockey, we never turn down a chance to see a Major League Baseball game when we’re traveling across the USA!)
Catch a game at Busch Stadium, and you’ll be surrounded by legions of wild, red-shirted baseball fans. All the while, you’ll enjoy one of the finest views in any American ballpark we’ve visited, with stunning vistas of the St. Louis skyline and the city’s iconic Gateway Arch in view.
On a family outing? Check out the Family Pavilion, where kids can explore multilevel play structures and dive into interactive exhibits and activities. Kids and grown-ups alike will want to take a tour for a close-up look at the dugout, the radio broadcast center, and the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum.
CityGarden Sculpture Park
Ready for a break from the downtown bustle? St. Louis is packed with gardens and parks, but if you’re looking for a spot with an artistic flair, we’d suggest heading to the City Garden Sculpture Park.
Stretching two blocks along Market Street just west of the Gateway Arch, this unique urban oasis showcases modern and contemporary art, native plants, fountains, and rain gardens. After spending time exploring other parks around the city, this is about the quirkiest one we found!
Follow the paved, winding paths that meander through the lush green lawns of the City Garden Sculpture Park. Wander amongst two dozen quirky, interactive installations. Among the highlights we strolled past: a giant head, frolicking rabbits, and a life-sized scarecrow.
Find a perch atop the “meander wall” to take in the beautiful view, or find a private space in the crook of one of its curves. Relax in one of the six rain gardens—or head to the spray plaza, featuring a 180-foot-long pool with its six-foot water jet. The kids will love it!
Campbell House Museum
Up for a little time travel? History buffs will want to take a trip to the Campbell House Museum. Built in 1851 as a home for renowned fur trader Robert Campbell, this beautiful structure is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The first home built in the upscale Lucas Place neighborhood, Campbell House was once an important social hub for the St. Louis elite. Today, it’s been meticulously restored to the splendor of its Victorian heyday.
Step back in time as you explore the amazing collection of original furniture, paintings, clothing, and fixtures at the Campbell House Museum. Browse through thousands of fascinating family documents and an amazing album of 60 photographs of the home’s interior taken in 1885.
Fans of Victoriana will want to check out the Museum Store. Sift through the store’s wide selection of books, cards, and other keepsakes that feature the Campbell House and St. Louis history.
City Museum
Question: What’s it like to tumble down a rabbit hole? Answer: a whole lotta fun, if you take the tumble at the City Museum. This wonderfully quirky destination is a modern-day Wonderland. Housed in a hundred-year-old warehouse in Downtown West St. Louis, this fanciful playground was created by artists from found and recycled materials.
This incredibly imaginative jungle gym is for kids of all ages. At the City Museum, you can explore miles of secret passages, slides, ball pits, and “Beanstalk”-inspired climbing structures. Want more? How about a circus, a train, a Ferris wheel, and a rooftop school bus?
Explore the Museum of Mirth, Mystery, and Mayhem. Visit Circus Harmony for exciting live performances. Indulge your artistic genius in Art City. Crawl through a cave, or float into an aquarium.
You’ll find places to refuel on every floor of this architectural marvel, from the first floor’s 19th-century Cabin Inn right up to the Rooftop Café.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
If you’re an art enthusiast who wants to get off the beaten path, venture over to the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis. Set in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District in Midtown, this is the city’s premier contemporary art museum.
This small gem of a space features intimate settings and cutting-edge works. The Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis showcases new works by national and international artists in a variety of mediums. While the museum hosts six major rotating exhibits each year, there are no permanent exhibits, meaning curators can offer work that is consistently fresh, relevant, and thought-provoking.
Want to make the most of your visit? We’d recommend taking an audio tour for intriguing insights into up-and-coming artists and their creations. Afterward, browse the bookstore, then slip into the café for a quick coffee from popular local roaster Quarrelsome Coffee for a relaxing debrief.
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Want an insider’s look at an American legend? Add the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site to your St. Louis bucket list. Set in Grantwood Village just southwest of St. Louis, the site commemorates the life and career of a towering figure in American history. Grant was celebrated as the Civil War General who saved the American Union, and became the 18th President of the United States.
Known as White Haven, the 10-acre Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site was originally a slave plantation owned by Grant’s in-laws. Today, five historic structures remain, including the White Haven family home. Housed in the original barn, the site’s museum features a fascinating collection of photos and documents.
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Top off your visit to the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site with a tram ride through the site’s 280-acre wildlife preserve. This Grant brainchild is home to over 900 animals from around the world. Check out Grant’s Farm to enjoy encounters with friendly farm critters.
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Want to get a dose of fresh air while you take in some art? One of the best things to do in St. Louis, MO, is to head out to Laumeier Sculpture Park, one of the largest sculpture parks in the US. Nestled in Sunset Hills, just a 20-minute drive from the city, this unique open-air museum makes a perfect short day trip from St. Louis.
Pick up a park map from the kiosk at the main entrance. Then lace up your hiking boots: Laumeier Sculpture Park has 100 hilly acres to explore.
Follow the beautiful forested trails like the Central Pathway and Art Hike Trail that wend their way around dozens of intriguing alfresco exhibits. If your tastes lean towards the quirky, you’re in luck: This eclectic collection includes giant bronze tulips, a tiled cat cuddle seat, and a mobile steel schooner.
Take a break at the benches spread throughout the park—or snag a table and unpack your picnic fare.
Where to stay
For most travelers, our favorite choices for where to stay in St. Louis fall within the city center. We’d suggest narrowing your accommodation search to Downtown, Downtown West, and Midtown. The central neighborhoods are home to most of the city’s top hotels and main points of interest.
Drury Plaza St. Louis at the Arch
Located in a historic building next to the iconic Gateway Arch, this stylish hotel offers some of the top-value accommodations we’ve found in the city. Whether you want to enjoy an elegant dining experience, sip coffee on the terrace, or cool down in the pool, you can do it all with a night in these delightful lodgings.
Hotel Saint Louis, Autograph Collection
Add an air of sophistication to your vacation with a night in this elegant hotel. We’re absolutely delighted by the Art Deco ambiance here, sprinkled with luxurious finishes and decor. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy the on-site amenities, from authentic local dishes at the on-site restaurant Union 30 to cocktails at Form Skybar, the hotel’s romantic rooftop bar.
Four Seasons St. Louis
The top-rated luxury hotel in the city, the Four Seasons lives up to its brand promise with this blissful property on the banks of the Mississippi River. Enjoy an urban resort experience with a barrage of luxurious amenities, including an interactive golf simulator, rooftop pool, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and on-site spa.
