The Top 10 Things To Do In St. Louis, MO
St. Louis represents U.S. westward expansion with its beautiful Gateway Arch that can’t be missed. With so much history, visit its museums and courthouse to learn more. Don’t forget to take in a Cardinal’s game and grab some true BBQ while here!
#10 - The Gateway Arch
Don’t miss this beautiful piece of architecture symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. Walk around the National Park to get several different views of the amazing structure. Day and night! Do! Go up the tram to the top of the arch for the full experience. The tram capsules are so unique! Read MoreThey’re like part elevator, part Ferris wheel, futuristic-looking pods. At the top, you will have wonderful views at 63 stories high! Also, visit the free on-site museum to learn more about this piece of history.
#9 - Cardinals Game at Busch Stadium
Although we are biased towards the Dodgers...Go Blue! This stadium has a special place in our travels. Busch Stadium completed my now husband (and co-writer on this blog) and his mom’s complete circuit of visiting all of the Major League stadiums! When they told people that they’d been to a lot of stadiums Read Morebut haven’t been to Busch yet, the response was always, “You have to go to Busch next!” The ballpark didn’t disappoint. It’s perfectly placed downtown to provide amazing centerfield views of the Gateway Arch and is surrounded by restaurants and hotels. If baseball isn’t your cup of tea, the ballpark also hosts many concerts and other events, so be sure to check their calendar before you come to town.
#8 - Sugarfire Smoke House
Grab some mouth-watering grub at any one of St. Louis’ delicious BBQ joints. Said to be the city that consumes the most barbeque sauce in the U.S., its unique restaurants do not disappoint. Most noted for their spare ribs covered in a sweet, sticky, tomato-based sauce, St. Louis finds itself at the top of major Read MoreBBQ competitions. If you’re in downtown St. Louis and want to try some of this delicious BBQ then make your way over to Sugarfire Smoke House. This restaurant has won countless awards and has been featured on a bunch of television programs including Beat Bobby Flay and Pitmasters. Eating here was like magic to our taste buds!
#7 - Old St. Louis County Courthouse
Standing at the head of Gateway Arch National Park with views stretching to the Missouri River, is the historical courthouse. Built in the 1800s, the courthouse was the location of many famous cases such as the Dred Scott Case, which granted this husband and wife freedom, and the Minor Case which fought for Read Moregranting women the right to vote. It is recognized as a site that gives a look back into the country in the 19th century through the Civil War era. It now stands as a time capsule highlighting westward expansion and the history of St. Louis. Its restored courtrooms, decorated dome, and many galleries can now be toured. Visit this location and surrounding area for a glance backward into the past of our own budding country.
Image provided by Unsplashed.
#6 - National Blues Museum
Music buffs and more need to make this a stop during their visit. The museum opened its doors in 2016 by inviting Surly King, B.B. King’s daughter, to speak. Enter an upbeat and state-of-the-art museum that has dedicated itself to highlighting and exploring the history and impact of Blues music. Learn about Read Morethe history of the genre, famous musicians, and instruments played as you tour the many exhibits. This modern museum gives a great look at the historic music genre.
#5 - The St. Louis Art Museum
Located at the center of Forest Park, this museum boasts three stories of art collections from around the world! Built for the 1904 World’s Fair, this longstanding museum has seen many expansions over its 115+ year history. It currently contains over 34,000 pieces of American history. Peruse the Read Moremany paintings and sculptures that span across several time periods and cultures from around the globe. You can even check out special exhibits for free on Fridays and enjoy shopping and dining while visiting. This museum is great for all ages!
#4 - Forest Park
Visit the “Heart of St. Louis” and step into a sprawling public space of over 1,300 acres. Here you can visit one of the park’s many attractions, such as the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, and the St. Louis Science Center. You can also take a stroll through the gorgeous landscape of meadows, forests, lakes, and Read Morestreams as you relax away from the bustling city. This urban park has hosted famous expositions and even the first Summer Olympics in the United States, along with its many festivals and events. It has dedicated itself to creating a peaceful place both for visitors and the natural wildlife. Exercise, read a book, dive into the city’s culture, this park has it all!
Photo provided by City Museum.
#3 - City Museum
An eccentric and unexpected museum of everchanging art, The City Museum is an appealing attraction that will make you feel like a kid again. Constructed in 1997 inside of a hundred-year-old warehouse, this museum includes exhibits made from repurposed pieces of older cities. Rebar construction zones have Read Morebeen turned into mesmerizing mosaics, bridges, and castles. Over 700,000 visitors a year walk through the secret passages, tunnels, and slides, bounce in ball pits and playgrounds, and even crawl through a cave! Wander through the captivating installations and experience something new every time you visit!
Photo by Cassidy Moody. Courtesy the Missouri Botanical Garden.
#2 - Missouri Botanical Garden
Gardens like this one are a great way to relax within the bigger city. Visit this attraction of greenery that is over 160 years old (one of the oldest botanical gardens in the US) and take in the beauty of nature. You will see the Japanese Garden, the Climatron, and the Tower Grove House filled with plants of all Read Morekinds. Fairly cheap for the public, the garden also has a great children’s area with rope bridges, an outdoor classroom, and a tree house! Extra bonus if you visit during one of its big events such as the Chinese Culture Days in the spring and the holiday train show during the fall and winter months.
Photo provided by Unsplashed.
#1 - St. Louis Zoo
A spectacular array of over 13,000 animals live here in amazing exhibits that mimic their natural habitats. They have a Penguin and Puffin Coast, Hippo Harbor, Bird House and Garden, Primate House, and more! You get to get up close with over 500 species of animals such as grizzly bears, flamingos, pandas, Read Morechimpanzees, reptiles, otters, sea lions, the list goes on! Most incredible, it’s free! Wonderful place for the kiddos and the whole family that prides themselves on animal care, wildlife conservation, and research and education. Conveniently located inside Forest Park, you can combine your visit here with a couple of other places on our list!
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St. Louis FAQ
Is it worth visiting St. Louis? Of course it’s worth visiting St. Louis! With activities like the City Museum, Read MoreMissouri Botanical Garden, and Busch Stadium, there is something fun for the entire family!
How can I spend 2 days in St. Louis? If you only have a couple days we would say to prioritized 3-4 things from our list. A trip up the Gateway Arch, a Cardinals game, and 2 museums is probably the way to go.
What is the best month to visit St. Louis? It’s best to avoid the sweaty, humid Summer months. April and May are probably the ideal months to visit St. Louis as the weather is good, Cardinals season has begun, and prices will be lower than peak seasons.
Is St. Louis a walkable city? If staying downtown, St. Louis is very walkable. You can walk to places like the Gateway Arch, Old St. Louis County Courthouse, and Busch Stadium. The occasional ride-share trip to other activities on this list would probably be cheaper overall compared to the cost of a rental car and parking at the hotel.
Why is St. Louis so popular? St. Louis has been a popular travel destination for decades. Often referred to as the 'Gateway to the West', travelers has come here to see the Gateway Arch in person or take part in of the best sports atmospheres in the country at Busch Stadium.