The Ultimate Weekend in St. Louis – A Gateway To Fun

Are you looking to spend a weekend in St. Louis??

Get ready to dive into the vibrant and lively atmosphere of St. Louis – the Gateway to the West. We are going to cover all of the highlights and things you MUST do when visiting St. Louis. 

Ever since I was a kid, I was adamant that I was moving to St. Louis. Spoiler alert, I didn’t – but I was super excited when I finally got the opportunity to visit.

From its rich history to baseball, this city has it all.  Often overlooked for other places like Nashville or Louisville, St. Louis is surely a hidden gem of the Midwest.  

This blog post is going to serve as your ultimate St. Louis travel guide to make your weekend getaway epic! There will be lots of options here so feel free to adjust and customize it based on your preferences for your visit.

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St. Louis Itinerary Quick Guide

In this post you’ll find a 3-day itinerary for a trip to St. Louis packed with lots of fun things to do, the best places to eat in the city, information about where to stay, when is the best time to visit, and how to get to St. Louis.

If you’re short on time, here are my top three picks that you cannot skip when visiting!

 

• • Gateway Arch National Park

• • Riverboat Cruise

• • Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour

Day 1

Assuming you have already arrived in St. Louis the night before, let’s get started with a full-day itinerary!!

Breakfast/Brunch at Rooster

Kickstart your first day in St. Louis off at Rooster –  a chic, modern brunch eatery downtown. You can’t go wrong with the crepes or the scrambles!

Gateway Arch National Park

Let’s just start out with a bang and visit the iconic Gateway Arch!  Towering over the Mississippi Riverbank, you surely cannot miss this awe-inspiring spectacle full of so much meaning and history to our country.  No matter if you are spending one day in St. Louis, 2 days, 3 days, or an entire week you MUST make time to see this number one attraction. 

Did you know that you can actually go INSIDE the Gateway Arch and take a tram ride to the top?  I had no idea and when I saw the Arch in person I was like “there’s no way”.  But sure enough, you can! 

The short tram ride, where you will be packed into a very small 5-person tram car, will take you to the top of the Gateway Arch where you will see panoramic views of the mighty Mississippi, with St. Louis on one side and Illinois on the other. On a clear day, you can see for approximately 30 miles each way. 

When you have come down from the top of the Arch, be sure to take some time to visit the museum and learn about the role St. Louis played in the United States’ westward expansion. There’s a lot of really great info there and this is definitely one of the best things to do in St. Louis for families.  Keep in mind, it does take quite a bit of time to go through the museum if you read everything. 

Cost

There are several ticket combinations that you can purchase here.  

The tram ride only is around $15 per person.   A tram ride and riverboat cruise combo ticket is around $37 per person for adults and you can add a showing of the documentary movie in the museum for a few dollars more. 

Psst…we will talk about the Riverboat cruise in just a second 🙂 

Parking 

There’s no parking directly on site.  The closest that we found was Stadium East Garage.  If you prepay online, you can get 5 hours for only $9.  Metered street parking is also available if you can find it. 

Old Courthouse

Another great thing to do in Gateway Arch National Park is to visit the Old Courthouse which sits just in front of the Arch. In fact, there is an incredible birds eye view of it from the top of the Arch. 

The infamous Dred Scott v. Sanford landmark decision of the Supreme Court was held right here in this very courthouse.  

Update: The Old Courthouse is currently closed for renovations but you can still admire it from outside.

Old Cathedral

While you are here in the area, stop by the Basilica of St. Louis, aka Old Cathedral, and just admire its beauty for a few minutes knowing it was the first cathedral built west of the Mississippi.  If you have extra time, you can take a tour of the inside as well. 

Tours are offered for free on the first Sunday of the month following the noon mass or you can do a self-guided tour or group tour for a small $5 donation. 

They do have a parking lot here available for the Cathedral tours/masses ONLY.

Lunch at Gioia’s Deli

By now you’re probably starving again!  Take the short drive to “The Hill” neighborhood and stop at Gioia’s Deli for a hot salami sandwich – a STL staple!  Don’t forget to try a Fitz’s rootbeer with your meal! 

But, if you’re still full from breakfast, or don’t feel like having a full lunch, consider heading to Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery for some ice cream for the kids and boozy ice cream for the adults!  Try the gooey butter cake regular ice cream flavor in a pink vanilla cone!!!

Missouri Botanical Garden

If you have any ice cream left by the time you leave Clementine’s, take it along with you and stroll through the Missouri Botanical Gardens.  This is a great outdoor St. Louis family activity that is both educational and captivating. 

The entire loop around the gardens is about 1.5 miles and another .5 miles if you walk the Japanese garden too. Consider taking a guided walking tour or a tram tour among the diverse collection of plants from around the world. 

Inside you will find the Children’s Garden which is truly a hidden gem with things to do for kids of all ages in St. Louis. The splash pad is a great place for the kids to cool off from the summer St. Louis heat.  They can also engage in hands-on activities, explore interactive exhibits, and much more.  

Admission to the gardens is $14 for ages 13+ and free for kids 12 and under.

Riverboat Cruise

Remember how I mentioned that you can get a combo ticket at Gateway Arch National Park for a tram ticket to the top and a riverboat cruise?  Well, now is the time to cash in on the second part of that ticket.  

Tip: When you buy your tickets online here, you have the option to pick the time you want to take the tram and the riverboat cruise.  They do not have to be one right after the other.  In fact, when we went, we chose an 11am time slot for the tram and a 6pm time for the riverboat cruise. 

Taking a 2-3 mile ride in a riverboat down the mighty Mississippi is a fun activity for both kids and adults in St. Louis.  The ride goes very slow and lasts about an hour.  Chairs are provided but you can also stand and they have a small snack stand as well.  

The tour will tell you about the different bridges you pass under (there are 5 or 6) and the barges on the river along with some other historical facts. 

I wanted to do this cruise because I wanted to be able to say that I have actually been on the Mississippi River – since it’s so iconic.  However, if that’s not something that’s super important to you, consider skipping this activity. 

Tip: Follow the directions on how to get there from the website, NOT from the gps.  Many of the roads on the riverfront are closed and it’s a nightmare trying to turn around. 

St. Louis-Style BBQ For Dinner

There are plenty of options for St. Louis-style BBQ but nothing beats Bogart’s Smokehouse in my opinion.  If you go here, be sure to get the ribs. They’re the best in town. 

Another great option that the locals love is Pappy’s Smokehouse.  They serve over-the-counter Memphis-style bbq and there’s usually a line out the door. 

If you’re unable to get into Bogart’s or Pappy’s, which is highly likely by the way since they usually have huge wait times, try Salt + Smoke located downtown across the street from the ballfield.  The service is extremely fast and they had a decent amount of options. 

Day 2

Breakfast at SqWires

A locally loved spot for brunch with bottomless mimosas and bloody mary’s, SqWires offers a perfect blend of delicious food with locally sourced ingredients and a charming ambiance.

Warm Springs Ranch

If you feel up to a little road trip outside St. Louis, head about two hours west to Boonville, MO and check out Warm Springs Ranch – the official breeding facility of the Budweiser Clydesdales.  So you know what that means….yep, there are baby Clydesdales here!! 

If you’re headed to Kansas City, MO, this is a great place to stop along the way, too!!

Related Article: Kansas City 1 Day Itinerary

There are different tour packages available and they are quite pricey for VIP behind the scenes.  But, the regular admission prices are very reasonable.  Reservations are available online here and they need to be made in advance.  

Grant’s Farm

If 2 hours outside the city sounds like a bit much to you on this trip, that’s okay!! Check out Grant’s Farm instead. 

Also part of the Busch family, Grant’s Farm is home to some of the retired Budweiser Clydesdales and is one of the best free family activities in St. Louis.  The main stable is free to visit, but they do charge a fee for any animal encounters. 

In addition to the Clydesdales, Grant’s Farm is home to 900 other animals including tortoises, cows, deer, zebras and so many more.

 

 

Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour

Embarking on a tour of the iconic Anheuser-Busch Brewery is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into the craftsmanship of one of America’s most renowned beer brands.  

There are several tour options to choose from making it one of the best indoor activities in St Louis.  The tours are also kid-friendly, especially the Clydesdale VIP experience.  

We chose to take the Day Fresh Tour, where we went through the entire brewing process, visited the Clydesdales in their state-of-the-art stables and sampled some beer along the way.  At the end, they gave us a bottle of beer to take home and a full pour to enjoy as we walked around the facility. This particular tour lasted about an hour. 

Take some time to have a bite to eat at the Biergarten Restaurant on property.  They have lots of great finger foods to pair with your beer!  Don’t skip over the toasted ravioli, these are another STL staple!

Gus’ Pretzels

You MUST take the time to go over to the STL famous Gus’ Pretzels and get some freshly made pretzel sticks or twists.  They are ridiculously affordable and so so delicious.  They even sell them frozen so you can take some home!

City Gardens

Head back downtown to the vibrant, urban, one-of-a-kind playground for all ages that is City Gardens.  You can enjoy and explore the captivating sculptures, relax by the fountains, watch the kids run through the splash pad or swim in the pool, climb through tunnels, slide down slides, and just simply unwind.   

City Gardens gives the younger children priority for access to their Voyage pool making it an awesome thing to do with toddlers in St. Louis!! 

The calming paths also light up in the evening making it a lovely spot for an after-dinner walk. 

Tip: Download the iPhone app to hear the stories behind the artwork

Looking for more fun for kids in St Louis?

Purina Farms

Take a short 35 minute drive outside the city to one of the most fun places for kids in St Louis – Purina Farms.   The whole family will love watching the dog show filled with our super-talented canine friends and walking through the training center.  The trainers are also available for any questions you may have about the dogs or the show. 

Purina Farms is home to other animals as well, such as horses, sheep, cows, chickens, and more that you can interact with.  This is all completely FREE! 

Note: they are closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays and are only open mid-April through October.

Italian for Dinner

Wrap up your evening with some awesome calzones at Sauce on the Side! 

Looking for something a little fancier? Opt for The Old Spaghetti Factory instead.

Date Night Ideas in St. Louis

If you’re traveling to St. Louis with your significant other, or have a babysitter for the evening. Consider taking a romantic evening stroll through Lafayette Park in the historic neighborhood of Lafayette Square known for its beautiful Victorian homes.  There are many great options to sit down together, have a nice glass of wine, and reconnect.  

Or maybe you want something a little more upbeat? In that case, check out the lively atmosphere of the Delmar Loop.  Here they have unique boutique shops, live music performances, and trendy dining options.

Day 3

Since this is the last day of your St. Louis trip, let’s skip a full breakfast today and opt for some fresh donuts and coffee at Pharoh’s Donuts. Trust me, you’ll want to save room for the lunch we have planned!

Forest Park

One of the best free things to do in St. Louis is take a leisurely walk through any of the 1,300 acres in Forest Park.  Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the US and it has so much to offer! 

 

• • St Louis Zoo – When you’re looking for what to do in St. Louis with kids, be sure to check out the St. Louis Zoo (their polar bear exhibit is the most famous) 

• • The Science Center –  another great hands-on immersive experience for kids. They can play games, build an arch, experience what a tornado feels like, and more! 

• • St. Louis Art Museum – an impressive collection of art from artists like Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh. 

• • The Muny – a 100 year old outdoor theater.  Shows are still performed during the summer and tickets can be purchased HERE. 

• • Missouri History Museum – engaging exhibits and artifacts that delve into the history of St. Louis and the state of Missouri. There is an interactive floor dedicated to kids where they can play dress up, take photos in front of a green screen, etc. 

• • World’s Fair Pavilion – have a picnic in this pavilion that was originally built for the 1904 World’s Fair. 

• • Grand Basin – a beautiful spot for some photos with water cascades. An ideal spot to just relax and reflect. 

• • The Jewel Box – A greenhouse with vibrant floral displays. Truly a hidden gem. 

• • Turtle Playground – Located in a corner of Forest Park, the kids will love climbing and playing on the giant turtle statues! 

My favorite thing to do here in Forest Park is rent a paddle boat, kayak, paddleboard, or canoe and enjoy Post-Dispatch Lake and Forest Park by water. Be sure to paddle up and stop at The Boathouse for lunch. 

Laumeier Sculpture Park

When visiting Laumeier Sculpture Park, you can look forward to a unique and immersive outdoor art experience and capture artistic photos with the sculptures as your backdrop. 

A self-guided sculpture tour allows you to spend as much time as you would like here admiring any of the 60+ outdoor sculptures.  Some of them are even interactive, but if it’s not noted that they are .. don’t climb on them! 

There is no admission fee charged, this is completely free.

Cardinals Game

If the Cardinals are in town, head over to Busch Stadium to see them play! It’s a great way to end your St. Louis weekend getaway. 

Click here to see their schedule!

Union Station

But if the Cardinals aren’t in town during your visit, head over to Union Station where there is an array of restaurants and family attractions.  

This renovated train station houses the St. Louis Aquarium, mini golf, The St. Louis Wheel, a mirror maze, a ropes course, and more! The fire and light show is free to watch and happens every night from 5-9pm.  

Tickets for any of the attractions can be purchased individually or in combo packages HERE  

The most unique thing to do at Union Station is test out the whispering arch’s sound-altering abilities.   Head to the second floor and stand on opposite sides of the gallery.  If the legend is true, a whisper should be heard loud and clear. 

Dinner

To send you off with one last awesome dinner, I recommend you try Twisted Ranch.  You MUST try the Ranch this Country flight.  This is a basket of fries with 13 different kinds of ranch dressing! YUM!!!!!! I’m already booking my flight back to St. Louis to go here!! 

If ranch isn’t your thing – first off, why? – opt for Baileys’ Range where you can get some upscale burgers in a casual setting. 

*Note: All restaurants mentioned in this blog post are great kid-friendly restaurants in St. Louis!

Looking for more fun things to do in St. Louis?

This warm, welcoming, vibrant city is brimming with fun-filled activities that cater to every age group and interest.  

Here are some other suggestions if you find that any of the ones mentioned above do not work for you!

Explore any of the City’s Other Museums

 

• • Magic House – a hands-on children’s museum that encourages them to learn and explore through play.  They can watch magic shows, role-play in the Children’s Village, make crafts in the art studio, play in the construction zone, and more! 

• • Museum of Transportation –  check out the collection of over 300 locomotives, cars, airplanes and other vehicles. Kids will love the ‘Creation Station Express’ miniature train ride. 

• • City Museum – at this giant playground made from repurposed objects, you can slide down a 10-story spiral slide, sit in the cockpit of an old plane, climb inside a treehouse, crawl through tunnels, and more. Plan on spending a couple of hours here at least to see it all – there are surprises at every turn. 

• • National Blues Museum – Immerse yourself in the birthplace of the blues genre, discover stories about legendary musicians, and the cultural impact the blues has on music around the world. 

• • Miniature Museum – This is the place for anything miniature. Have a little fun and make this museum into a scavenger hunt or a game of “I Spy”. 

• • Moto Museum – rare and vintage motorcycles galore! 

• • The Griot Museum – an entertaining and moving museum with life-size wax figures dedicated to black history including slavery and emancipation. 

• • Campbell House Museum – Touring this Victorian home will give you a view of the past.  I recommend that you take the guided tour for a small $10 fee. 

• • James S. McDonnell Prologue Room – the kids will love checking out the large-scale models of planes found here while learning about the history of aviation.

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate

See how expert chocolatiers craft these delicious chocolate delights.  The tour is free to attend, but a reservation must be pre-booked.  Tours last approx 15-20 minutes. 

Can’t get enough chocolate? Consider this half-day chocolate tour taking you to 4 of St. Louis’ most iconic dessert locations.

Grand Central Arts District

Home to the fabulous Fox Theatre, the Grand Central Arts District has lots of lively bars with live music and nice restaurants, too! Check out showtimes, and performers, for Fox Theatre HERE.

World Chess Hall of Fame

This free attraction in St. Louis is a cool place to stop in and check out.  Even if you just want to go for the great photo op with the world’s largest chess piece!

Cahokia Mounds

Just a short drive across the Mississippi into Collinsville, Illinois, you can visit Cahokia Mounds, the largest prehistoric native site north of Mexico. 

Note: The museum is closed for renovations and a reopening date has not been set as of this time.  However, the grounds and trails are still open from dusk to dawn and guided tours are still offered.

Lemp Mansion

Looking for something spooky? Test your bravery and tour one of the United States’ top 10 haunted properties.

Bonus: Mural Stop

End your St. Louis trip with the perfect photo op to commemorate your time here!!  The “Greetings from St. Louis” painted mural sign can be found at 3537 S Kings Highway Blvd (on the side of Garcia Properties).   Try going in the off hours to avoid cars ruining your shot!

When Is the Best Time to Visit St. Louis

Ultimately, the best time to visit St Louis depends on your interests and what kind of weather you prefer.  

Spring and fall are both ideal for outdoor activities without the intense summer heat, but summer time offers the most events and festivals.  St. Louis does experience cold winter temperatures, but it can be a charming time to visit if you enjoy outdoor winter activities and seasonal events. 

How To Get To St. Louis

Due to its central location in the Midwest, St. Louis is very easy to get to.  If you’re flying, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport serves as a major airport for numerous domestic and international flights. 

Alternatively, St. Louis is easily accessible by car being only a 4 hour drive from Memphis, Louisville, and Kansas City.

Where to Stay in St Louis

Choosing where to stay in St. Louis is going to largely depend on the type of accommodations you are looking to experience.  Here are my top picks in a variety of categories:

 

• • Family-Friendly: 
    

     

    • • Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch – This hotel has a great central location downtown near the Gateway Arch and is great for families traveling with children.  They provide evening snacks completely free of charge. 

 

• • Luxury: 
    

     

    • • Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis – elegant rooms, top-notch service, and stunning views of the Mississippi River where guests can enjoy an array of upscale amenities such as fine dining, a spa and a rooftop pool. 

 

• • Budget-Friendly: 
    

     

    • • Magnolia Hotel St. Louis – nestled in the heart of downtown, this boutique hotel exudes old-world charm with modern comfort.  With its elegant architecture, stylish rooms, and convenient location this is a great option at a great price.

 

• • Unique: 
    

     

    • • The Moonrise Hotel – a rooftop bar with views of the city and lunar-themed guest rooms make this a unique and memorable place to stay in STL
    • • The Angad Arts Hotel – where you get to choose a room based on your emotions.

Wrap-Up: A Weekend Itinerary for St. Louis

I hope that you now see why you should escape to St. Louis for a weekend.  This warm, friendly, and dynamic city where the Missouri River and the Mississippi River meet is truly a hidden gem of the Midwest.