St Louis On Us Map
The Gateway to the West
Located in the heart of the United States, St Louis is a vibrant city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a culture lover, St Louis will not disappoint. Known as the Gateway to the West, St Louis has a rich history and a diverse population that has shaped its unique character. In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through St Louis, exploring its top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, outdoor adventures, and much more.
Top Attractions
St Louis is home to several world-renowned attractions that are not to be missed. The Gateway Arch is the city’s most iconic landmark, and a visit to St Louis is not complete without a trip to the top. The Missouri Botanical Garden is another must-visit attraction, featuring over 79 acres of beautiful gardens and rare plants. The St Louis Zoo, the City Museum, and the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis are also popular attractions that are worth checking out.
Hidden Gems
St Louis has several hidden gems that are off the beaten path. The Soulard Farmer’s Market is a historic market that has been operating since 1779 and is a great place to sample local produce and artisanal products. The Laumeier Sculpture Park is another hidden gem, featuring over 60 outdoor sculptures set in a beautiful park setting. The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the largest pre-Columbian earthworks in the Americas and is a must-visit for history buffs.
Food Scene
St Louis is known for its unique food scene that features several local specialties. The St Louis-style pizza is a thin-crust pizza that is cut into squares and topped with a special blend of cheese and sauce. The toasted ravioli is another local favorite, featuring breaded and deep-fried ravioli served with marinara sauce. The Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a St Louis institution that has been serving up frozen custard since 1929 and is a must-visit for dessert lovers.
Budget-Friendly Tips
St Louis can be an affordable destination, especially if you know where to look. Many of the city’s top attractions, such as the Gateway Arch and the St Louis Zoo, are free to visit. The MetroLink light rail system is an affordable way to get around the city, and many of the city’s museums offer free admission on certain days of the week.
Outdoor Adventures
St Louis is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Missouri River and the Mississippi River offer plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The Ozark Mountains are a short drive from the city and offer hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. The Shaw Nature Reserve is a 2,400-acre nature reserve that features several hiking trails and a beautiful garden.
Family-Friendly Activities
St Louis is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that will keep kids entertained. The St Louis Zoo is a must-visit for families, with over 17,000 animals and several interactive exhibits. The Magic House is a children’s museum that features hands-on exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. The City Museum is another family-friendly attraction that features several interactive exhibits, including a giant slide and a Ferris wheel.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
St Louis has several off-the-beaten-path experiences that are worth checking out. The Lemp Mansion is a historic mansion that is said to be haunted, and offers ghost tours and overnight stays. The St Louis City Hall features a beautiful rotunda that is open to the public and offers stunning views of the city. The St Louis Science Center is a great destination for science enthusiasts, featuring several interactive exhibits and a planetarium.
Natural Wonders
St Louis is surrounded by several natural wonders that are worth exploring. The Meramec Caverns are a series of underground caves that feature stunning rock formations and underground lakes. The Katy Trail is a 240-mile bike trail that runs from St Charles to Clinton, Missouri, and is a great way to explore the Missouri countryside. The Missouri Botanical Garden features several rare plants and a beautiful Japanese garden.
Vibrant Nightlife
St Louis has a vibrant nightlife scene, with several bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to all tastes. The Delmar Loop is a popular destination for nightlife, featuring several bars and music venues. The Broadway Oyster Bar is a popular spot for live music and Cajun food. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery offers brewery tours and tastings, and is a great way to experience St Louis’s beer culture.
Local Markets
St Louis has several local markets that are worth checking out. The Soulard Farmer’s Market is a historic market that is open year-round and features local produce, meats, and artisanal products. The Tower Grove Farmer’s Market is another popular market that is open on Saturdays and features several local vendors. The St Louis Art Fair is an annual event that features over 150 artists and is a great way to experience St Louis’s art scene.
Cultural Immersion
St Louis has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its museums, festivals, and events. The Missouri History Museum is a great destination for history buffs, featuring several exhibits that explore the city’s rich history. The Festival of Nations is an annual event that celebrates the city’s cultural diversity, featuring food, music, and dance from around the world. The St Louis Symphony Orchestra is a world-renowned orchestra that performs several concerts throughout the year.
Art and Music Scene
St Louis has a thriving art and music scene, with several museums, galleries, and music venues that showcase local and international talent. The St Louis Art Museum is a must-visit for art lovers, featuring several collections that span centuries and continents. The Sheldon Concert Hall is a popular music venue that features several concerts throughout the year. The Contemporary Art Museum is another popular destination for art lovers, featuring several contemporary art exhibits.
Walking Tours
St Louis is a great city to explore on foot, with several walking tours that will take you on a journey through the city’s history and architecture. The Gateway Arch Riverfront Walking Tour is a great way to explore the city’s riverfront, featuring several historical landmarks and attractions. The St Louis Walking Tour is another popular tour that explores the city’s architecture and history. The Soulard Walking Tour is a great way to explore one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
Architectural Marvels
St Louis is home to several architectural marvels that are not to be missed. The Gateway Arch is the city’s most iconic landmark, and a visit to St Louis is not complete without a trip to the top. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is another architectural marvel that features stunning mosaics and stained glass windows. The Wainwright Building is another architectural gem that is considered to be one of the first skyscrapers in the world.
Historical Sites
St Louis has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical sites and landmarks. The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the largest pre-Columbian earthworks in the Americas and is a must-visit for history buffs. The Missouri History Museum is another popular destination for history lovers, featuring several exhibits that explore the city’s rich history. The Old Courthouse is another historical landmark that played a key role in the Dred Scott case.
Biking Routes
St Louis is a great city for biking, with several bike routes that will take you on a journey through the city’s neighborhoods and parks. The Katy Trail is a 240-mile bike trail that runs from St Charles to Clinton, Missouri, and is a great way to explore the Missouri countryside. The Riverfront Trail is another popular bike trail that follows the Mississippi River and offers stunning views of the city. The Forest Park Bike Trail is a great way to explore the city’s largest park.
Wellness Retreats
St Louis has several wellness retreats that offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Four Seasons Hotel St Louis is a luxury hotel that features a spa and wellness center that offers massages, facials, and other treatments. The Missouri Botanical Garden features a beautiful Japanese garden that is a great place to relax and unwind. The Shaw Nature Reserve is a 2,400-acre nature reserve that features several hiking trails and a beautiful garden.
St Louis is a city that has something for everyone, from its rich history and diverse culture to its stunning natural beauty and vibrant nightlife. We hope this travel guide has inspired you to visit St Louis and explore all that this great city has to offer. Safe travels!