Shalon's Guidebook
Sightseeing
These are a few places that St. Louis is known for. You can do some sightseeing, learn about the region, and spend a great day out with family or friends!
This is St. Louis’ main attraction, the Gateway Arch. It boasts a beautiful view of the Mississippi river, huge lawns that are perfect for picnicking, a museum that uncovers some of the history of the St. Louis region, as well as a lift that can take you all the way to the top. The views are amazing!
82 locals recommend
St. Louis Arch/Riverfront
Poplar StreetThis is St. Louis’ main attraction, the Gateway Arch. It boasts a beautiful view of the Mississippi river, huge lawns that are perfect for picnicking, a museum that uncovers some of the history of the St. Louis region, as well as a lift that can take you all the way to the top. The views are amazing!
This is a gem of St. Louis. It is one of the only if not the only FREE zoo in the nation. There is a train that can take you on a tour of the different areas of the zoo as well as special exhibits that are hands on and give you a close up look at some of the amazing creatures that are there!
579 locals recommend
Saint Louis Zoo
1 Government DrThis is a gem of St. Louis. It is one of the only if not the only FREE zoo in the nation. There is a train that can take you on a tour of the different areas of the zoo as well as special exhibits that are hands on and give you a close up look at some of the amazing creatures that are there!
The Butterfly House will reopen February 1 for Morpho Mardi Gras. Witness a sea of thousands of blue morpho butterflies from Costa Rica take flight in the Tropical Conservatory. The Butterfly House will offer extended hours Feb 1-16
54 locals recommend
The Butterfly House
15050 Faust PkThe Butterfly House will reopen February 1 for Morpho Mardi Gras. Witness a sea of thousands of blue morpho butterflies from Costa Rica take flight in the Tropical Conservatory. The Butterfly House will offer extended hours Feb 1-16
The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri, showcases Missouri history. It is operated by the Missouri Historical Society, which was founded in 1866. The main galleries of the museum are free through a public subsidy by the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District.
195 locals recommend
Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell BlvdThe Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri, showcases Missouri history. It is operated by the Missouri Historical Society, which was founded in 1866. The main galleries of the museum are free through a public subsidy by the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District.
Want to get out and experience nature? Look no further! This trail is the county’s longest spanning 244 miles! Bike, walk or jog!
Katy Trail Access
1154 N River RdWant to get out and experience nature? Look no further! This trail is the county’s longest spanning 244 miles! Bike, walk or jog!
Food scene
The pizza St. Louis is known for. It’s a one of a kind taste that is unique to this city!
7 locals recommend
Imo's Pizza
1192 Riverview BlvdThe pizza St. Louis is known for. It’s a one of a kind taste that is unique to this city!
The food here is AMAZING! They have a unique menu with great cuisine, tasty drinks and a wonderful staff. There are even gluten free friendly menu items.
15 locals recommend
First Watch
1405 Beale StThe food here is AMAZING! They have a unique menu with great cuisine, tasty drinks and a wonderful staff. There are even gluten free friendly menu items.
This is one of Ferguson’s best kept secrets. Locals love this barbecue. Try it for yourself and see what you think!
6 locals recommend
Red's The One And Only BBQ
304 S Florissant RdThis is one of Ferguson’s best kept secrets. Locals love this barbecue. Try it for yourself and see what you think!
Longtime pop culture–themed diner with late hours offering American fare & frequent live music.
73 locals recommend
Blueberry Hill
6504 Delmar BlvdLongtime pop culture–themed diner with late hours offering American fare & frequent live music.
Made right here in St. Louis, This restaurant features wonderfully flavored cream sodas as well as great burgers and a cool ambience.
48 locals recommend
Fitz's
6605 Delmar BlvdMade right here in St. Louis, This restaurant features wonderfully flavored cream sodas as well as great burgers and a cool ambience.
We love this place! If you love authentic Thai cuisine this is a must!
39 locals recommend
King and I Restaurant
8039 S Grand BlvdWe love this place! If you love authentic Thai cuisine this is a must!
If you like vegan food, check out this place! It’s gotten great reviews.
12 locals recommend
Seedz Café
6344 S Rosebury AveIf you like vegan food, check out this place! It’s gotten great reviews.
“At Mary Ann’s Tea Room, we strive to give you an elegant experience in the friendliest setting. Come stop by and see us, or better yet have Tess, our London Taxi Cab, come pick you up for High Tea Service (only available in the Central West End, call for details).”
MaryAnn's Tea Room
4732 McPherson Ave“At Mary Ann’s Tea Room, we strive to give you an elegant experience in the friendliest setting. Come stop by and see us, or better yet have Tess, our London Taxi Cab, come pick you up for High Tea Service (only available in the Central West End, call for details).”
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
389 N Euclid AveThe most unique flavors and a nice atmosphere!
This is a Ferguson jewel! Great food, great atmosphere! And beer brewed right here in town!
Ferguson Brewing Company
418 S Florissant RdThis is a Ferguson jewel! Great food, great atmosphere! And beer brewed right here in town!
The food is good, the service is amazing and the prices fit any budget.
Elicious Southern Style Breakfast and Brunch
The food is good, the service is amazing and the prices fit any budget.
Outdoor Activity
For travelers who like to add some adventure to their trip while spending time outdoors and getting some great exercise these recommendations are for you!
Skiing in the Midwest, who knew? This place is amazing! You can experience the thrill of a mountain resort right here in St. Louis. Check it out!
25 locals recommend
Hidden Valley Ski Resort
17409 Hidden Valley DrSkiing in the Midwest, who knew? This place is amazing! You can experience the thrill of a mountain resort right here in St. Louis. Check it out!
Steinberg Skating Rink is the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, offering public skating all day, everyday—including all holidays. We are open no matter what the temperature is. Your skate admission is valid for all day. You may arrive at anytime during business hours & skate as long as you like. We do not have sessions. We offer open public skating all day, everyday. We do not close for private events.
20 locals recommend
Steinberg Skating Rink
400 Jefferson DrSteinberg Skating Rink is the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, offering public skating all day, everyday—including all holidays. We are open no matter what the temperature is. Your skate admission is valid for all day. You may arrive at anytime during business hours & skate as long as you like. We do not have sessions. We offer open public skating all day, everyday. We do not close for private events.
This place is amazing! Relax in the sand, canoe in the river, picnic, walk the trails nearby. Great outdoor fun! Reopens April 15, 2021.
62 locals recommend
Creve Coeur Lake Rentals
13171 N Dripping Springs RdThis place is amazing! Relax in the sand, canoe in the river, picnic, walk the trails nearby. Great outdoor fun! Reopens April 15, 2021.
The St. Louis Wheel™ is a 200-foot high observation wheel with 42 fully enclosed, climate controlled gondolas that seat up to six adults each. Wheel passengers will take three to four rotations high over the St. Louis skyline during the 15-minute ride. The St. Louis Wheel™ is a new iconic attraction on the St. Louis skyline and is operational every day of the year.
52 locals recommend
The St. Louis Wheel
201 S 18th StThe St. Louis Wheel™ is a 200-foot high observation wheel with 42 fully enclosed, climate controlled gondolas that seat up to six adults each. Wheel passengers will take three to four rotations high over the St. Louis skyline during the 15-minute ride. The St. Louis Wheel™ is a new iconic attraction on the St. Louis skyline and is operational every day of the year.
Come prepared to spend the whole day. Rides, entertainment, food! Need I say more?
113 locals recommend
Six Flags St. Louis
4900 Six Flags RdCome prepared to spend the whole day. Rides, entertainment, food! Need I say more?
This farm is about an hour outside of St. Louis bit it is a perfect family activity. There are shows, rides and fruit picking (depends on the season). So much fun!
26 locals recommend
Eckert's Belleville Country Store and Farms
951 S Green Mt RdThis farm is about an hour outside of St. Louis bit it is a perfect family activity. There are shows, rides and fruit picking (depends on the season). So much fun!
This place is beautiful almost year round. In the summer there is a special area for families with children. It has a sprinkler, tree houses to explore and instruments to play. Pack a picnic lunch and bring wet suits and a change of clothes or eat in the cafe.
432 locals recommend
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw BlvdThis place is beautiful almost year round. In the summer there is a special area for families with children. It has a sprinkler, tree houses to explore and instruments to play. Pack a picnic lunch and bring wet suits and a change of clothes or eat in the cafe.
Indoor Activity
These are some of my favorite places to spend with family and friends doing something indoors that is amazing and fun but perfect for a rainy day or any day you want to spend inside.
Explore the unexpected. City Museum is a hundred-year-old warehouse in downtown St. Louis in which artists have repurposed the pieces of old cities to build miles of tunnels, slides, climbers, bridges, and castles. There are secret passages and grand galleries. Playgrounds and ball pits. A circus and a train. A rooftop school bus and a Ferris wheel.
639 locals recommend
City Museum
750 N 16th StExplore the unexpected. City Museum is a hundred-year-old warehouse in downtown St. Louis in which artists have repurposed the pieces of old cities to build miles of tunnels, slides, climbers, bridges, and castles. There are secret passages and grand galleries. Playgrounds and ball pits. A circus and a train. A rooftop school bus and a Ferris wheel.
The Saint Louis Science Center offers 700+ interactive experiences, the GROW agricultural pavilion, McDonnell Planetarium and an OMNIMAX® Theatre.
183 locals recommend
Saint Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Ave
The Saint Louis Science Center offers 700+ interactive experiences, the GROW agricultural pavilion, McDonnell Planetarium and an OMNIMAX® Theatre.
Come meet the Sharks, River Otters Sting Rays and more at the St. Louis Aquarium.
142 locals recommend
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
201 S 18th StCome meet the Sharks, River Otters Sting Rays and more at the St. Louis Aquarium.