St. Louis, Missouri: 10 Must-Do Experiences Near the Gateway City

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10 Fun Things To Do In And Around St. Louis, Missouri

If you’re planning a trip to St. Louis, Missouri, you’re in for a good time. This Midwest city has baseball, BBQ, blues music, and a whole lot more packed into one super walkable area along the Mississippi River. Whether you’re taking a family vacation, a couples getaway, or just a quick weekend road trip, here are 10 awesome things to do in St. Louis and St. Louis County that will keep you busy, well-fed, and smiling.

1. Ride To The Top Of The Gateway Arch

You can’t talk about St. Louis without starting with the Gateway Arch. At 630 feet tall, it’s the tallest arch in the world and the symbol of the city. Take the tiny tram pods to the top (if you’re even a little claustrophobic, just prepare yourself—they’re snug!). Once you’re up there, you’ll get a sweeping view of downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and on a clear day you can see up to about 30 miles. Don’t miss:
  • The museum under the Arch, which tells the story of westward expansion.
  • A walk through the Gateway Arch National Park grounds—perfect for photos and a picnic.
Tip: Book timed tickets online ahead of time, especially on weekends or holidays.

2. Spend A Day At Forest Park

If you like big city parks, Forest Park will blow you away. It’s actually bigger than Central Park in New York and it’s packed with free things to do. Inside Forest Park you’ll find:
  • St. Louis Zoo (free admission)
  • St. Louis Art Museum (also free)
  • Missouri History Museum
  • The Muny outdoor theater
  • Walking trails, lakes, and wide open lawns
On a nice day, you can easily spend an entire day here. Grab coffee in the morning, walk the trails, pop into the zoo, and then unwind by the water at the Grand Basin. If you’re traveling with kids, Forest Park is one of the top family-friendly things to do in St. Louis.

3. Explore The Wild & Creative City Museum

The name “City Museum” sounds boring. It’s not. At all. This place feels more like a giant playground built inside an old shoe factory. There are:
  • Tunnels that twist and turn through walls and ceilings
  • Old airplanes and buses you can climb through on the roof
  • Slides—lots of slides, including a famous 10-story one
  • Hands-on art and oddities everywhere you look
It’s technically a museum, but it’s really part art project, part jungle gym. Adults have just as much fun as kids here. Wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and be ready to crawl, climb, and get a little dusty. If you’re looking for unique things to do in downtown St. Louis, this should be near the top of your list.

4. Catch A Cardinals Game At Busch Stadium

If you’re visiting during baseball season, head to Busch Stadium to watch the St. Louis Cardinals. St. Louis is a serious baseball town, and the vibe around the stadium on game day is electric. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, it’s a fun classic American experience:
  • Hot dogs, nachos, and cold beer
  • Fans dressed head-to-toe in red
  • Great views of the Gateway Arch from inside the stadium
If there’s no game while you’re in town, you can still take a stadium tour to see the dugout, press box, and get a behind-the-scenes look at one of baseball’s most storied franchises.

5. Eat Your Way Through The Hill Neighborhood

Hungry? Head to The Hill, St. Louis’s historic Italian neighborhood in St. Louis City with easy access from St. Louis County. This area is famous for:
  • Old-school Italian restaurants
  • Delis and bakeries
  • Toasted ravioli (a St. Louis classic)
  • Gooey butter cake and cannoli
Walk the neighborhood, pick a place that smells amazing, and settle in. It’s hard to go wrong here. If you love food, this is one of the top must-visit neighborhoods in St. Louis. Just be sure to come hungry—and maybe wear stretchy pants.

6. Visit The Saint Louis Zoo (One Of The Best Free Zoos In The U.S.)

Located in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo is widely considered one of the best zoos in the country—and general admission is free. You’ll find:
  • Lions, tigers, bears, and gorillas
  • Penguin & puffin coast (a favorite on hot days—it’s chilly inside)
  • A children’s zoo area
  • Train rides that loop around the grounds
If you’re traveling with kids, this is an easy win. But even adults will enjoy a few hours here. Just wear comfortable shoes; the zoo is spread out over a pretty big area. Pro tip: Go earlier in the day during the summer when temps are cooler and the animals are more active.

7. Stroll The Delmar Loop

Located partly in St. Louis City and partly in University City in St. Louis County, the Delmar Loop is a fun, walkable stretch packed with:
  • Restaurants and casual diners
  • Local shops and record stores
  • Street art and murals
  • Live music spots
You can check out the St. Louis Walk of Fame along the sidewalk to see plaques honoring celebrities and notable folks with St. Louis connections, from Chuck Berry to Jon Hamm. If you’re looking for a relaxed night out—maybe some dinner, ice cream, and live music—the Delmar Loop is a great choice.

8. Discover Science & Fun At The Saint Louis Science Center

In St. Louis near Forest Park and easy to reach from St. Louis County, the Saint Louis Science Center is another family favorite. General admission is free here too. Inside, you’ll find:
  • Hands-on exhibits about space, engineering, and the human body
  • A skybridge that crosses over the highway (you can watch cars below and even track their speeds)
  • Planetarium shows
It’s a great way to sneak some learning into your trip without it feeling like school. On a rainy or super hot day, this is a perfect indoor thing to do in St. Louis.

9. Enjoy Art & Gardens At Laumeier Sculpture Park

Just a short drive into St. Louis County, you’ll find Laumeier Sculpture Park, a 105-acre open-air art museum filled with large-scale sculptures. You can:
  • Wander the walking trails
  • See huge outdoor art pieces scattered through the woods and fields
  • Pack a picnic and relax on the grass
It’s free to visit, quiet, and a nice change of pace from downtown. If you like art, photography, or just being outside, this is one of the best things to do near St. Louis that many visitors overlook.

10. Step Back In Time At The Missouri History Museum & Old Courthouse

To understand St. Louis, it helps to learn a bit about its past. Start at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, where you’ll find exhibits on:
  • The 1904 World’s Fair
  • The city’s role as the “Gateway to the West”
  • Local culture, music, and sports
Then, head downtown to the historic Old Courthouse (part of the Gateway Arch National Park), known for the important Dred Scott case. The building itself is beautiful, with a big dome and classic architecture. If you enjoy history, these spots add real depth to your St. Louis trip—beyond just good food and great views.

Planning Your St. Louis Trip: Quick Tips

  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall are comfortable, with mild temperatures. Summers can be hot and humid.
  • Getting around: Having a car makes it easy to explore both the city and St. Louis County. Rideshares are widely available.
  • Budget-friendly: Take advantage of all the free attractions—the zoo, art museum, science center, history museum, and parks.
  • Local foods to try: Toasted ravioli, St. Louis–style pizza (yes, Provel cheese!), gooey butter cake, and frozen custard.

Final Thoughts: Why St. Louis Belongs On Your Travel List

St. Louis is one of those American cities that quietly surprises people. It’s affordable, easy to navigate, and full of parks, museums, sports, and seriously good food. You can stand at the top of an iconic monument in the morning, wander a world-class park in the afternoon, and enjoy live music at night—all in the same day. If you’ve been searching for fun things to do in St. Louis, Missouri for your next weekend getaway or family road trip, use this list as your starting point. Then, let yourself wander a bit—you’ll probably stumble on your own favorite corners of the city.

What Would You Add To This St. Louis Bucket List?

Have you been to St. Louis or St. Louis County before?
  • What was your favorite thing to do?
  • Did you discover a great local restaurant or hidden gem?
Drop your tips and experiences in the comments—your ideas can help other travelers plan their own St. Louis adventures. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s thinking about visiting Missouri, or post it on your favorite social media. The more we share real travel experiences, the better everyone’s trips become.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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