Table of Contents
Saint Louis Zip Code Map
Introduction
Welcome to Saint Louis, Missouri, a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, Saint Louis has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the city’s top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports. So, let’s get started!
Top Attractions
The Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is one of Saint Louis’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This 630-foot-tall monument, designed by architect Eero Saarinen, is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere and offers stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. You can take a tram ride to the top of the arch or explore the museum and visitor center located at the base of the arch.
The Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city that spans 79 acres and features a wide variety of flora and fauna from all over the world. The garden is home to several themed gardens, including the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the English Woodland Garden, as well as a tropical conservatory and a children’s garden. The garden also hosts several events and exhibitions throughout the year, including the popular Lantern Festival.
The Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is a world-renowned zoo that is home to over 17,000 animals from 600 species. The zoo is divided into several themed areas, including the River’s Edge, the Discovery Corner, and the Red Rocks. The zoo also offers several interactive exhibits, such as the Sea Lion Show, the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, and the Children’s Zoo, where kids can feed and pet a variety of animals.
Hidden Gems
The City Museum
The City Museum is a unique attraction that is unlike anything else you’ll find in Saint Louis. This 600,000 square foot museum is housed in an old shoe factory and features a wide variety of interactive exhibits, including a 10-story slide, a human-sized hamster wheel, and a giant ball pit. The museum also features several outdoor attractions, such as a rooftop Ferris wheel and a giant praying mantis that you can climb on.
The Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Saint Louis and the state of Missouri. The museum features several exhibits that cover a wide variety of topics, including the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the World’s Fair, and the civil rights movement. The museum also features several special exhibits throughout the year.
The Tower Grove Farmers’ Market
The Tower Grove Farmers’ Market is a great place to experience the local food scene in Saint Louis. The market is open every Saturday from April to November and features over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, and more. The market also features live music and several food trucks.
Food Scene
Pappy’s Smokehouse
Pappy’s Smokehouse is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious barbecue in Saint Louis. This award-winning restaurant is known for its slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, as well as its homemade sides, such as baked beans and sweet potato fries. Pappy’s also offers a wide variety of sauces, including their famous Sweet Baby Jane sauce.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a Saint Louis institution that has been serving up delicious frozen custard since 1929. This family-owned and operated business is known for its rich and creamy custard, which is served in a variety of flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Ted Drewes also offers several toppings, such as hot fudge, caramel, and nuts.
The Hill
The Hill is a neighborhood in Saint Louis that is known for its Italian heritage and delicious food. This neighborhood is home to several Italian restaurants, including Charlie Gitto’s, which is known for its toasted ravioli, and Zia’s, which is known for its pasta dishes. The Hill is also home to several bakeries, including Missouri Baking Company, which is known for its Italian cookies and pastries.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Attractions
There are several free attractions in Saint Louis that are worth checking out, including Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Saint Louis Science Center. You can also take a free tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery or visit the Old Courthouse and learn about the Dred Scott case.
Happy Hour Specials
Many bars and restaurants in Saint Louis offer happy hour specials, which are a great way to save money on food and drinks. Some popular spots for happy hour include Mission Taco Joint, which offers $2 tacos and $3 margaritas, and Bailey’s Range, which offers half-price burgers and $3 beer.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Saint Louis is affordable and convenient. The MetroLink light rail system and the MetroBus system both offer several routes throughout the city and surrounding areas. You can purchase a day pass for $7, which will give you unlimited rides on both systems.
Outdoor Adventures
Forest Park
Forest Park is a 1,300-acre park in the heart of the city that offers a wide variety of outdoor activities. The park is home to several attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum. The park also features several walking and biking trails, as well as several lakes and ponds, where you can fish, boat, or picnic.
The Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is a 237-mile-long trail that runs through the heart of Missouri. The trail is a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders and offers stunning views of the Missouri River and the surrounding countryside. The trail also passes through several small towns, where you can stop for a bite to eat or a cold drink.
The Great Rivers Greenway
The Great Rivers Greenway is a network of trails and green spaces that connects Saint Louis with the surrounding counties. The greenway features over 125 miles of trails, including the Riverfront Trail, the Meramec Greenway, and the Centennial Greenway. The greenway also features several parks and natural areas, where you can hike, bike, or enjoy a picnic.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Magic House
The Magic House is a children’s museum that is designed to inspire creativity and imagination. The museum features several interactive exhibits, including a bubble room, a miniature town, and a kid-sized grocery store. The museum also features several outdoor exhibits, such as a treehouse and a miniature train.
The Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center is a great place to learn about science and technology. The center features several interactive exhibits, including a planetarium, a life-size animatronic T-Rex, and a hands-on robotics lab. The center also features several temporary exhibits throughout the year.
The Butterfly House
The Butterfly House is a beautiful attraction that is home to over 60 species of butterflies from around the world. The house features a conservatory, where you can walk among the butterflies, as well as several outdoor gardens and exhibits. The house also offers several educational programs and events throughout the year.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Lemp Mansion
The Lemp Mansion is a historic mansion that was once home to the Lemp family, who owned the Lemp Brewery. The mansion is rumored to be haunted and offers ghost tours throughout the year. The mansion also features a restaurant and a bed and breakfast.
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Climatron
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Climatron is a unique attraction that is worth checking out if you’re interested in plants and nature. The Climatron is a geodesic dome that houses a tropical rainforest, complete with waterfalls, streams, and exotic plants. The dome also features several exhibits and educational programs.
The Museum of Transportation
The Museum of Transportation is a great place to learn about the history of transportation in Saint Louis and the United States. The museum features over 70 locomotives and railway cars, as well as several vintage cars, buses, and airplanes. The museum also offers train rides and several special events throughout the year.
Natural Wonders
The Meramec Caverns
The Meramec Caverns are a series of underground caves that are located about an hour outside of Saint Louis. The