How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in St. Louis
Looking to spend a weekend in St. Louis, MO? This town is packed full of fun places to go and things to do. We spent a while in and around St. Louis over the years and can guarantee you will not lack in entertainment. From the famous Arch to eating in some of the city’s hottest spots, here is the best way to spend your St. Louis weekend trip.
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We’ll assume you can fly in Friday and get there by mid-day, and have to leave Sunday evening. That will give you a good 3 days in St. Louis to explore. Here’s how:
Table of Contents
Day 1
Check in to St. Louis Hotel (afternoon/evening)
If you want a grand experience, then check-in to the Union Station Hotel. You’ll have to pay for parking (typical in the downtown hotels) and breakfast, but the experience and location are unmatched.
In the event that Union Station is booked (it often is), book The Drury Plaza Hotel. This is the next best location as its just a short 1.5 blocks from The Arch. It also provides free breakfast and an indoor pool.
St. Louis Walk of Fame
After you check in, head over to Delmar Blvd where you can have your own Hollywood experience in St. Louis.
Along Delmar Boulevard on the 6000-block streets you’ll find stars…of stars! These stars honor people who made it in sports, music, writing, and other professional fields. Each of the people call St. Louis home.
See the stars of people like Bob Costas, Chuck Berry, Maya Angelou, Yogi Berra, Miles Davis, and many others.
This is a great opportunity to explain much of the area and country’s history and culture to the kids. There are many influential people you’ll see on the Walk of Fame. Do you recognize many of them?
Head to The Hill for Dinner
The Hill is St. Louis’ famous Italian neighborhood where you can find shops and restaurants with authentic flavors.
You can’t go wrong with any of them, but if you need a suggestion, try Charlie Gitto’s where you’ll get handmade pasta or fresh seafood. It’s been around and loved for over 40 years.
Day 2: Morning
The Arch
For the morning, head over the The Arch (AKA Gateway Arch National Park) for an incredible and unique experience.
The museum underwent renovation a few years ago and left visitors with a huge, historic walk through of St. Louis’ past and the forces that shaped it.
Kids will love going into a small, log cabin type home, hopping in the canoe, reading about culture and tribes in the area, and, of course, learning how on earth the arch was engineered.
After you walk through the Museum, make sure to take a ride up the arch! You’ll jump in a small, futuristic looking pod and take a ride (just a couple minutes) up to the top. Then you can gaze out at over 600+ feet up in the air at the city and over the Mississippi.
This is a cool experience and probably the best thing you’ll do on your 3 days in St. Louis. Do not miss this!
Riverboat Cruise
After the Arch, head out onto the water for an unforgettable Riverboat Cruise. You’ll get to see the city from the water, an incredible way to view St. Louis.
The cruise often has themed excursions, making it even more fun.
Book a combo tour that includes a little tour of St. Louis with the Arch and Riverboat Cruise (March-November).
Arch + Riverboat Combo
- Hotel Pickup included
- Tour the Arch
- Sightsee around St. Louis
- Hit the water for your Riverboat Cruise
- Enjoy learning from your guide
- Approx 3 hours
Afternoon
Lunch
When your tour is over, drive over to Stacked St. Louis for lunch. This burger joint has the best in the city. Don’t forget to try to fried pickles and BBQ Brisket nachos.
Of course those not big on burgers can try to veggie wrap, grilled cheese, or fish sandwich.
Forest Park
After lunch, drive over to Forest Park. This park is a large, green space area in St. Louis filled with fun. In fact, it’s larger than Central Park in New York by around 500 acres!
Once in Forest Park, decide what vibe you are going for. Wild side coming out? Head to the St. Louis Zoo (a free attraction) where you can walk through many habitats of animals, from the arctic to the savannah. (P.S.- it’s FREE admission).
If you want to stay in nature a little more, head to the boat house and rent a paddleboat or kayak. Paddle away on the little, calm lake for a while.
Or if you’re artsy side is showing, head to the St. Louis Art Museum. Check out works like the Native American art, the sculpture gardens, or even a Van Gogh piece. This museum is also free to visit.
Or, you can just hang out outside for some fresh air. There are plenty of trails, fountains, pavilions, and space to just enjoy the outdoors in St. Louis.
Evening
Dinner at Oceano Bistro
After you finish up in Forest Park, drive a few miles over to Oceano Bistro. This highly-loved restaurant provides fresh seafood. But if someone in your party isn’t a fan, there’s plenty of options. Diners have plenty of choices, like fish, chicken, mushroom, salads, pasta, and more.
Catch a show at The Fabulous Fox
The Fabulous Fox is a historic part of St. Louis and one you should not miss. The theater is that of a palace with great acoustics and aesthetics.
The Fox brings in shows year-round, delighting visitors with Broadway shows, Vegas acts, comedians, and many more. There are plenty of family-friendly shows that make their way through the theater.
Find what’s playing when you spend your weekend in St. Louis.
Dessert at Bailey’s
Bailey’s Chocolate Bar is a must and the most delicious thing you’ll do during your 3 days in St. Louis.
As the name says, the restaurant has a bar with plenty of sweet selections. They aren’t all chocolate, but there are a lot of chocolate options.
In addition to drinks, the restaurant provides a host of decadent chocolate desserts.
You can dress up or come as you are. Just make sure to try out Bailey’s Chocolate Bar before you leave.
Day 3
This is the last day in the city, so let’s go out with a bang. On the end of your weekend in St. Louis, head to Union Station. Here you can spend as much time as you have left before you head to the airport (or begin your drive back home.)
Union Station is a hub of fun in St. Louis. As you arrive, you’ll notice plenty of outdoor activities at Union Station.
Take a ride on The Wheel (ferris wheel) for spectacular views of the city. The kids can ride along, and then take a ride on the ground on the carousel.
Inside offers plenty of fun as well. Try your skills on the aerial ropes course which goes up to 3 stories in the air. Young ones can try the lower, easier course to be included, too.
If you enjoy marine life, head to the St. Louis Aquarium inside. This is one of the most fun, family-friendly things to do in St. Louis and the kids will love this one. This aquarium is one of the largest in the midwest. You’ll not only get the typical ocean life animals, but also local animals from the rivers of Missouri.
Beyond those main attractions, you can also visit the mirror maze, head to the Union Station hotel and try out the whispering arch, or watch the fountain show outside that begins at noon each day, on the hour.
FAQ About a Weekend in St. Louis
What’s a good itinerary for spending a weekend in St. Louis?
Any great itinerary for a weekend in St. Louis includes The Arch, Union Station, and Forest Park. Try and work those three things into your schedule and you’ll have a great taste of St. Louis.
Where is St. Louis located?
St. Louis is located right along the Mississippi River in Missouri. The other side of the river is Illinois.
How to Spend a Weekend in St. Louis
If you only have 3 days in St. Louis, this is a great way to spend it to really get a good taste of the city. The top highlights of the city include The Arch, Forest Park, and Union Station, and these all fit in nicely even with just one weekend in St. Louis.
Make sure to eat on The Hill for authentic cuisine and Oceano Bistro for some great seafood. While 3 days, including travel, isn’t a ton of time, this is a great itinerary for making the most out of your St. Louis weekend trip.
👉🏼 Don’t forget to book your Arch and Riverboat Combo
👇🏼Reserve your hotel in advance!
