St. Louis

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with St. Louis's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Explore the Gateway Arch
morning
:

Visit the iconic Gateway Arch and take the tram to the top for stunning views. Afterward, explore the visitor center to learn about its history.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café with views of the Arch.

evening
:

Head to the Old Courthouse, where you can take an evening guided tour. Wrap up your day with dinner at a local BBQ joint.

day 2
City Park Adventures
morning
:

Start your day at Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Rent a bike to explore the scenic trails and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.

afternoon
:

Visit the St. Louis Zoo located in the park, which is free and home to thousands of animals. Grab a picnic lunch at the Zoo or a nearby café.

evening
:

Relax at the park while watching the sunset by the lakes. Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant to enjoy the ambiance.

day 3
Art and Culture Day
morning
:

Visit the St. Louis Art Museum to see its impressive collection of art from around the world. Spend some time exploring the museum's beautiful architecture.

afternoon
:

Head over to the Missouri History Museum to learn about the state's rich history. Enjoy a quick lunch at the museum café.

evening
:

Catch a performance at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for a cultural evening. Dine out at a nearby trendy restaurant to complete your day.

day 4
Discovering Soulard
morning
:

Explore the historic Soulard neighborhood known for its vibrant culture. Walk through the beautiful streets and admire the Victorian architecture.

afternoon
:

Visit the Soulard Farmer's Market for fresh produce and local goods. Enjoy lunch at one of the charming cafes in the area.

evening
:

Experience the nightlife in Soulard with live music at a local bar. Dine at a popular eatery famous for its Cajun cuisine.

day 5
Animal Encounters
morning
:

Visit the St. Louis Zoo early to beat the crowds and see the animals at their most active. Attend any scheduled animal feedings for an intimate experience.

afternoon
:

Take a short trip to the nearby St. Louis Aquarium to marvel at aquatic life. Have lunch at the aquarium's café with a view of the exhibits.

evening
:

Join a guided night tour at the zoo for a unique perspective on the animals. Grab dinner at a family-friendly restaurant nearby.

day 6
Along the River
morning
:

Start your day with a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. Enjoy the scenic views and learn about the city's history from the onboard narration.

afternoon
:

Visit the Riverfront and take a leisurely walk along the waterfront. Stop for lunch at one of the riverside eateries.

evening
:

Enjoy an evening cocktail at a rooftop bar with views of the river. Dine at a restaurant that offers local cuisine for a taste of St. Louis.

day 7
Foodie Tour
morning
:

Kick-off with a guided food tour exploring St. Louis' diverse culinary scene. Sample local favorites from various eateries and food trucks.

afternoon
:

Continue the tour by visiting iconic spots like Ted Drewes for frozen custard. Break for a leisurely lunch at a local diner.

evening
:

Join a chef's table experience for dinner where you can learn about the dishes you are enjoying. Wrap up the night with a dessert tasting at a local bakery.

day 8
Nature and Hiking
morning
:

Start your day with a hike at the nearby Castlewood State Park. Enjoy the fresh air and beautiful trails with scenic views.

afternoon
:

Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the picturesque picnic spots in the park. Continue your exploration with an afternoon trail walk.

evening
:

Head back to the city and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant. Reflect on your day while enjoying the local flavors.

day 9
Casino Night
morning
:

Spend your morning at the Hollywood Casino enjoying breakfast at one of their restaurants. Try your luck at various gaming options available.

afternoon
:

Take a stroll along the Mississippi River and explore the nearby attractions. Stop for lunch at the casino or at a riverfront café.

evening
:

Return to the casino or head to another casino in the area for an exciting evening. Enjoy dinner at a steakhouse with a vibrant atmosphere.

day 10
A Day at the Zoo and Science Center
morning
:

Visit the St. Louis Zoo in the morning to experience the wildlife. Attend any special programs for an interactive experience.

afternoon
:

After the zoo, head over to the St. Louis Science Center to explore the interactive exhibits. Grab lunch at the café between the two attractions.

evening
:

Finish your day with a planetarium show at the Science Center for a unique experience. Enjoy a casual dinner at a nearby pizzeria.

Discover St. Louis

Read more in our St. Louis 2024 Travel Guide.

St. Louis Travel Guide