Best Things to Do in St Louis This Week

St. Louis is buzzing with activity this week! From outdoor adventures to vibrant cultural events, the city is ready to welcome locals and visitors alike. Whether you're craving a delicious meal, an inspiring art exhibit, or family fun, the Gateway to the West has something exciting for everyone.

🌴 Outdoor Activities

Explore Forest Park

Discover the heart and soul of St. Louis in Forest Park, larger than Central Park, offering a mix of manicured gardens, walking and biking trails, and water features. Visit the Jewel Box, rent a paddleboat, or simply enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful scenery.

Tip: Download a GPS-enabled map to explore the park's hidden gems and navigate its extensive trail system.

Hike or Bike at Castlewood State Park

Escape the city bustle at Castlewood State Park, just a short drive from downtown, where you'll find scenic trails for hiking and mountain biking. Enjoy stunning views of the Meramec River and immerse yourself in nature.

Tip: Check out the River Scene Trail for beautiful vistas, but be prepared for rocky and hilly terrain.

Paddle on Creve Coeur Lake

Enjoy a day on the water at Creve Coeur Lake, where you can rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. The 320-acre lake also offers picnic shelters and wildlife areas for a relaxing outdoor experience.

Tip: Non-gasoline boats are permitted, making it a peaceful spot for enjoying nature.

Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden

Escape the city bustle with a visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden, a peaceful and beautiful urban oasis. Explore themed gardens, conservatories, and the Japanese Garden for a tranquil experience.

Tip: St. Louis City and County residents can enjoy free admission on Wednesdays and Saturdays until noon, with free admission to the Children's Garden on Saturdays.

🍽️ Food & Dining

Dine at Lona's Lil Eats

Enjoy the best food St. Louis has to offer in a fast-casual setting at Lona's Lil Eats. Try the giant rice paper wrap with brisket or the bamboo stew for a flavorful experience.

Tip: Don't miss the dumplings—they're a local favorite.

Savor Sandwiches at Union Loafers Cafe & Bread Bakery

Indulge in a champion sandwich at Union Loafers, known for its lunch service and delicious pizza. Try the Little Gem salad, which is so good it is dream-worthy.

Tip: Check out their dinner service for a different culinary experience, including top-notch pizza.

Enjoy Yucatecan Cuisine at Sur Este Mexican

Head to the City Foundry food hall to experience the southeastern Mexican flair of Sur Este Mexican. Enjoy authentic Yucatan cuisine featuring cochinita pibil, tacos, tamales, and seafood dishes.

Tip: Try the cochinita pibil, a citrus-roasted pork dish, for a taste of Yucatan.

Experience The Elsworth Supper Club

Enjoy a warm, intimate dining experience at The Elsworth Supper Club, hosted in the backyard of a home in Webster Groves. The husband-and-wife duo crafts thoughtfully executed seasonal dishes for a memorable meal.

Tip: Reservations are a must, and the menu changes seasonally, so check ahead for the latest offerings.

🎵 Nightlife & Entertainment

Catch a Show at The Boom Boom Room

Experience St. Louis' premier burlesque and cabaret at The Boom Boom Room, featuring dazzling performances, high-energy acts, and immersive speakeasy-style shows. Perfect for adult birthdays, bachelorette parties, or a fun night out.

Tip: Check out the Speakeasy Spectacular for a vintage-inspired burlesque experience.

Enjoy Live Music at Broadway Oyster Bar

Experience the soul of the St. Louis music scene at Broadway Oyster Bar in the heart of Soulard. Enjoy live music seven nights a week, featuring zydeco, blues, and more.

Tip: Arrive early to snag a spot, as this popular venue can get crowded.

Dance the Night Away at Europe Night Club

Experience St. Louis' premier nightlife destination at Europe Night Club. Enjoy state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems while dancing to various music genres.

Tip: Check their event calendar for special guest DJs and themed nights.

Rooftop Views at 360 St. Louis

Located atop the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, 360 St. Louis offers elevated views and experiences. Enjoy drinks with a view at this trendy spot.

Tip: Visit during sunset for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

🎨 Arts & Culture

Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum

Explore a world-class collection of art spanning various periods and cultures at the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. Admission is free, making it accessible for all to enjoy.

Tip: Take advantage of the free daily tours or family Sunday programs for a more engaging experience.

Explore the City Museum

Experience the unique and interactive City Museum, a playground for all ages. Explore caves, treehouses, and a rooftop area in this one-of-a-kind attraction.

Tip: Knee pads are recommended for navigating the climbing structures and tunnels.

Discover the Missouri History Museum

Delve into the history of St. Louis at the Missouri History Museum, exploring the city's founding, the 1904 World's Fair, and more. Check out the exhibit about the Louisiana Purchase Exposition for a complete picture of the 1904 World's Fair.

Tip: Visit the History Clubhouse for a fun, interactive space for kids to learn about the city's past.

Visit the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM)

Engage with today's most relevant and innovative art at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM). With free admission, CAM offers a safe gathering place to reflect on the world around you.

Tip: Since CAM has no permanent collection, its exhibits are always changing, offering a fresh perspective with each visit.

✨ Free Things to Do

Visit the Saint Louis Zoo

Enjoy a day at the renowned Saint Louis Zoo, home to over 14,000 animals and recognized for its wildlife conservation efforts. Admission is free, making it a top attraction for families and animal lovers.

Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and take advantage of free parking on the surrounding streets.

Explore Citygarden Sculpture Park

Take a self-guided tour of Citygarden, a downtown sculpture park featuring a variety of contemporary sculptures and water features. It's a great spot to relax, enjoy art, and cool off in the splash park.

Tip: Visit at night to see the sculptures illuminated against the city skyline.

Visit the Museum at the Gateway Arch

Explore the history of St. Louis and the construction of the Gateway Arch at the Museum at the Gateway Arch. Admission to the museum is free, even without tickets to go to the top of the Arch.

Tip: Allow ample time to explore the sprawling museum and its interactive exhibits.

Attend Beginners Night at St. Louis Chess Club

Learn and play chess in a welcoming environment at the Saint Louis Chess Club. Beginners Night offers an engaging and social setting to learn the rules and practice against casual players.

Tip: The first visit is free for non-members.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly

Visit Grant's Farm

Enjoy a family outing at Grant's Farm, home to over 900 animals and historic architecture. Take a tram ride through Deer Park, see the Clydesdale horses, and feed the goats.

Tip: Check the schedule for animal shows and other special events.

Explore the Saint Louis Science Center

Discover the wonders of science at the Saint Louis Science Center, offering interactive exhibits and daily demonstrations. Admission to the general exhibits is free.

Tip: Visit on the first Friday of each month for free tickets to the Omnimax theater.

Visit St. Louis Union Station

Visit St. Louis Union Station which offers a range of family-friendly activities including an aquarium, a Ferris wheel, mini golf, and a carousel. Enjoy the fire and light show on the lake in front of the main entrance.

Tip: Consider getting combo tickets to save money if you plan to visit multiple attractions.

Visit the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

Located within Faust Park, the Butterfly House is a great way to entertain kids for a morning or afternoon. It is located near a carousel, playground, and historic village, so you can easily extend your visit.

Tip: The Butterfly House is located in Chesterfield, MO.

Local Insider Tips

  • Utilize St. Louis' bike-share programs like Lime and Spin for an eco-friendly way to explore, especially along the Mississippi Riverfront Trail and in Forest Park.
  • Check out the Soulard Farmers Market for local produce, goods, and a taste of St. Louis culture.
  • Take advantage of the many free attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum, to save money.
  • Explore the diverse culinary scene on South Grand Boulevard, offering a variety of international cuisines.
  • Consider visiting in the late spring or fall for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.

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