Alli & Sam
St. Louis Activities & Recommendations
Forest Park
Did you know that Forest Park is bigger than New York's Central Park?! This park is a beauty on its own, but it also houses the Missouri History Museum, St. Louis Art Museum, and one of the best zoos in the country. The best part - they're ALL free admission! The Boat House is also a great spot to grab great food. drinks, and take a spin around the pond on a paddle boat. And be sure to drive down Lindell Boulevard (bordering the park) to see some really neat, old houses. Washington University is also next to the park and, if you're coming from Clayton, you're likely to pass the beautiful university buildings.
Ballpark Village St. Louis
St. Louis is a drinking town with a baseball problem and Ballpark Village does a great job of combining the two with this "mall of bars" next to Busch Stadium. You can hop around from bar-to-bar, bringing your drinks with you the whole time. There is a 40 foot TV (yes, 40!) so it's a great spot to watch sports and grab some food. The Budweiser Brew House has also amazing views into Busch Stadium so be sure to check that out.
St. Louis Trolley Tours
A trolley tour is an excellent way to see the city (and a ton of the attractions on this list!) while taking in St. Louis' rich history. If you've never been to St. Louis and only have time to squeeze in a few attractions, we recommend making this one of them. Sam and Alli also met on a trolley! :)
Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden consists of 79 acres, with displays like the Chinese Garden, English Woodland Garden, Ottoman Garden and Victorian District. A vibrant tropical rainforest thrives inside the Climatron conservatory, while the adjoining Temperate House is home to a multitude of Mediterranean species. The Japanese Garden covers 14 acres, making it one of the largest Japanese strolling gardens in North America.
Budweiser Brewery Experience
Budweiser offers free brewery tours (with beer tastings!) and, if you're lucky, you just may get to see the Clydesdales!
The Gateway Arch
Did you know that the Arch is as wide as it is tall? See for yourself with a ride to the top of the arch! And while you're there, check out the Arch grounds and museum below it.
Central West End
Take a drive around the border of the Central West End to see some of the really unique (and massive!) old houses St. Louis has to offer. Within the Central West End, there is no shortage of great restaurants and bars. A few recommendations include YellowBelly, Gamlin Whiskey House, Pi Pizzeria and Mission Taco Joint.
The Delmar Loop
The Delmar Loop is a cool, funky part of town with lots of music shops and fun dive bars. It also houses St. Louis' very own "Walk of Fame"! You may be surprised at how many familiar names hail from St. Louis. Specifically, Blueberry Hill has great burgers, Mission Taco is an awesome spot for Mexican food, and Fitz's is famous for their rootbeer!
Union Station
St. Louis' Union Station has gotten quite the makeover recently. It features an aquarium, ferris wheel, and lots of bars and restaurants to check out! We'd recommend starting in the Grand Hall to take in the beautiful architecture.
Shaw Park + Playground
Shaw Park is a beautiful park in Clayton that's walkable from almost anywhere - and definitely from the hotel blocks. If you want to get a quick run or walk in during the weekend, check it out!
City Museum
The City Museum is NOT your average museum. What was once an old shoe factory is now more of a kid - and adult - friendly playground than a museum, with exhibits and activities made primarily of repurposed architectural and industrial objects. With old airplanes, school busses, and a ferris wheel featured on the roof of the museum (all accessible!) it's hard to miss. We should also mention there is a bar in the museum for the adults :)
Urban Chestnut
This is one of the largest local breweries with a huge taproom! Grab a Zwickel or Schnickelfritz, order some food, and make sure to check out the other bars along Manchester road. Also, right across the street from Urban Chestnut is their U.R.B. (Urban Chestnut Research Brewery) where they test out new brews. For $2, you can get a flight of 3 beers and just have to take a short survey to provide your feedback. We never miss stopping here on a trip to St. Louis!
Pastaria
This is one of the best casual Italian restaurants around and they make everything in-house. This would be a great spot for dinner on Friday night!
Half & Half
This spot has some of the best breakfast in St. Louis! It can get very busy, though so make sure you check the wait and put your name on the list (remotely) on Yelp's "No Wait" feature!
Sugarfire Smoke House
St. Louis is known for it's BBQ and there is no shortage of great spots! This is one of our favorites and typically easier to get into than Pappy's downtown. Also a 5 minute drive from Clayton, where the hotels will be!
4 Hands Brewing Co
This is another great local brewery and the top floor has a bunch of games and communal tables. Great place to spend an afternoon!
Protzel's Delicatessen
Best. Corned. Beef. Sandwich. EVER. This deli has great sandwiches, lox, and knishes. It's also located on Wydown Boulevard, which is a great street to walk down and look at houses.
The Hill
Toasted Ravioli are a St. Louis specialty and, while you can find them on plenty of restaurant menus, The Hill is St. Louis' Italian neighborhood and they have some of the best! Check out Charlie Gitto's Favazza's, or Mama's - you can't go wrong.
Imo's Pizza
St. Louis style pizza comes as thin as they can get and topped with Provel cheese (a mix of a bunch of other types of cheese) that sticks to the roof of your mouth. Outsiders love to hate on St. Louis pizza, but it's Alli's favorite and if you want to give it a shot, Imo's is the spot to go. Also get a side of Toasted Ravioli (T-Rav's if you want to sound like a local) while you're there!
Barcelona Tapas Restaurant
If you're looking for shared plates or appetizers, BARcelona is the place to go! Make sure to get the goat cheese in marinara dish and a glass (eh... better make that a pitcher) of sangria.
Broadway Oyster Bar
Check out Broadway Oyster Bar for some insanely good cajun food, cold drinks, and live music. It's located right by Busch Stadium so it's a great lunch or dinner spot if you're already exploring the area.