Forest Park is one of the best urban parks in the country, and it’s definitely worth checking out. It covers 1,300 acres of beautiful landscapes, with forests, lakes, streams, and nature reserves. Plus, it’s home to five major cultural spots: the Missouri History Museum, The Muny Theatre, the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Science Center, and the St. Louis Zoo (which is free!). Whether you’re just looking to relax by one of the lakes or explore, it’s a great spot to spend the day outdoors and take in the natural beauty of the city.
The St. Louis Zoo is definitely worth checking out, and the best part is—it’s free! It's located in a beautiful park, it’s easy to walk through and offers a great chance to see everything from penguins to big cats. Even if zoos aren’t your thing, it’s a chill spot to spend some time outdoors.
If you haven’t been to the Gateway Arch yet, it’s definitely worth a visit while you’re in town. You can take a little tram ride to the top for an awesome view of the city and the river, walk around the park, or check out the museum underneath—it’s really cool and full of history. It's one of those classic St. Louis things to do.
One of our favorite restaurants in the city is Corner 17, a Chinese restaurant with authentic menu options, hand pulled noodles, and the best boba tea—seriously, the food is amazing. Our favorites are the steamed dumplings, crab rangoon, Kung Pao chicken, boiled beef, and Shanghai noodles - and we usually get all of it so we can have leftovers lol. It's located in the Delmar Loop, which is full of great restaurants, bars, and shops, plus some cool attractions like the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
Ballpark Village is a super fun spot right next to Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis. It’s the perfect place to grab some food, drinks, and catch a game on the big screens—even if you’re not going into the stadium. With plenty of bars, restaurants, and live music, it’s a fun place to hang out before or after exploring the city.
The Gramophone in The Grove is another one of our favorite spots (we went here on our first date!). It’s a relaxed, casual place with amazing sandwiches (we love The Helper and Buffalo Soldier), great drinks, and a fun atmosphere. They’ve got a great selection of music, and it’s the perfect spot to hang out and grab a bite. If you’re in the area, definitely check it out—it’s one of those hidden gems you’ll love.
City Foundry STL is the perfect spot to eat, play, and just hang out. You can grab a bite in the food hall (our favorites are STL Toasted and Chez Ali), hit up Puttshack for some high-tech mini golf, or take some cool pics at the Museum of Illusions. There’s also Alamo Drafthouse for a movie and meal, City Winery for wine and live music, Sandbox VR for a virtual reality experience, and The Escape Game if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a great place to hang out and the food is great.
For fun during the wedding weekend, check out St. Louis Union Station. Ride the 200-foot St. Louis Ferris Wheel for amazing skyline views, explore the St. Louis Aquarium, or enjoy seasonal train rides and other family-friendly attractions. Located downtown and close to other local gems like the City Museum and Gateway Arch, Union Station offers entertainment, convenience, and a unique glimpse into the city's past and present.