Google Maps St Louis Mo Travel Guide

Introduction

St Louis is a city of great diversity and a rich history that is well worth exploring. From world-famous attractions to hidden gems, there is so much to see and do in this vibrant city. Google Maps is an invaluable tool for travelers looking to explore St Louis and discover all that it has to offer. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.

Top Attractions

St Louis is home to many iconic attractions that are worth visiting. One of the most famous is the Gateway Arch, an impressive monument that stands at 630 feet tall. Visitors can ride to the top in a tram for a stunning view of the city. The City Museum is another must-visit attraction that is fun for all ages. This unique museum features interactive exhibits, a rooftop Ferris wheel, and a giant ball pit. For those interested in history, the Missouri History Museum is a great option, with exhibits that cover the city’s past.

Hidden Gems

While St Louis has many well-known attractions, there are also many hidden gems that are worth discovering. The Jewel Box is a beautiful greenhouse in Forest Park that is home to a variety of exotic plants. The Magic House is a children’s museum that is full of interactive exhibits and activities. For a unique dining experience, check out the Fountain on Locust, a retro soda fountain that serves up delicious food and drinks.

Food Scene

St Louis is known for its delicious food, and there are many options to choose from. One local favorite is toasted ravioli, a St Louis invention that features breaded and deep-fried ravioli. For BBQ lovers, Pappy’s Smokehouse is a must-visit, with mouth-watering ribs and brisket. For dessert, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a St Louis institution that has been serving up delicious frozen treats since 1929.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling to St Louis doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many budget-friendly options available, such as free attractions like the St Louis Zoo and the Missouri Botanical Garden. For affordable dining options, check out local favorites like The Hill, a neighborhood known for its Italian restaurants, or Cherokee Street, which is home to many unique eateries.

Outdoor Adventures

St Louis has many options for outdoor enthusiasts. Forest Park is a large park in the heart of the city that offers miles of biking and walking trails, as well as a golf course and tennis courts. The Missouri River is also nearby, offering opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. For a unique outdoor experience, check out the Citygarden, an urban park that features sculptures and fountains.

Historical Landmarks

St Louis has a rich history that is reflected in its many landmarks. The Old Courthouse is a historic building that was the site of the Dred Scott case, a landmark Supreme Court decision. The Scott Joplin House is another important landmark, as it was the home of the famous ragtime composer. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery is also worth a visit, as it is one of the oldest and largest breweries in the country.

Family-Friendly Activities

St Louis has many activities that are fun for the whole family. The St Louis Aquarium is a new attraction that is home to thousands of aquatic animals. The Magic House, mentioned earlier, is another great option for families. The City Museum is also a fun option, with exhibits and activities that are sure to keep kids entertained.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something a little different, St Louis has many off-the-beaten-path experiences to offer. The Lemp Mansion is a historic home that is rumored to be haunted. The Museum of the Dog is a unique museum that is dedicated to canine art. For a unique shopping experience, check out the Soulard Farmers Market, a historic market that has been around since 1779.

Natural Wonders

St Louis is home to many natural wonders that are worth exploring. The Missouri Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden that features a variety of plants and flowers. Nearby, the Shaw Nature Reserve offers hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching. The Katy Trail is a popular biking and hiking trail that runs through the state of Missouri.

Vibrant Nightlife

St Louis has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. The Delmar Loop is a popular destination for nightlife, with many bars and music venues. The Central West End is another great option, with upscale restaurants and cocktail bars. For a unique experience, check out the Moonrise Hotel, which features a rooftop bar with a stunning view of the city.

Local Markets

St Louis has many local markets that are worth exploring. The Tower Grove Farmers Market is a popular option that features locally grown produce and handmade goods. The St Louis Swap Meet is another great option, with vendors selling vintage and antique items. For a unique shopping experience, check out the Cherokee Antique Row, which is home to many antique and vintage shops.

Beaches and Mountains

While St Louis is not known for its beaches or mountains, there are still opportunities for outdoor activities. The Ozark Mountains are a short drive from the city and offer opportunities for hiking and camping. For a day trip, check out the Lake of the Ozarks, which is a popular destination for boating and swimming.

Cultural Immersion

St Louis is a city of great cultural diversity, and there are many opportunities for cultural immersion. The St Louis Art Museum is a great option, with a collection that spans thousands of years and includes works from around the world. The Missouri Botanical Garden is also a great place to learn about different cultures, with gardens that represent different regions of the world.

Art and Music Scene

St Louis has a thriving art and music scene that is worth exploring. The Grand Center Arts District is home to many theaters and music venues, including the Fox Theatre and the Sheldon Concert Hall. The Contemporary Art Museum St Louis is a great option for art lovers, with rotating exhibits that feature contemporary works.

Walking Tours

St Louis is a walkable city, and there are many walking tours available for those who want to explore on foot. The Gateway Arch Riverfront Walking Tour is a popular option that takes visitors along the Mississippi River. The Soulard Walking Tour is another great option, with a focus on the history and architecture of the neighborhood.

Architectural Marvels

St Louis is home to many architectural marvels that are worth seeing. The Gateway Arch is a stunning piece of architecture that is visible from many parts of the city. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is another impressive structure, with a stunning interior that features intricate mosaics. For a unique architectural experience, check out the City Museum, which is housed in a former shoe factory.

Historical Sites

St Louis has many historical sites that are worth visiting. The Old Cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the city and is a great example of French Colonial architecture. The Eugene Field House and St Louis Toy Museum is another great option, with exhibits that cover the history of the city and its famous residents. The Campbell House Museum is a beautiful historic home that is open for tours.

Biking Routes

St Louis has many biking routes that are perfect for exploring the city on two wheels. The Riverfront Trail is a popular route that takes cyclists along the Mississippi River. The Katy Trail, mentioned earlier, is another great option for biking. For a unique experience, check out the Grant’s Trail, which takes cyclists through a nature reserve and past historic sites.

Wellness Retreats

St Louis has many options for those looking to relax and rejuvenate. The Four Seasons Spa is a luxurious spa that offers a variety of treatments. The Missouri Botanical Garden also offers yoga classes in its beautiful garden setting. For a unique wellness experience, check out Float STL, which offers sensory deprivation tanks for relaxation and meditation.

Adventure Sports

St Louis has many options for adventure sports enthusiasts. The Gateway Arch Grounds offers a zip line experience that takes visitors soaring over the city. The Upper Limits Climbing Gym is a great option for indoor rock climbing. For a unique experience, check out the Hidden Valley Ski Resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.

St Louis has something to offer everyone, from world-famous attractions to hidden gems. With the help of Google Maps, visitors can explore all that this vibrant city has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, cultural immersion, or just good food, St Louis is sure to impress.