North, south, east and west, St. Louis is full of cultural sites, eateries, parks and other fun diversions to keep you busy as warmer weather arrives, and many of them are planning open-air and online events to ensure safe enjoyment. From William Clark’s gravesite at Bellefontaine Cemetery to recent additions at our award-winning zoo, the past and present blend seamlessly in a storied town like St. Louis.
We can only scratch the surface of all there is to do in the metro area, but here are some points of interest to get you started! Be sure to check websites for opening hours before you set out.
Midtown
- University City Loop: The bustling business district offers no end of restaurants, shops and entertainment.
- Central West End: Shops, markets, restaurants and tree-lined streets make this neighborhood a favorite destination.
- Saint Louis University and Washington University: These flourishing university campuses are attractive sights in themselves.
- Missouri Botanical Garden: The garden’s many green and growing delights make it a popular destination for tourists and locals.
- The Grove: This vibrant neighborhood offers all kinds of cool dining and shopping spots.
- Forest Park and Tower Grove Park: You could spend days strolling and exploring all corners of these lush, greenery-filled spaces.
- Jazz St. Louis: Top talent entertains music lovers in a beautiful, modern space.
North
- Grand Avenue Water Tower: This striking 1871 landmark, the tallest free-standing
Corinthian column in the world, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. - The Ville: The notable neighborhood is an important part of local Black history, counting Chuck Berry, Josephine Baker and Arthur Ashe among its famous former residents.
- Bellefontaine Cemetery: The historic graveyard is the resting place of many fascinating personalities, including explorer William Clark, abolitionist Susan Paul Vashon and members of the Anheuser and Busch brewing families.
- Touhill Performing Arts Center: The center, located at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, is home to cultural icons like the Saint Louis Ballet.
East
- Old Cathedral: Recently renovated, the historic church was the first cathedral built west of the Mississippi River.
- Busch Stadium and Ballpark Village: No visit to St. Louis is complete without a Cardinals baseball experience.
- Scott Joplin Home: Learn about the fascinating life of the composer who penned “Maple Leaf Rag” and other classics.
- Soulard: Iconic red-brick architecture and a 242-year-old farmer’s market are the hallmarks of this historic neighborhood.
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery: The brewing giant’s sprawling campus offers tours, samples, food and attractive event spaces.
South
- Macklind Avenue: Take a trip down Macklind for a variety of neighborhood eateries and shops.
- Hampton Avenue: With a varied selection of neighborhood restaurants, you definitely won’t go hungry on Hampton.
- Cherokee Street: This historic avenue is where antique and collectible enthusiasts get their shopping fixes.
- Ted Drewes: The famous frozen custard spot offers two locations and more flavors than you can shake a spoon at.
- The Hill: If you love Italian restaurants, delicatessens and bakeries, this neighborhood is a must-visit.
West
- Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: Operated by the Missouri Botanical Garden, the center welcomes visitors for indoor and outdoor butterfly experiences.
- Endangered Wolf Center: The center is dedicated to preserving wolf species and reintroducing them into the wild.
- Queeny Park: Once the grounds of Edgar Monsanto Queeny’s estate, the park features beautiful trails, a recreation complex, unique playground and Jarville House, one of the oldest homes in the county.
- The Awakening: Located near Central Park in Chesterfield, this monumental sculpture created by
J. Seward Johnson Jr. depicts a giant attempting to free himself from the ground.