Looking for a low-key weekend getaway in the Midwest? St. Louis has a little bit of everything, so why not make it your next destination?! We spent a quiet, relaxing weekend in St. Louis recently, and it was the perfect time to recharge, reflect, and appreciate life. In this itinerary, I put together a few of my favorite spots in the city, which I would definitely recommend you visit. This list only captures a small fraction of all the things to do in St. Louis, but it’s a great starting point, especially if you’re looking for more low-key activities. That said, just keep reading to discover how to have a relaxing weekend in St. Louis.
1. Explore Forest Park
If the weather permits, head over to Forest Park, an expansive park in downtown St. Louis, perfect for taking an evening stroll. It’s larger than Central Park in NYC, so give yourself enough time to enjoy its beauty. To become familiar with the area, check out a map of the entire park here. As you make your way through the park, you’ll see monuments, statues, historic buildings, sparkling lakes, and nature around every corner. To learn more about Forest Park, definitely check out their website. You can’t spend a relaxing weekend in St. Louis without exploring the beauty of Forest Park.
2. View the Gateway Arch
One of the most well-known national landmarks is, of course, the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis. If you’re not interested in taking the tram to the top of the Arch, then opt to catch a glimpse of it from afar. There’s a plethora of options when it comes to getting the perfect view. For example, the picture above was taken from across the Mississippi River, but you can also get some from Malcolm W Martin Memorial Park. To learn more about the Gateway Arch, check out the website here.
3. Relax at the Botanical Gardens
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a national historic landmark that houses more than 4,800 trees, making it another fantastic opportunity to spend time with nature. Additionally, check out the international gardens, where you’ll see Japanese, Chinese, Bavarian, and Ottoman inspired gardens. Soak up a little Vitamin D, and get lost in the sounds of rustling leaves and flowing water. For more information about the gardens, check out their website here.
4. Dive into the FOOD of St. Louis
Wondering where to find the best eats in St. Louis? To start you off, a couple recommendations I would try include the Hi-Pointe Drive-In for burgers and sandwiches, and Ted Drewes for frozen custard. The Hi-Pointe Drive-In was an old-school diner back in the day, but today, it’s transformed itself into a modern hamburger joint with touches of diner inspiration. The menu isn’t only composed of burgers, but creative sandwiches, such as their take on the Vietnamese sandwich, the bánh mì. You’ll also find a tasty vegan burger on the menu. If you’re craving something sweet, head over to Ted Drewes for frozen custard. There’s a ton of different choices to entertain your taste buds, so good luck choosing just one. 😋
5. The Ultimate Bed and Breakfast Experience
If you’re looking for lodging that’s perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway, look no further than the Fleur-de-Lys Mansion bed and breakfast located at 3500 Russell Blvd in St. Louis. The mansion is composed of five spacious, luxurious guest rooms with the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept on. The downtown location is nearby many attractions, such as the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium. In addition, the Compton Hill Reservoir Park is right across the street if you’re interested in taking a morning walk. For breakfast, the innkeepers served the most mouthwatering homemade breakfast (pictured above), which will keep you fully satisfied. Although staying at a bed and breakfast is a little pricier than a budget hotel, this one is definitely worth every penny. Be sure to check out their website for all the details!
In conclusion, I hope this post gave you an idea on how to have a relaxing, low-key weekend in St. Louis. Whether you’re traveling with someone or solo, a weekend getaway to St. Louis will have just what you need to unwind and relax. Let me know what you’re most excited to do while in St. Louis in the comment section. Craving more travel? Check out my destinations page and get inspired. Happy wandering!