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St Louis County Neighborhood Map
St Louis County boasts a rich history, cultural diversity, and a plethora of attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant county. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore 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 in St Louis County.
Top Attractions
One of the top attractions in St Louis County is the Gateway Arch, which is an iconic monument that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for stunning views of the city. Another popular attraction is the St. Louis Zoo, which is home to over 16,000 animals from 600 species. The Missouri Botanical Garden is another must-visit attraction, where visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, conservatories, and exhibits.
Hidden Gems
One of the hidden gems of St Louis County is the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site features the remains of an ancient Native American city that dates back to the 11th century. Another hidden gem is the City Museum, which is an interactive museum that’s made entirely of recycled materials. Visitors can climb through the museum’s tunnels, caves, and slides.
Food Scene
St Louis County has a diverse food scene that offers something for everyone. One of the most popular foods in the area is the St Louis-style pizza, which is characterized by its thin, crispy crust and use of Provel cheese. Some of the top places to try this pizza are Imo’s Pizza, Cecil Whittaker’s Pizza, and Pizza-A-Go-Go. Another must-try food is the toasted ravioli, which is a St Louis specialty. Some of the top places to try this dish are Mama Campisi’s, Charlie Gitto’s, and Zia’s.
Budget-Friendly Tips
St Louis County offers plenty of budget-friendly activities that won’t break the bank. One of the best ways to save money is to take advantage of the many free attractions in the area, such as the St Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, and the St Louis Art Museum. Another budget-friendly tip is to take advantage of the many happy hours in the area, where you can enjoy discounted drinks and food.
Outdoor Adventures
St Louis County has plenty of outdoor adventures for nature lovers. One of the top outdoor activities is hiking in the nearby state parks, such as Castlewood State Park, Babler State Park, and Meramec State Park. Another popular outdoor activity is kayaking or canoeing on the Meramec River. Visitors can also go fishing, camping, or biking on the many trails in the area.
Family-Friendly Activities
St Louis County offers plenty of family-friendly activities that are sure to keep kids entertained. One of the top family-friendly attractions is the Magic House, which is a children’s museum that features interactive exhibits, a mini-golf course, and a treehouse. Another popular attraction is the City Museum, which is a playground for kids and adults alike. The St Louis Science Center is another must-visit attraction, where kids can learn about science through interactive exhibits.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those who want to explore the lesser-known attractions of St Louis County, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences to discover. One of the most unique experiences is visiting the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle, which is a water tower that’s shaped like a bottle of ketchup. Another off-the-beaten-path experience is visiting the Museum of Transportation, which features a collection of vintage trains, cars, and planes.
Natural Wonders
St Louis County has several natural wonders that are worth exploring. One of the top natural wonders is the Meramec Caverns, which is a series of underground caves that are filled with stunning rock formations. Another natural wonder is the Missouri Ozarks, which is a beautiful mountain range that’s perfect for hiking, camping, and exploring.
Vibrant Nightlife
St Louis County has a vibrant nightlife scene that offers something for everyone. One of the top nightlife spots is the Delmar Loop, which features a variety of bars, restaurants, and music venues. The Grove is another popular nightlife spot, which is known for its LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs. For those who want to dance the night away, the Ballpark Village is a popular spot that features live music and dancing.
Local Markets
St Louis County has a variety of local markets that offer fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique souvenirs. One of the top markets is the Soulard Farmers Market, which is one of the oldest farmers markets in the United States. The Tower Grove Farmers Market is another popular market that features local produce, handmade crafts, and live music.
Beaches and Mountains
Even though St Louis County is landlocked, there are still several beaches and mountains within driving distance. One of the top beaches is the Lake of the Ozarks, which is a popular vacation spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is another popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, where visitors can go hiking, fishing, and camping in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.
Cultural Immersion
St Louis County has a rich cultural heritage that’s worth exploring. One of the top cultural attractions is the Missouri History Museum, which features exhibits on the history of the state and the city of St Louis. The St Louis Art Museum is another must-visit attraction, which features a collection of art from around the world. The Missouri Botanical Garden is also a great place to learn about the flora and fauna of the area.
Art and Music Scene
St Louis County has a thriving art and music scene that’s worth exploring. One of the top music venues is the Blueberry Hill, which is a legendary music club that’s hosted many famous musicians over the years. The Fox Theatre is another popular music and performing arts venue, which features Broadway shows, concerts, and other performances. The St Louis Symphony Orchestra is also a must-see attraction for music lovers.
Walking Tours
St Louis County offers a variety of walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city on foot. One of the top walking tours is the Gateway Arch Riverfront Walking Tour, which takes visitors on a journey through the history of the city and the riverfront. The Soulard Walking Tour is another popular walking tour, which takes visitors through the historic Soulard neighborhood and its many bars and restaurants.
Architectural Marvels
St Louis County has several architectural marvels that are worth seeing. One of the top attractions is the Gateway Arch, which is a stunning piece of engineering that’s become an icon of the city. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is another must-see attraction, which features stunning mosaics and stained glass windows. The Missouri State Capitol is also a beautiful building that’s worth visiting.
Historical Sites
St Louis County has a rich history that’s worth exploring. One of the top historical sites is the Jefferson Barracks Historic Park, which was a military post that dates back to the 1820s. The Old Courthouse is another historic site that’s worth visiting, which was the site of the Dred Scott case. The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site is also a must-see attraction for music lovers, which was the home of the famous ragtime composer.
Biking Routes
St Louis County has several biking routes that allow visitors to explore the city on two wheels. One of the top biking routes is the Katy Trail State Park, which is a 237-mile trail that runs through the heart of Missouri. The Riverfront Trail is another popular biking route, which takes visitors along the Mississippi River. The Grant’s Trail is also a great biking route, which takes visitors through several parks and nature reserves.
Wellness Retreats
St Louis County has several wellness retreats that allow visitors to relax and rejuvenate. One of the top retreats is the Four Seasons Hotel St Louis, which features a spa, fitness center, and rooftop pool. The Ritz-Carlton St Louis is another popular wellness retreat, which features a spa, fitness center, and yoga studio. The Chase Park Plaza is also a great wellness retreat, which features a spa, fitness center, and rooftop pool.
Adventure Sports
For those who are seeking adventure, St Louis County has plenty of options. One of the top adventure sports is zip-lining, which is offered at the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course. The Hidden Valley Ski Resort is another popular spot for adventure sports, which features skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter. The St Louis Adventure Group also offers a variety of adventure sports, such