St. Louis County Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit in St. Louis County with our helpful travel guide, featuring natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and local culture and customs.


Introduction to St. Louis County

St. Louis County, located in the St. Louis Area of Missouri and the Midwest region of the United States, is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. The county boasts a diverse range of attractions, from award-winning museums and historical landmarks to picturesque parks and outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in St. Louis County

Looking for the best things to do in St. Louis County? Check out our list of top attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Missouri History Museum
  • St. Louis Art Museum
  • Pulitzer Arts Foundation
  • The Gateway Arch
  • Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
  • Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

Natural Attractions of St. Louis County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Forest Park
  • Shaw Nature Reserve
  • Castlewood State Park
  • Missouri Botanical Garden
  • Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
  • Meramec River

Hiking/Biking Routes of St. Louis County

St. Louis County offers plenty of hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Katy Trail State Park
  • Castlewood State Park
  • Grant’s Trail
  • Al Foster Memorial Trail
  • Chubb Trail
  • West Tyson County Park

Best Things to Do in St. Louis County: Activities and Tours

Looking for fun things to do in St. Louis County? Try these activities and tours:

  • Missouri Wine Country Tours
  • BrewHop STL Brewery Tours
  • Gateway Helicopter Tours
  • Adventure Valley Zipline Tours
  • St. Louis Ghost Tours
  • Riverboat Cruises on the Mississippi River

Week-Long Itinerary for St. Louis County

Are you planning a week-long trip to St. Louis County? Here’s a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Gateway Arch and Museum
2 Explore the Missouri History Museum and Forest Park
3 Hike the trails at Castlewood State Park
4 Taste local wines on a Missouri Wine Country Tour
5 Tour the St. Louis Art Museum and Shaw Nature Reserve
6 Shop for souvenirs and local products
7 Enjoy a Riverboat Cruise on the Mississippi River

Food and Drink Scene of St. Louis County

St. Louis County is a foodie’s paradise, with a range of dining options for every taste. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Toasted Ravioli
  • St. Louis-Style Pizza
  • Gooey Butter Cake
  • Pork Steaks
  • Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
  • Slinger

Local Beverages

  • The St. Louis Brewery - Schlafly Beer
  • Fitz’s Root Beer
  • St. Louis Wineries
  • Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tours

Where to Stay in St. Louis County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

St. Louis County offers a range of accommodation options for every budget. Here are some hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to consider:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
  • Moonrise Hotel
  • Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Arnold
  • Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station
  • Red Roof Inn PLUS+ St Louis - Forest Park/Hampton Ave

What to Buy in St. Louis County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for a souvenir to remember your trip to St. Louis County? Consider these local products:

  • Ted Drewes Frozen Custard merchandise
  • Red Hot Riplets Potato Chips
  • Fitz’s Root Beer and merchandise
  • Anheuser-Busch Brewery merchandise
  • St. Louis Blues Hockey merchandise
  • Vintage posters and prints of St. Louis landmarks

Local Culture and Customs of St. Louis County

St. Louis County has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from German, Irish, Italian, and African American communities. Some local customs to keep in mind include:

  • Midwestern hospitality and friendliness
  • Rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues sports teams
  • Enjoying local beers and BBQ
  • Visiting historical landmarks and museums

Best Time to Visit St. Louis County

The best time to visit St. Louis County is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are in full swing. The summer months can be hot and humid, so be sure to pack light clothing and sunscreen. Fall is a popular time to visit for the colorful foliage, while winter can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of St. Louis County

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to St. Louis County:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including toasted ravioli and St. Louis-style pizza
  • Visit the Gateway Arch and Museum
  • Explore Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo and Missouri History Museum
  • Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and enjoy a cold beer
  • Attend a St. Louis Cardinals or St. Louis Blues game

Don’t:

  • Rely solely on public transportation - consider renting a car or using a ride-sharing app
  • Underestimate the amount of time needed to explore the Gateway Arch - allow at least 2-3 hours
  • Wander around deserted areas at night, and always avoid dangerous areas of the city
  • Go alone in natural attraction areas and always follow posted safety guidelines

Safety and Health

When traveling to St. Louis County, it’s important to keep safety and health in mind. Here are some tips:

Safety in St. Louis County

  • Avoid dangerous areas of the city, such as East St. Louis
  • Always lock your car and secure valuables
  • Be aware of your surroundings at night and in isolated areas
  • Follow safety guidelines while hiking and biking

Health in St. Louis County

  • Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, especially during the summer months
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities
  • Be aware of ticks and Lyme disease while hiking

Getting to St. Louis County: Transportation Options and Logistics

St. Louis County is easily accessible by plane, train, or automobile. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near St. Louis County

  • Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
  • St. Louis Downtown Airport

Bus Stations Near St. Louis County

  • Greyhound Bus Station (Downtown St. Louis)
  • Gateway Station (Amtrak)

Other Options

  • Rental Car
  • Ride-Sharing Services

How to Get Around in St. Louis County

While public transportation is available in St. Louis County, it may be more convenient to rent a car or use a ride-sharing app to get around. Biking and walking are also popular options in certain areas of the county.

Where to Go Next from St. Louis County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Looking to explore more of the Midwest? Consider these nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Kansas City, Missouri
  • Springfield, Illinois
  • Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises
  • Missouri Wine Country Tours
  • Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Conclusion

St. Louis County offers a wealth of attractions, from award-winning museums and historical landmarks to breathtaking natural scenery and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in St. Louis County. Plan your trip today and start exploring all that this vibrant destination has to offer!