Gateway Arch & City Museum Adventures in St Louis
Tips on renting in St. Louis
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
St. Louis announces itself with the Gateway Arch rising 630 feet above the Mississippi, and the city spreads out from that landmark in neighborhoods that each carry their own distinct character. Vacation rentals in the Tower Grove and Lafayette Square neighborhoods put your group in the middle of it, with a fully equipped kitchen, free parking on premises, and a deck or patio where the Midwestern summer evening settles in slowly enough to actually enjoy. Forest Park alone, at 1,300 acres of free museums and open green space, justifies a home base with room to spread out rather than a downtown hotel room that charges for every square foot. St. Louis rewards the traveler who stays long enough to find the toasted ravioli spot that locals actually go to.
The Arch, the park, and a day the kids will reconstruct at dinner
The Gateway Arch tram ride to the top is a genuinely strange and memorable experience, worth doing early before lines build along the riverfront. Forest Park follows naturally, with the free Saint Louis Zoo delivering big cats, penguins, and enough ground to cover that a half-day disappears without anyone noticing. City Museum downtown operates in a category entirely its own, where repurposed industrial materials become tunnels, rooftop school buses, and climbing structures that exhaust children and quietly delight the adults accompanying them.
What to look for in a St. Louis vacation rental
Summer Cardinals home games and the Fair Saint Louis celebration over Fourth of July weekend represent the two most competitive booking windows, with rates that reflect the demand for anything near Forest Park or downtown. Central air conditioning is essential from June through August in the Mississippi River valley’s humid heat. Pet-friendly homes with fenced yards are available throughout the Tower Grove and Maplewood corridors, and free parking on premises simplifies game days and busy weekend mornings when street parking near the park disappears well before noon.
Quick tips before you book
- Parking: Cardinals game weekends and Forest Park events compress street parking citywide; free parking on premises is worth prioritizing
- Air conditioning: Mississippi valley summers are hot and humid; confirm central AC before booking
- Pets: Tower Grove and Maplewood rentals frequently offer fenced yards with walkable access to parks and trails
- Peak pricing: Fourth of July weekend and Cardinals playoff runs push rates sharply; book six to eight weeks ahead
- Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen lets you skip the wait at busy Central West End restaurants on weekend mornings
Browse all St. Louis vacation rentals on Lake.com, or explore more Missouri getaways including Kansas City and Branson on Lake.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what St. Louis has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, start by exploring the 91-acre Gateway Arch National Park, where you can stroll along five miles of pedestrian pathways, enjoy the serenity of reflecting ponds, and admire native Missouri trees. Take the Tram Ride to the Top for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River, ensuring to purchase tickets in advance as they often sell out. Before or after your tram ride, delve into the rich history at the free Museum at the Gateway Arch, featuring six interactive galleries, and consider a scenic river cruise or a visit to the nearby Old Courthouse and historic Laclede’s Landing.
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For a seamless and scenic boat launch experience on the Mississippi River in St. Louis, consider the Trail of Tears State Park boat launch. This location offers a long concrete boat ramp, making it ideal for various watercraft. While it does not have immediate restrooms or extensive parking, its proximity to the river and the park’s natural beauty make it a standout choice.
Alternatively, if you prefer a launch point with more amenities, the Truman Access, managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, provides boat and fishing access to the Mississippi River, along with walk-in access to the adjoining Harlow Island, though it may lack some of the comforts of other sites.
For those seeking a more urban launch experience, the Flamm City Public Boat Ramp, although narrow and short, is close to the city and the Mississippi River, making it a convenient option despite its limitations.
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For a serene and adventurous experience near St. Louis, head to Creve Coeur Lake, where you can rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards, complete with paddles and life jackets. Another option is Lake St. Louis, where members and their guests can rent kayaks at the Golf Shack, with a small rental fee for those without an Amenity Pass. Additionally, Big Muddy Adventures offers kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals at Forest Park and Simpson Lake, with rates starting at $15 for one hour. These spots are open seasonally, ensuring a delightful outing from spring to fall.
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For a serene and challenging hiking experience near St. Louis, consider the Whispering Pines Short Loop at Hawn State Park, a 6.3-mile trail with stunning clifftop views, babbling brooks, and whispering pines, just a 1 hour 15-minute drive away. Another standout is the Sandstone Canyon Trail at Don Robinson State Park, featuring breathtaking blue falls and rock climbing opportunities, accessible within a 2.5-hour drive. For a diverse landscape, the Wilderness Trail Long Loop at Meramec State Park offers cliffs, glades, and prairies over 8 miles, perfect for a spring hike to witness vibrant wildflowers, only an hour’s drive from St. Louis City.
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For a picnic spot with a stunning view in St. Louis, consider Bellerive Park, which offers sweeping views of the Mighty Mississippi River. Nearly every bench faces the river, and the pavilion features a beautiful scenic overlook. This spot is particularly appealing for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic vistas, making it an ideal choice for a picturesque picnic.
