Rediscovering My Hometown as a Tourist: Explore St. Louis
- Dan Sattel
- 14 hours ago
- 6 min read
I grew up in St. Louis and lived there for nearly 30 years. For those of you from there, I’ll answer the question I know you’re about to ask: I went to Saint Louis University High School.
Over the years, I’ve visited often, but this trip was going to be different. Instead of slipping back into familiar routines and childhood landmarks, we wanted to experience the city the way a traveler would - with curiosity, discovery, and a willingness to be surprised.
When planning a trip, we always recommend checking with the local tourism board before visiting a city. There’s usually a wealth of invaluable tips and information. This holds especially true in St. Louis. Explore St. Louis is a tremendous resource, so we started there. You’ll see familiar signs for Explore St. Louis all over the city. From planning a family trip to discovering new neighborhoods, restaurants, day trips, events, and even fascinating facts about the city, it’s one of the most comprehensive guides available.
Even as someone who lived in St. Louis for most of my adult life, I found myself learning something new just by browsing. It’s now the first place we’ll turn every time we plan a visit.
If you’re planning your own visit, here’s our curated list of St. Louis recommendations- a mix of elevated experiences, family favorites, and local gems that reflect our balanced luxury travel style.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons St. Louis – This was one of our luxury anchors for the trip, and it
delivered! Sweeping Arch views, rooftop fire pits, and a heated pool made it feel like a true getaway—even for just one night. The staff nailed every detail, from movie night to the surprise coloring book for Livia at check-in. It’s polished, family-friendly, and effortlessly elevated. See our review here.
Angad Arts Hotel – Bold, colorful, and creative. Located in the Grand Center Arts District, this boutique hotel lets you choose your room by emotion (Joy, Passion, Tranquility, etc.) and is steps from the Fox Theatre.
The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta – Historic elegance meets modern comfort in the Central West End. Great for families who want walkable access to Forest Park, the zoo, and museums.
Live! by Loews – Sleek and energetic, right next to Ballpark Village. Ideal for Cardinals fans or anyone wanting to stay in the heart of downtown action.
Stay with family or friends – For warmth, connection, and slow mornings.
What to Do
Miss Augusta Yacht Cruise – Chef‑driven lunch and river views in Missouri wine country. They have events year round and can even be rented out for private events. See our review here.
Forest Park – A must-see! One of the largest urban parks in the U.S. spanning 1300+ acres (almost twice the size of Central Park) - perfect for walking, picnics, and exploring. Much like Balboa Park in San Diego, Forest Park hosts several museums and cultural landmarks including:
Saint Louis Zoo – Consistently ranked among the best in the country, the Saint Louis Zoo is free to enter and packed with unforgettable experiences- from baby cheetahs and Amur leopards to immersive exhibits that delight kids and adults alike. It’s a must-visit every time we’re in town.
The MUNY - there’s nothing quite like seeing a Broadway show under the stars in this 12,000-seat St. Louis summer venue. I had the privilege to perform here in Jesus Christ Superstar, which was one of my all-time favorite theatre experiences. It’s a magical place!
St. Louis Art Museum – World-class collection that spans centuries and continents—from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. It’s free to enter, beautifully curated, and the kind of place where you can wander for hours or just pop in for a single masterpiece. Whether you’re escaping the heat or sparking curiosity, it’s a quiet, inspiring stop that always feels worth it.
St. Louis Science Center – From building bridges and launching rockets to walking through a life-size animatronic T. rex tunnel, the exhibits are designed to spark wonder for all ages. The planetarium adds a cosmic layer, with immersive shows that make space feel close enough to touch. It’s free to enter, endlessly interactive, and perfect for a few hours of discovery—especially if you’re traveling with kids who love to tinker, build, or ask “why?”
St. Louis Union Station – Opened in 1894 and served 22 railroads, thus truly making St. Louis the “Gateway to the West”. It’s been reinvented over the years, and now houses several notable attractions. On our visit, we checked out the:
St. Louis Aquarium - From fresh-water river life to the deep, deep sea, visitors are treated to one of the most immersive and interactive aquariums in the country. We spent the majority of our time at Union Station here - to be even more specific - at the Doctor Fish exhibit. These little guys give you the BEST manicure!
St. Louis Wheel - Get a bird’s eye view of the city from 200 feet up. Temperature-controlled and enclosed, allowing you to enjoy the view no matter the weather outside.
The Carousel - A timeless, family-friendly classic that always brings amusement.
Missouri Botanical Garden - Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the nation's oldest botanical gardens in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark.
City Museum – Whimsical, wild, and unforgettable for kids and adults alike
The Fabulous Fox Theatre – A stunning historic venue for Broadway shows, concerts, and unforgettable performances. We’ve seen several performances and the stunning architecture alone is worth a trip.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House at Faust Park – An extension of the Missouri Botanical Garden, this tropical conservatory is filled with thousands of butterflies, perfect for quiet wonder and kid-friendly exploration. Every visit has a new variety of butterflies to check out and even a small science center for kids to learn and explore.
360 Rooftop Bar Downtown – Set atop the Ballpark Hilton, enjoy panoramic views of the Gateway Arch and downtown skyline, ideal for sunset cocktails and elevated bites
Where to Eat
Vicia – Vegetable‑forward, wood‑fired, and beautifully plated. It’s easy to see why they’ve been nominated as a 2026 James Beard finalist for Outstanding Restaurant. Be sure to get a reservation well in advance. It's an intimate dining room and they fill up quickly! See our review here.
Zia’s on the Hill – Classic Italian, warm service, and toasted ravioli done right
Kreis’ Steakhouse – A St. Louis institution since 1948, famous for its world-class prime rib and classic steakhouse atmosphere. Located in Frontenac, it’s ideal for a celebratory dinner or upscale night out.
Salt + Smoke – 7 locations throughout the city. Elevated BBQ with ribs, brisket, wings, and bourbon cocktails. Casual enough for families and stylish enough for date night.
Sydney Street Cafe - unique restaurant in the Benton Park area that has a garden on-site with over 100 yards of fresh fruits and vegetables that make it to your table.
For dessert on a hot summer night, go to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard or my personal favorite, Fritz’s Frozen Custard in Florissant, especially if you’ve just dined at…
Hendel’s in Old Town Florissant - this has been a staple to the area since before I was a kid. I remember walking here after school to get swedish fish (for a penny a piece!). They’ve kept a lot of the nostalgia and it’s worth a visit for that alone. But, the food and drinks are also out of this world!
If you’re visiting St. Louis and you want pizza, go to Imo’s. St. Louis has its own style of pizza and no one does it better. You’ll leave town wondering where you can buy their signature provel cheese once you get home. Do what we do and buy it at the grocery store in St. Louis, freeze it and take some home with you!
This trip reminded me that rediscovery can be just as powerful as exploration. St. Louis surprised me at every turn. From cruising the Missouri River aboard Miss Augusta to movie night at the Four Seasons, from baby cheetahs at the zoo to dinner at Vicia, we found a rhythm that blended luxury, learning, and connection.
Whether you’re returning home or visiting for the first time, St. Louis offers something rare: a city that welcomes you with warmth, surprises you with depth, and makes space for both comfort and curiosity. For us, it was the perfect blend of elevated travel and everyday joy - and we can’t wait to go back.
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