48 Hours in St. Louis
Find out how to get the most out of your 2 days with visits to Forest Park, Busch Stadium, The Loop, and more
St. Louis is a quintessentially American city with a plethora of nicknames: Gateway to the West, Home of the Blues, and The Lou, just to name a few. Perhaps its most interesting moniker is Mound City, inspired by the many large earthwork mounds that line both sides of the city’s Mississippi River boundary, placed centuries ago by Indigenous Peoples.
That’s just one fascinating story in a city that’s known as a crossroads for history and innovation. St. Louis is also home to some of the nation’s liveliest music venues, scenic urban parks, and family-friendly entertainment.
And if you’re long on curiosity but short on time, never fear! AAA is here to help you make the most of Mound City in just 48 hours.
ST. LOUIS DAY 1: CHANNEL YOUR URBAN EXPLORER
9:00 a.m.
St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch is hard to miss, and it’s also the perfect perch to kick off your two-day adventure. The nation’s tallest monument, this 630-foot structure boasts a spectacular view of the city, complete with a ground-level walking trail and themed exhibits for an educational look at the earliest residents and settlers who pushed America west.
11:00 a.m.
Craving another distinctly St. Louis experience? You’re in luck! Gateway Arch is located mere blocks from Busch Stadium, where baseball fans can get their fill of the legendary St. Louis Cardinals. From there it’s another short trek to City Museum, an eclectic and interactive attraction that celebrates creativity and exploration.
1:00 p.m.
Sightseeing has a way of working up an appetite. Fortunately for your troop’s rumbling tummies, the downtown scene is a fast-growing foodie paradise. Venture just beyond the riverfront for authentic St. Louis cuisine from Blues City Deli, signature BBQ ribs from Pappy’s Smokehouse, or just about anything else that strikes your mid-day fancy.
3:00 p.m.
A brief respite might be in order as you digest lunch—and downtown St. Louis is happy to oblige. Head over to Soldier’s Memorial Military Museum for a deeper dive into the city’s cultural evolution, or cop a leisurely squat at Forest Park, where 500 acres of carefully maintained greenspace span the urban core for prime people-watching.
6:00 p.m.
As day one winds down, your options for fun and adventure are just heating up. Eclectic South Grand Boulevard is the spot for internationally inspired bites and drinks before hitting up any of the Lou’s nearly 65 craft breweries where you can wind down the evening with classic suds, live music, and friendships in the making.
ST. LOUIS DAY 2: WILDLIFE TO NIGHTLIFE
10:00 a.m.
After a restful night’s sleep, day two starts with a visit to the award-winning Saint Louis Zoo, where animal lovers of all ages can interact with species from around the world while learning about wildlife habitat conservation.
Noon
Next up is Delmar Loop via the 2.2-mile, 10-stop heritage trolley of the same name. Here you’ll find a buzzing entertainment district known for its funky diners, karaoke lounges, mini golf, boutique shops, and much more. There’s so much to do in “The Loop” that you may decide to hunker down here for the rest of the afternoon.
2:00 p.m.
Ready for another sampling of St. Louis’ most famous export? Tour the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery for a fascinating look at the people and processes that put America on the global beer map, complete with complimentary tastings.
5:00 p.m.
Your whirlwind trip is drawing to a close, but there’s still time to immerse yourself in the thriving Grand Center Arts District. Feast your eyes on everything from big-name comedy acts to experimental gallery exhibits, and feast between sets on innovative bites and sips from the wide range of neighborhood lounges and cafés.
8:00 p.m.
No St. Louis visit would be complete without live Blues music, and no two Blues clubs are exactly the same. Use this handy guide as your jumping-off point to explore the city’s most iconic artform, with storied venues that played host to greats like Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, Eartha Kitt, Benny Goodman, and more.