When planning a trip to St. Louis there are many “must do’s”, like the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium, but visitors will miss out if they don’t go out exploring. St. Louis has more than meets the eye when it comes to cool neighborhoods, dining, micro-breweries, and great live music. To take advantage of all St. Louis has to offer, we sought out some insider advice from a few familiar faces, so you can be "in the know" during your trip.
Beyond the Arch, St. Louis serves up family fun and nightlife in eclectic, vibrant neighborhoods all throughout town. Emmy-winning actor and STL-native, Sterling K. Brown shares a little insider info to help you uncover the hidden gems that make St. Louis special, from unique local shops in the Delmar Loop to multi-story slides at City Museum.
See & Do
Going to see the Cardinals or Blues? What are you going to do after the game?
You're sure to find family fun at attractions and museums throughout St. Louis.
The reimagined Gateway Arch National Park has a brand new look for you to discover.
“People overlook the Midwest. But the Lou represents. I feel like there’s so much of this city that I have yet to explore.”
– Sterling K. Brown
You may know him as Randall on NBC’s This Is Us, but you may not know Sterling K. Brown grew up right here in St. Louis. Last fall, he dropped by to film four new TV commercials with Explore St. Louis. We’ll let him tell you why.
St. Louis is well-known for its music icons like Chuck Berry and lip-smacking comfort foods like frozen custard. Accomplished performer and native St. Louisan John Goodman knows a thing or two about music and food. From one of the country’s best new restaurants like Vicia, to legendary music venues like The Pageant, let John Goodman show you how a trip to St. Louis can hit all the right notes — and taste buds.
Dining & Nightlife
St. Louis is quickly garnering recognition as a food destination as innovative and decorated chefs are reshaping the local culinary scene.
From concert venues to intimate clubs it's easy to get your music fix in St. Louis.
“It’s not just flyover country, it’s a great destination on its own.”
– John Goodman
You may know him as a renowned television and film actor, but you may not know John Goodman grew up right here in St. Louis. See why he loves and still misses STL.
Emmy-nominated actress and St. Louis Native Jenna Fischer knows just where to get her creative juices flowing. Let her show you how to get your fill of arts & culture at museums and galleries of all sizes and subject matter throughout St. Louis. From the classic at the St. Louis Art museum to the contemporary at the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, St. Louis has it all.
Arts and Culture
If art is your thing St. Louis is on display all year long.
St. Louis has a ton of family fun to help make every parent a star.
“St. Louis is home, This is a great city to explore with your kids; it’s got everything from attractions to sports to entertainment, it really is the whole package.”
– Jenna Fischer
You may know her as Pam from NBC’s The Office, but you may not know Jenna Fischer grew up right here in St. Louis. Learn 5 things about Jenna you may not know along with some of her St. Louis favorites.
There’s a reason ESPN Magazine named us the “Ultimate Sports City.” From the 11 time World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals and the 2019 Stanley Cup Champion St. Louis Blues, to the new St. Louis CITY SC Major League Soccer franchise set to debut in 2023, fans always have something to cheer about in St. Louis.
St. Louis Sports
“Here in St. Louis, baseball has always been the common denominator that brings people together.”
– Ozzie Smith
MLB Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith wowed fans with his gold glove fielding and patented back flip as he took the field on opening day each year. He planted roots in St. Louis in 1981 and is an integral part of the St. Louis philanthropic community today.
There’s a reason why Nikki Glaser, stand-up comedian, actress, podcast, radio and television host calls St. Louis home. From epic concerts at The Dome at America’s Center to the most intimate comedy venues like the Funny Bone in Westport, St. Louis is live every night of the week! So go on-tour in St. Louis with Nikki and check-out the scene!
“The people here are really excited about living here and showing it off. St. Louis is cool – we’re really funny, and we’re fun!”
– Nikki Glaser
Nikki has been making people laugh for years through her hilarious stand-up act, podcasts, TV shows and more. Find out what she loved about growing up in St. Louis and why she decided to make it her permanent home again after living on both coasts.
TV Personality and Native St. Louisian Andy Cohen knows where to go for great shopping during the day or a great party after dark. With an abundant variety of eclectic shops, you’ll need all the daylight hours to peruse collectibles on Cherokee Antique Row or find something with local flair in Maplewood. When the sun goes down, you can experience St. Louis nightlife anywhere from rooftop bars to hidden speakeasies.
Shopping
If you're looking for something a little more colorful St. Louis has plenty of unique places to play.
If you like to shop...St. Louis has plenty in store for everybody.
“I can list 1,000 things about it that I wouldn’t trade for the world. It’s a brilliant place to be from and to visit.”
– Andy Cohen
You may know him as the host and executive producer of the Bravo’s late night talk show, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, but you may not know he grew up right here in St. Louis. Let Andy Cohen tell you why he loves to come home to St. Louis.
With hundreds of parks, miles and miles of trails and a more than 1.5 miles of thrilling zip lines, St. Louis is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Jackie Joyner-Kersee, St. Louis area native and Olympic gold medalist, knows just how to experience the great outdoors in St. Louis. Zip through the Go-Ape Adventure Park at Creve Coeur Park, Paddle along the mighty Mississippi with Big Muddy Adventures, or explore the 1,371 acres at Forest Park ranked as America’s greatest city park.
Outdoor Adventures
“St. Lou has the best Music, St. Lou has the best Food, St. Lou has the best People, St. Lou has the best of Everything.”
– Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Olympic Gold Medalists and Sports Illustrated ‘Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century’, Jackie Joyner-Kersee grew up right here in the St. Louis area. See what Jackie Joyner-Kersee has to say about St. Louis.
With more than 40 professional theater companies, in addition to world-class dance, comedy and improv troupes, St. Louis offers theater-lovers so much to explore! Jenifer Lewis, St. Louis native and star of stage and screen, knows just how to experience the best in theater and performing arts. Catch a touring Broadway show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, experience the world-renowned Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra in Grand Center, or take in some of the exciting and unique performances throughout St. Louis.
Theater & Performing Arts“Come to St. Louis for the history, for the music, for the people and for the fun”
– Jenifer Lewis
You may know her as Ruby Johnson in the ABC comedy series Black-ish or from her Broadway and film career, but you may not know Jenifer Lewis grew up right here in St. Louis. See what she has to say about her hometown.
Being from St. Louis, two-time World Cup Champion Becky Sauerbrunn knows something about winning. We love our 11-time World Series Champion Cardinals and Stanley Cup Champion Blues, and we’re excited to cheer for a new MLS team. But if you want to score your own victories, check out Top Golf, Westport Social, or the World Chess Hall of Fame. Whether rooting or playing, bring out your A-game in St. Louis.
“St. Louis is really such a sports city that you have to just experience it and the environment, because St. Louis really shows up for its athletes.”
– Becky Sauerbrunn
St. Louis Native and 2-Time World Cup Champion, Becky Sauerbrunn loves her hometown! Learn how St. Louis inspired her career what she has to say about St. Louis.
