St Louis Arch and nearby attractions
I am visiting St Louis with my wife and her brother & wife. We are all 60 years approx. Brother's wife has some walking difficulty, but not bad. The goal is to show the Arch and maybe try the boat cruise. We would drive from Kansas City to St louis on Saturday morning to reach around 11 am on Saturday July 13, 24. We are looking for some guidance on tickets, parking near the Arch, and what other attractions nearby to visit. We do have a place to stay and not worried about distance to our stay. Can someone please guide us, especially on economical parking near to Arch?
The next day I would like to visit the Clydsdales garden (not sure of name) and maybe another nearby attraction. Can someone please guide me on how to go about on second day for maybe half day visit? We drive back on Sunday.
Thank you all in advance.
Visiting the Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a wonderful experience, and with some planning, it can be very manageable even with a guest who has mild walking difficulties. Here’s a guide for your visit on Saturday, July 13, 2024, and for the next day.
Day 1 – Gateway Arch & Downtown Attractions:
Since you plan to arrive around 11 am, you’ll want to start with parking and tickets. Parking near the Arch can be a bit pricey, but there are several economical options if you don’t mind a short walk:
- Arch Parking Garage: Located at 11 N 4th St, just a few minutes’ walk to the Arch. Rates are generally reasonable for downtown St. Louis.
- Old Courthouse Parking: Adjacent to the Arch grounds; convenient and often slightly cheaper than surface lots.
- Metered Street Parking: Limited and time-restricted, but can be a good option if you plan a shorter visit. Check local signage for hours and rates.
For tickets:
- Arch Tram Tickets: Book online in advance to ensure you get your preferred time slot. Trams run every 10–15 minutes and the top viewing area is small, so reserving ahead helps avoid long waits.
- Riverboat Cruise Tickets: If you want to do a Mississippi River cruise, consider reserving online or at the ticket office. Cruises usually last 45–60 minutes, offering great views of the city and the Arch.
Nearby attractions worth a short visit include:
- Old Courthouse: Free admission, historical exhibits, and short walking distances.
- Citygarden: A sculpture park and garden that’s mostly paved, making it easier for someone with walking limitations.
- Mississippi Riverfront Walk: Scenic strolls along the river with benches for resting.
Lunch options nearby are plentiful, including casual cafés and restaurants in the downtown area or near Laclede’s Landing.
Day 2 – Clydesdales & Half-Day St. Louis:
The Budweiser Clydesdales are housed at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. If you plan a morning visit, keep in mind:
- Brewery Tours: Free and include the Clydesdales stables, historic brewing areas, and sample tasting for those over 21. Tours start in the morning and run frequently; booking online is recommended.
- Parking at Brewery: Ample parking available onsite; free of charge for guests.
Other nearby half-day options to consider:
- Forest Park: Home to the St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Zoo (free), and beautiful walking paths. The Art Museum has wheelchairs available and accessible routes.
- Missouri Botanical Garden: A beautiful, mostly level garden perfect for a relaxing visit. Shuttle or Lyft from downtown is convenient if not driving yourself.
- Delmar Loop: If you’d like a short, casual stroll with restaurants and shops, it’s a charming area to grab lunch before heading back.
Overall, your itinerary with the Arch on Saturday and the Clydesdales/Botanical Garden or Forest Park on Sunday half-day is very reasonable. Booking tickets online in advance, choosing accessible routes, and planning for some rests will make the visit enjoyable for everyone.
