6 Reasons to Visit St. Louis This Summer

Now that summer is finally here, start planning your next big vacation. If you're tired of yet another trip to the beach, why not try something a little different? St. Louis, Missouri, is a great tourist destination that won't be as crowded or as sandy as a tropical destination. In fact, the city comes alive in the warm weather, with plenty of summer activities to keep you and your family entertained. Explore the following six reasons to visit St. Louis this summer.

Enjoy Delicious St. Louis Cuisine

Image via Flickr by Daniel Zemans

If you've never tried St. Louis–style pizza, a pizzeria will have to be your first stop. Journey to The Hill neighborhood and satisfy your hunger on this thin-crusted specialty made with Provel cheese. Afterward, have a home-cooked pork steak slathered in Maull's Barbecue Sauce, one of the city's specialties. Finish off your meal at Ted Drewes, a frozen custard stand that's been around since 1929.

Go Back to Your Childhood Days at the Circus

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Who said the circus was only for kids? Circus Flora is a big top tent that sets up in the St. Louis midtown every summer. This attraction features a number of fun circus acts, such as an acrobat group known as the St. Louis Arches and a high-wire act called The Flying Wallendas. Stick around after the show to have a meet and greet with the performers.

Listen to Free Outdoor Concerts

Music is a big deal in St. Louis, so it makes perfect sense that the city has a number of free music opportunities during the summer. Weekly shows take place at the Missouri Botanical Garden and in downtown Kirkwood, as well as monthly concerts at Ryan Hummert Memorial Park in Maplewood. One other option is The Muny, an outdoor musical amphitheater that offers about 1,500 free seats for every concert.

Explore the Massive Forest Park

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You'll find much to do in Forest Park that you could spend your entire vacation there and not see all of it. With more than 1,293 acres of land, the park is home to the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, the Saint Louis Science Center, and The Muny.

Catch a Cardinals Game

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Baseball is big in St. Louis, and fans love cheering on the Cardinals. Join in the fervor by attending a game at Busch Stadium, ranked as one of the top 10 ballparks in the country.

Cruise Down the Mississippi

You can't skip a tour on this magnificent body of water. Take a cruise with the Gateway Arch Riverboats, a fleet of replica, old-style boats. Choose from a dinner cruise or a blues cruise with local live entertainment.

If you're convinced this is the city where you need to spend your summer, don't delay when it comes to searching for St. Louis accommodations. Booking early is the best way to find deals and save yourself money. With a good bed to sleep in, amenities such as pools at your hotel, extra cash in your pocket, and a full itinerary of attractions, you'll truly enjoy your summer St. Louis vacation.