Best Places to Walk in St. Louis

Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful stroll through a park, a scenic trail with nature all around, or even a fun walk through a lively neighborhood, St. Louis has something for everyone. From stroller-friendly paths to downtown routes filled with history, there are so many great spots to stretch your legs and explore.

In this guide, we’ll share some of the best walking spots around St. Louis, along with helpful info, and what you can expect to see along the way. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite route or a visitor wanting to see the city on foot, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the perfect walk for you.

Where to Walk Around in St. Louis?

St. Louis has a ton of beautiful parks, scenic walking trails, and historic sites that are perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in some nature. From riverside strolls to art-filled parks, here are 15 of the best places to walk in St. Louis and St. Louis County.

Forest Park

No list of parks in St. Louis is complete without Forest Park. It's one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. with over 1,300 acres, you’ll find paved walking trails, beautiful lakes, and paths that take you past the Saint Louis Art Museum and Stifel Theatre, a stunning historic venue that hosts concerts and performances.

Tower Grove Park

Photo Credit @explorestlouis

Located right next to the Missouri Botanical Garden, Tower Grove Park is a gorgeous historic site with Victorian pavilions, statues, and wide pathways. The park is ideal for a casual walk or a picnic with family — plus, it has plenty of space for dogs and kids to run around.

Cliff Cave Park

For those who love river views, Cliff Cave Park is a must-see. It features trails that wind along the Mississippi River, with gorgeous overlooks, forests, and a cave. The paved walking trails make it accessible, but there are also some natural paths if you want to explore deeper into the woods.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Photo Credit @kavigupta

If you love art and nature, Laumeier Sculpture Park is a must-visit. This 105-acre open-air museum combines walking trails with large-scale sculptures and art installations scattered throughout the park. It's a super unique place for a walk in St. Louis, and it's located in St. Louis County, just a short drive from downtown.

Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park

A favorite in St. Louis County, Creve Coeur Lake offers one of the best walking trails in the area — a flat, paved loop around the lake that's perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. The lake views are beautiful, and there are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy nature along the way.

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

If you are looking for a nature escape, Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, where the Mississippi River and Missouri River meet, might be a great option. This 4,300-acre site is a hidden gem with paved and unpaved walking trails, great for birdwatching and spotting wildlife.

Jefferson Barracks Park

If you're into history, Jefferson Barracks Park in south St. Louis County is another great historic site with lovely walking trails. The park is home to a military cemetery and museum, and its open green spaces make it perfect for a quiet walk.

Faust Park

Photo Credit @thegellmanteam

Located in Chesterfield, Faust Park offers beautiful walking paths, a historic village, and even a butterfly house! It’s one of the more underrated parks in St. Louis County, but definitely worth a visit for a peaceful day out.

Lone Elk Park

Lone Elk Park is famous for its herds of elk and bison roaming the grounds. You can drive through to spot animals, but there are also walking trails where you might catch a close-up view of these majestic creatures.

Grant’s Farm

A fun mix of history, animals, and beautiful scenery, Grant's Farm was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant himself! This historic site features lovely paths to wander, plus a chance to see the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. After your walk, you can catch a game at Busch Stadium, which isn’t far from here, to complete your St. Louis experience.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

Photo Credit @explorestlouis

If you’re looking for short, accessible walking trails, Powder Valley is a great pick. Located in St. Louis County, this park has paved and natural trails through forested hills. It’s peaceful, quiet, and great for spotting birds and deer.

Riverfront Trail

If you want to walk along the Mississippi River, check out the Riverfront Trail. This urban trail connects downtown St. Louis to the Chain of Rocks Bridge, offering cool views of the river, city skyline, and historic landmarks.

Bee Tree Park

Perched above the Meramec River, Bee Tree Park offers stunning river views and quiet walking trails. It’s one of those peaceful places where you can just unwind, listen to the birds, and take in the scenery.

Missouri Botanical Garden

For a peaceful and beautiful walk, you can’t beat the Missouri Botanical Garden. With themed gardens, water features, and exotic plants from around the world, this is one of the prettiest parks in St. Louis to stroll through. It's located near Tower Grove, so you can easily combine it with a visit with a stop at Aloe Plaza, where you’ll find the famous "Meeting of the Waters" fountain.

Is St. Louis a Walking City?

Yes, St. Louis has lots of cool places to walk, like parks, gardens, and riverfront trails, but it’s not always easy to walk from one neighborhood to another. Some parts of the city are really walkable, like Downtown, Central West End, Soulard, and Tower Grove, where you can walk to restaurants, shops, and parks. But other places, especially in St. Louis County, are spread out and made for driving.

That’s why a lot of people who want to walk in St. Louis go to places like Forest Park, Creve Coeur Lake, or Laumeier Sculpture Park, where there are safe walking trails and pretty views. If you want to explore the city on foot, then booking the best of St. Louis Walking Tour might be a great choice for you.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there’s no shortage of places to walk in St. Louis, whether you’re looking for nature, art, history, or river views. From Forest Park to Cliff Cave, Creve Coeur Lake, and Laumeier Sculpture Park, every spot offers something unique. So lace up your walking shoes and go explore some of the best parks and walking trails St. Louis has to offer