Forest Park Tours

Forest Park showing flowers, a garden and modern architecture
Forest Park featuring a park and interior views
Forest Park which includes heritage architecture and a house
Forest Park which includes a garden, a river or creek and a bridge
Pagoda Circle featuring a pond, a bridge and a garden


Nature, history and cultural institutions come together in one of the United States’ largest urban parks, which buzzes with St. Louis’ dynamic community spirit.

Get to the heart of St. Louis life by setting aside at least a day to explore Forest Park. Across about 1,300 acres (530 hectares), this vast green space incorporates a wide range of environments, including forests, creeks and lakes. Use the great sports facilities by coming ready to fish, golf, play tennis or play baseball. Reserve time to see the many famous St. Louis cultural attractions here too, some of which are housed in beautiful historic buildings.

Look for history everywhere you go as you wander the park. It opened its gates in 1876 and attracted over 20 million people in 1904 when it hosted the St. Louis World’s Fair. Since then, its significance has only increased, as several important buildings have sprung up within its boundaries.

Travel the world through art as you explore the many galleries of the sprawling St. Louis Art Museum. The collections within this grand turn-of-the-century building span the continents. Afterward, learn about Missouri’s fascinating past at the Missouri History Museum. See exhibits on topics such as the state’s civil rights struggle, St. Louis’ changing neighborhoods and the 1904 St Louis World’s Fair.

Bring your children face-to-face with nature at the St. Louis Zoo, which contains hundreds of different species and has a dedicated insectarium, a penguin and puffin area, and much more. Kids will also enjoy the Science Center, which is full of engaging, child-friendly exhibits, including a captivating planetarium.

In the evening, head to the Muny Opera, the largest outdoor musical theater in the U.S. Admire the beautiful setting, which offers the most magical way of seeing live music.

Reach Forest Park easily by car. The surrounding streets are also well served by public transportation. On a sunny day, the appeal of the park’s beautiful expanses of green is obvious. Come here in any weather and you will have a huge array of interesting indoor activities to choose from.

Plan a trip to see Forest Park

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Hilton Garden Inn Chesterfield
The Wildwood Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel St. Louis - Chesterfield

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Best Lodging Options Near Forest Park

 The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

4.5 out of 5
212 N Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

4 out of 5
4550 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park

Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park

2.5 out of 5
5650 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park
Forest Park Hotel by MDR

Forest Park Hotel by MDR

3 out of 5
5915 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO
Forest Park Hotel by MDR
Aloft St. Louis Cortex

Aloft St. Louis Cortex

3 out of 5
4245 Duncan Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Aloft St. Louis Cortex
Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG

Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG

3.5 out of 5
4630 Lindell, St. Louis, MO
Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG
AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

4 out of 5
215 YORK AVENUE, St. Louis, MO
AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End
Moonrise Hotel

Moonrise Hotel

4 out of 5
6177 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Moonrise Hotel
Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay

Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay

3.5 out of 5
7750 Carondelet Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Forest Park

Forest Park in St. Louis offers a variety of activities for visitors, including wildlife viewing and birdwatching, as well as art experiences. You can explore the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden, enjoy outdoor fun in the park's expansive green spaces, and discover local shopping options nearby. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or engage with the arts, Forest Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Forest Park, visit the Saint Louis Galleria Mall, just 4 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. The Soulard Farmer's Market, 5 miles away, features local goods and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Woodbine Center, 8 miles from the park.

Recreation

Catch a game at Busch Stadium for an exciting sports experience just 5 miles from Forest Park. Enjoy live performances at the Sheldon Concert Hall, located 2 miles away, for a cultural evening. For family fun, head to Turtle Playground, only 0.9 miles away, offering outdoor activities for all ages.

Adventure

Explore the Dwight Davis Tennis Center for an exciting game on its well-maintained courts, located 0.5 miles from Forest Park. Alternatively, head to the Highlands Golf & Tennis Center, 0.4 miles away, for a thrilling round of golf or tennis in a vibrant atmosphere. Shaw Park Tennis Center is 4 miles away and offers excellent facilities for tennis enthusiasts.

Nightlife

In Forest Park, the Fox Theater offers a romantic cultural experience with captivating performances, while the Tivoli Theatre features entertaining films in a charming setting. For adventure, take a ride on the St. Louis Wheel for stunning city views, just a short trip away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Forest Park

Forest Park in St. Louis is a vibrant destination for tourists, offering a mix of urban parks, entertainment arenas, and museums. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and enjoy family-friendly activities while experiencing the beauty of the park. From leisurely strolls to engaging attractions, Forest Park provides a perfect blend of city life and natural scenery, ensuring a memorable vacation for everyone.

  • Washington University in St. Louis: A vibrant hub of education, this modern university offers stunning architecture and beautiful campus grounds, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as students and faculty engage in academic pursuits.
  • Enterprise Center: Known for its electrifying ambiance, the Enterprise Center is a premier venue for sports and entertainment. Experience thrilling games or concerts that appeal to families and friends alike, making it a great spot for unforgettable memories.
  • City Museum: A creative wonderland, the City Museum blends art, history, and play. Explore unique exhibits and interactive installations in this eclectic space that’s fun for all ages, providing a cultural experience like no other.

Best time to go to Forest Park

The best time to visit Forest Park is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July78.6°F (25.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Forest Park

To save money during your visit to Forest Park, consider traveling between December and February when hotel prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by filtering for Eco-certified hotels and sorting prices from lowest to highest. Booking a package that includes flights and activities can lead to significant savings. Additionally, join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Don't overlook free activities in the park, and take advantage of the efficient public transport options available to explore the area affordably.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Forest Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Forest Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Forest Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking a package through Expedia, which combines your hotel stay in Forest Park with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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