Discover the Best of St. Louis: A Local’s Guide from Lofts on Washington
“Living at Lofts on Washington means having St. Louis at your doorstep—where history, culture, and community come alive every day.” - Lofts on Washington
Welcome to Lofts on Washington, your downtown gateway to all things St. Louis! Whether you’re a new resident or a long-time local looking for fresh inspiration, our city is brimming with activities and attractions that embody its vibrant spirit. Explore our curated guide below and start planning your next adventure.
Events & Festivals
Festival of Nations (Aug 23–24, 2025) – St. Louis’ largest multicultural celebration draws over 80 nations and 100+ vendors to Tower Grove Park, showcasing global cuisine, music, and dance. Admission is free!
Great Forest Park Balloon Race – Experience one of the nation’s oldest and most popular hot-air balloon events; the Balloon Glow (night before the race) and the race itself are free and draw huge crowds.
Seasonal Highlights – Keep an eye out for St. Louis’s many seasonal festivals, from Mardi Gras in Soulard to summer concerts in Forest Park and holiday light displays throughout the city.
Cultural Attractions
Gateway Arch National Park – Visit the iconic Arch, explore museum exhibits on westward expansion, ride the tram to the top, and stop by the Old Courthouse, which reopened May 3, 2025.
Forest Park Wonders – At 1,326 acres and 13 million annual visitors, Forest Park houses the zoo, art museum, history museum, science center, and plenty of green space for picnics and hikes.
Powell Hall & St. Louis Symphony – Enjoy performances in a historic 2,683-seat venue originally built in 1925 and reopened as Powell Hall in 1968.
Family Fun & Free Experiences
St. Louis Zoo – One of the few free zoos in the U.S., home to over 16,000 animals and 500 species. Don’t miss the Zooline Railroad for a relaxing ride.
Science Center – Explore more than 750 exhibits in over 300,000 square feet, including the James S. McDonnell Planetarium and a renovated Omnimax theater—many exhibits are free.
Missouri History Museum & Art Museum – Both offer free admission; kids can play in the History Clubhouse and families can participate in hands-on Art Museum programs.
The Muny – Grab one of 1,500 free seats for Broadway-style shows at America’s oldest outdoor theater.
Food & Neighborhoods
The Hill – Savor authentic Italian food in this historic neighborhood; try toasted ravioli, a St. Louis invention born from a happy kitchen accident.
Soulard – Shop at the Soulard Farmers Market—one of the oldest west of the Mississippi—then catch live blues at local bars or take a tour of the Anheuser-Busch brewery.
Delmar Loop – Stroll this “Great Street” with music venues like The Pageant and Tivoli Theatre, plus the St. Louis Walk of Fame celebrating local legends.
Local Cuisine – Treat yourself to thin-crust St. Louis‑style pizza topped with Provel cheese and finish with a piece of gooey butter cake or a custard from Ted Drewes.
Parks & Outdoor Adventures
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center – Three paved trails and a nature center with an aquarium and bee hive await nature lovers.
Grant’s Farm – Ride the tram through pastures, feed baby goats, and enjoy complimentary beer in the Bauernhof Courtyard.
City & County Parks – Check out Faust Park’s fairy forest, the expanded Kinetic Park, and inclusive playgrounds like Vlasis Park.
Sports & Community
Teams to Cheer – Rally for the MLB Cardinals, NHL Blues, MLS CITY SC, and XFL Battlehawks. Pre-game at Ballpark Village or the new CITYPARK plaza.
Community Events – Join neighborhood festivals, local markets, and volunteer clean-up days to get to know your neighbors and give back.
Share Your Adventures!
Capture snapshots of your favorite spots—the Cathedral Basilica’s mosaics in the Central West End, the quirky City Museum slides, or the urban art in the Delmar Loop—and tag Lofts on Washington for a chance to be featured!
By living at Lofts on Washington, you’re in the heart of a city that blends historic charm with modern energy. Use this guide to uncover what makes St. Louis uniquely special—then share your discoveries with friends and visitors alike!
Ready to experience St. Louis like a true local?
Stay at Lofts on Washington and put yourself at the center of it all—historic charm, vibrant culture, and endless things to do just steps from your door.
