St. Louis in 2 Days for Seniors - Gateway Arch National Park & Museum (easy museum visit, scenic riverfront)
A considerate, low‑impact 2-day itinerary in St. Louis timed for May (Spring). Prioritizes step-free access, frequent rests, short transfers, and calm dining. Routes keep continuous walking short and include elevators/benches and taxi suggestions.
Highlights
- Gateway Arch National Park & Museum (easy museum visit, scenic riverfront)
- Quiet sculpture and seating at Citygarden
- Missouri Botanical Garden and the Climatron conservatory
- Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park
- Gentle riverfront stroll at Laclede's Landing and a calm Union Station wheel ride
Itinerary
Day 1
Downtown highlights with short, accessible visits and a calm dinner in The Hill neighborhood.
Hotel arrival & luggage drop — Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
Quick stop to drop luggage, confirm room accessibility and request a ground‑floor or elevator‑close room if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the front desk to hold luggage if the room isn't ready and request a low-floor room near elevators for minimal walking.
- Confirm accessible/step-free entrance and nearest elevator on arrival; request an early check‑in if needed for mobility comfort.
- If traveling with a cane or walker, request a room with grab bars; staff can often provide extra seating cushions or a shower chair on request.
Gateway Arch National Park & Museum — easy museum visit and riverfront views
Visit the museum galleries and the Arch grounds; focus on the accessible museum floors, seating areas and shaded outdoor benches along the riverfront.
Tips from local experts:
- The Museum and Visitor Center are step-free with elevators and accessible restrooms; ask staff about loaner wheelchairs if needed.
- If you prefer to skip the narrow Arch tram to the top, the museum galleries and riverfront provide sweeping views and seating without the tram's tight quarters.
- Go in the morning (before mid-day) for quieter galleries and more shaded seating along the Mississippi promenade.
Citygarden — short sculpture stroll and shaded rest
A compact, flat sculpture garden with many benches and accessible paths; ideal for a brief, calm visit between attractions.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths are flat and paved; stick to the main paths to avoid any uneven surfaces and sit frequently on the benches dotted through the garden.
- In May, bring a light layer for morning breeze; shaded seating is available near the central fountain.
- There are public restrooms nearby and bus/taxi stops at either end if you need a short transfer back to the hotel.
Lunch — The Old Spaghetti Factory (Laclede's Landing)
Comforting, seated Italian-American lunch in a longtime local spot with accessible seating options.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a table away from the front door and kitchen to minimize noise; the restaurant has step-free access at this location.
- Ask for a seat with back support and an aisle-side table for easier exit; servers are used to accommodating senior diners.
- Order earlier (around noon) to avoid peak lunch crowds and ensure a calmer dining experience and quicker seating.
Laclede's Landing — easy riverfront stroll with benches
Gentle outdoor walk along the historic riverfront district with frequent benches and short distances between sights.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the main riverfront promenade which is flat and has frequent benches and shade—avoid cobblestone side streets if balance is a concern.
- Taxi/rideshare stands are close by if you prefer to shorten walking; parking and drop-off are convenient near the main square.
- If it's sunny, bring a hat and water; in May afternoons are usually mild but can be bright on the riverfront.
Return to hotel & rest (quiet downtime)
Return to the hotel for rest, a short nap, or to freshen up before the evening. Prioritize relaxation and low activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the hotel's elevator and request assistance with luggage if you need help carrying small bags to the room.
- Ask housekeeping for extra pillows or a lumbar support cushion to make a short rest more comfortable.
- If you need a short walk, do a single round-trip in the lobby or hotel garden rather than navigating city streets.
Dinner — Charlie Gitto's On The Hill (Italian comfort dinner)
A calm evening meal in The Hill neighborhood, known for quality Italian dining with roomy tables and attentive service.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve an early table (around 18:00) and request a downstairs/ground-level seat near the door to avoid stairs and long corridors.
- Ask the server for smaller portions or family-style sharing so you can sample without overeating; they accommodate dietary requests.
- There is nearby taxi access for a short, flat ride back to the hotel if walking feels tiring after dinner.
Day 2
Forest Park and garden day—wide paths, seated galleries, and a gentle late-afternoon wheel ride at Union Station. Plenty of seats and short transfers.
Hotel breakfast and morning readiness
A relaxed hotel breakfast; time to check mobility aids and confirm afternoon transfer plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit near the windows or in a quieter corner; hotel restaurants typically offer low-sodium and soft-food options if requested.
- Confirm with the concierge a comfortable taxi/rideshare for the day and ask staff to help load any small mobility aids.
- Take a short walk inside the hotel lobby area to loosen up before heading out; avoid long outdoor walks if cooler morning air is brisk.
Transfer (short taxi) to Missouri Botanical Garden
Easy 10–20 minute taxi or rideshare to the gardens to minimize walking and transfers.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to drop you at the main (Ridgway) entrance for the most level access and closest restrooms.
- Bring a small bottle of water and a light layer as the garden paths may be breezy in May mornings.
- If mobility is limited, request a driver who will help with stepping up/into the vehicle and placing small bags in the trunk.
Missouri Botanical Garden — Climatron and accessible garden paths
Explore the conservatory (Climatron), seasonal spring plantings and easy, paved routes with many benches.
Tips from local experts:
- Paths are paved and mostly level—plan short loops with frequent bench stops; the Climatron is fully climate-controlled and wheelchair friendly.
- Rent or borrow a tram/garden shuttle if long walking is a concern; check the visitor desk for shuttle schedules and shaded seating areas.
- Visit the conservatory mid-morning when humidity and visitor numbers are moderate; restrooms are well-signed and accessible.
Lunch — The Boathouse at Forest Park (easy access, scenic)
A calm lunch in Forest Park with indoor seating and views of the park's water features.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a table near the entrance or a booth for easier sitting and standing; staff can accommodate mobility needs.
- If weather is pleasant, choose covered outdoor seating for fresh air without long walks to distant viewpoints.
- Keep the lunch relaxed—order early and ask staff to pace courses so there is no rush to stand or leave quickly.
Saint Louis Art Museum — calm galleries and seating
Visit select galleries at a comfortable pace; the museum is free with elevators and many seating areas.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the elevators near the main entrance and pick one or two gallery wings to keep walking short—there are many benches in each gallery.
- Wheelchairs are available by request at visitor services; there are accessible restrooms on each floor.
- Mid-afternoon tends to be quieter; ask docents for a short guided orientation if you prefer to see highlights without wandering.
Short rest / tea in the museum café
A calm tea or coffee break in the museum café to rest before the late-afternoon activity.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table near the café entrance to avoid long walks; the café offers seating with backs and armrests.
- Ask staff for a low-sugar or smaller-portion option if you prefer lighter fare in the afternoon.
- Use the museum restrooms and elevator before leaving for a comfortable transfer to the next stop.
Transfer to Union Station (short taxi) and St. Louis Wheel ride
Short taxi to Union Station followed by a calm, climate‑controlled wheel gondola ride for panoramic views.
Tips from local experts:
- The St. Louis Wheel at Union Station has enclosed gondolas with level boarding; staff can assist with boarding for mobility needs.
- Reserve an earlier ride slot to avoid peak crowds and secure one of the lower gondolas for easier entry/exit.
- Bring a camera but avoid long queues—ask staff for assistance if you need a priority boarding due to mobility constraints.
Early dinner at hotel restaurant (Hyatt) — easy evening
Return to the hotel for an accessible, calm dinner to finish the day comfortably and avoid late-night travel.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a table in a quieter area of the hotel restaurant and ask servers to pace courses to your comfort.
- If you are tired, request room service instead—hotels can often deliver a similarly calm dinner in the room.
- Confirm elevator routes back to the room and ask concierge about any short assistance needed to reach your room after dinner.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 14 |
| Total Places | 14 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Attraction, Outdoor, Restaurant, Neighborhood, Break, Meal, Transfer, Culture, Experience |
