St. Louis in 3 Days for Seniors - Gateway Arch National Park (museum & riverfront views)
A relaxed, accessible 3-day itinerary in St. Louis designed for seniors: short walks, frequent rests, elevator access where possible, calm dining, and comfortable transfers. Best visited in May for mild weather and abundant green spaces.
Highlights
- Gateway Arch National Park (museum & riverfront views)
- Missouri Botanical Garden — paved, shady paths
- Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park
- Relaxed river cruise on the Mississippi with Gateway Riverboats
- Historic Old Courthouse & Cathedral Basilica
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, gentle introduction to downtown and the Arch, early dinner in The Hill neighborhood.
Hotel check-in and settle — Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Check into a centrally located, comfortable hotel with elevator access and complimentary evening snacks. Take time to rest after travel and confirm any mobility or room requests.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a room on a low floor near the elevator when booking; Drury has step-free access and wide corridors.
- Confirm accessibility features in advance (grab bars, roll-in shower) if needed; front desk can assist with medical ice packs or extra pillows.
- Ask about the hotel's complimentary evening 'Kickback' for a quiet, short dinner option if you'd rather not go out.
Short rest and refreshments in your room or lobby seating
A brief, quiet break to unpack, use the accessible restroom, hydrate and prepare for a short outing.
Tips from local experts:
- Sit near lobby seating with good lighting to avoid stairs; staff can bring ice water to your room if preferred.
- Check maps or ask concierge for the elevator location and the easiest route to the Arch to minimize steps.
- Use this time to apply sunscreen and a light jacket — May afternoons can be breezy near the river.
Gateway Arch National Park — museum, riverfront views, optional tram
Visit the Arch grounds and the museum level with accessible displays. If comfortable, an optional (short) tram ride to the top is available — book tickets ahead or use museum exhibits instead for similar views.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the accessible south entrance ramp to the museum; the museum level (Gateway Arch National Park) is step-free with benches and elevators.
- If considering the tram to the top, tell staff about mobility concerns — the tram pods are tight and staff can advise; an excellent, accessible alternative is the museum observation area and riverfront benches.
- Plan for public restrooms: lowest-walk routes and elevators are indicated in signage; sit on museum benches to rest between exhibits.
Short taxi transfer to The Hill neighborhood (to dinner)
A 10–20 minute ride to the calm, historic Italian neighborhood — taxis or rideshares preferred to avoid extra walking.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask hotel concierge to call an accessible taxi or request a rideshare with extra legroom to reduce transfers between trunk and seat.
- Confirm a drop-off point close to sidewalk level—many Hill restaurants have curbside access.
- Keep a lightweight folding umbrella in the car in case of a spring shower.
Dinner at Charlie Gitto's on the Hill — early, relaxed seating
Classic Italian-American dinner in a neighborhood favorite. Request a window or quiet table and ask for minimal wait-time seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Call ahead to request a table near the entrance or on the main level to avoid stairs and long walking inside.
- Ask the server about quieter seating away from the bar and for split portions if you prefer smaller plates.
- Parking and drop-off are close-by; staff will help with mobility needs if you notify them when arriving.
Taxi back to hotel — unwind and rest
Short return transfer. Use hotel elevator and consider light stretching before bed.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the restaurant host to call a taxi to avoid standing outside on cobblestones; door staff often help guests with bags.
- Request curb-to-door assistance from the driver if you use a cane or walker.
- Take 10–15 minutes to sit quietly in the hotel lobby before heading to your room if you used a mobility aid; there is room to store it safely.
Day 2
Forest Park and cultural institutions with accessible routes, gentle pacing and indoor relief as needed.
Breakfast at the hotel (take time, relaxed pace)
Unhurried breakfast with seating and climate control; chance to confirm today's transport options with concierge.
Tips from local experts:
- Take advantage of hotel's breakfast seating near elevators so you avoid carrying items up/down stairs.
- Ask for hot items to be brought to your table if long lines form at the buffet.
- Bring a small day bag with water, medications, and a lightweight layer for Forest Park's variable spring weather.
Missouri Botanical Garden — paved paths, shade and benches
Explore well-maintained, mostly flat paths; enjoy indoor conservatory (Climatron) and seated garden areas. Wheelchairs and scooters are often available to rent on-site (reserve ahead).
Tips from local experts:
- Enter via the main visitor center for a step-free route; the Climatron is climate-controlled and has plenty of benches.
- Reserve or request a wheelchair or mobility scooter in advance from the Garden's visitor services to limit walking.
- Use the garden maps to choose a shorter route focused on highlights (Japanese Garden, Climatron) with plenty of shaded benches.
Short taxi transfer to The Boathouse at Forest Park for lunch
A calm lunch spot next to scenic water — easy access and restrooms nearby.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a curbside drop-off close to the entrance to avoid long walks across grass or uneven surfaces.
- If using a mobility aid, request a table near the accessible restroom when you arrive.
- Plan for an early lunch (12:00) to avoid the noon crowds and guarantee a quieter table.
Lunch at The Boathouse — leisurely meal with park views
Seated lunch with accessible entrance; enjoy views of Forest Park's water and watch paddleboats if operating.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve seating in advance and ask for a quiet corner table with good back support chairs.
- Bathrooms are on a single level near the dining area; ask staff for directions to the most accessible restroom.
- Bring a hat for sun protection if you choose a shaded outdoor table on a pleasant May afternoon.
Short rest/transfer to Saint Louis Art Museum
15-minute transfer allowing time to use restrooms and move slowly to the museum entrance.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the museum's accessible entrances on the east side; staff will assist with elevator access if needed.
- Sit in the museum café area for a brief rest before starting your visit if you need to regroup.
- If mobility is limited, ask the museum to reserve a wheelchair in advance to avoid waiting.
Saint Louis Art Museum — accessible galleries and benches
Visit selected galleries at a slow pace; the museum is free with elevators and plenty of seating inside.
Tips from local experts:
- Focus on one or two galleries to avoid fatigue; the museum has benches and accessible restroom facilities on each floor.
- Ask visitor services for a simplified map showing the shortest accessible route between galleries of interest.
- If the weather turns warm, retreat to the museum's climate-controlled galleries — they're a good mid-afternoon refuge.
Afternoon tea or light refreshment at Chase Park Plaza
A calm, indoor setting with comfortable seating — perfect for a gentle rest before returning to the hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table in the quieter lounge area rather than the busy lobby café for an easier conversation environment.
- The Chase Park Plaza has step-free access; request assistance to the elevator if you carry bags or mobility aids.
- Consider a light snack here instead of a heavy late-afternoon meal to keep energy steady for the evening.
Return to hotel to rest and freshen up
Short transfer to the hotel and time to relax before dinner; check with concierge about any departure needs tomorrow.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a taxi or hotel shuttle with a short walk to avoid long exposure to streets or uneven sidewalks.
- Use this time to sit and elevate feet briefly if helpful — many seniors benefit from a 10–15 minute seated rest.
- Confirm tomorrow's departure time and any transport arrangements with the hotel desk to minimize morning stress.
Light early dinner at the hotel (quiet and convenient)
Choose the hotel's dining option for a calm, step-free evening meal and minimal walking.
Tips from local experts:
- Eat earlier to avoid crowds; check whether the hotel offers a plated option instead of buffet to reduce standing time.
- If you have dietary restrictions, speak with the kitchen staff — hotels are used to accommodating seniors.
- Ask for a table with comfortable chairs and easy access to restrooms to minimize additional steps.
Day 3
Historic churches and courthouses in the morning, a gentle river cruise in the afternoon, then a calm return.
Breakfast at hotel and pack for departure
Enjoy a last relaxed breakfast; arrange for porter or concierge assistance with luggage if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the front desk for a late checkout if flight times permit — reduces rushing on departure day.
- Verify taxi or shuttle reservations now to avoid last-minute stress; request an accessible vehicle if needed.
- Keep medicines and important documents in a small carry bag that stays with you during activities.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis — calm interior visit
A beautiful, tranquil basilica with ornate mosaics. Interior is mostly step-free with seating for reflection.
Tips from local experts:
- Enter through the main entrance for step-free access; ushers can point you to the most level routes and seating.
- Visit earlier in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy quieter moments near the mosaics.
- If stairs are a concern, ask staff about the most accessible path to the nave and restroom locations.
Short transfer to Old Courthouse (Gateway Arch area)
A brief, level transfer to the historic Old Courthouse — a compact stop with exhibits and seating.
Tips from local experts:
- The Old Courthouse has step-free entry on selected sides; ask staff for the elevator to upper exhibits if desired.
- Sit near windows on the ground floor for quieter seating and easy access to restrooms.
- This site is close to taxi stands and hotel shuttles if you prefer to limit walking between stops.
Old Courthouse — brief, accessible historic visit
See the historic courtroom and exhibits; it's smaller than other museums and suitable for a short, seated visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Focus on the ground-floor exhibits if stairs are difficult; most core displays are accessible and near seating.
- Plan for a 30–45 minute visit to avoid fatigue; benches are available in exhibit areas.
- Combine this visit with nearby riverfront seating for a calm, scenic break afterward.
Leisurely lunch at The Old Spaghetti Factory (downtown, early seating)
Comfortable, seated Italian-American lunch in a single-level, accessible location — request early seating to avoid queues.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve an early table and ask for seating away from kitchen or traffic areas for a quieter meal.
- The Old Spaghetti Factory has non-slip floors and easy restroom access in most downtown locations; ask staff for directions.
- Portion sizes can be large — consider sharing or ordering from the lighter menu to manage digestion and energy.
Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruise — relaxed 60-minute Mississippi cruise
An easy-paced river cruise with seating, restrooms on board, and covered areas; excellent for viewing the city without much walking.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose the covered seating area to avoid sun and wind; boats have onboard restrooms and crew to assist with boarding ramps.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early for priority boarding and to secure aisle seating for easier access.
- If mobility is limited, notify the operator when booking — they can arrange level boarding and recommend the best seats.
Light souvenir browsing or rest at Laclede's Landing (level sections only)
A short, careful stroll for souvenirs or a final riverside bench break. Note some streets are cobblestone — pick flat areas or sit on benches.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the level, paved walkways and avoid cobblestone areas if you use a cane or walker; ask staff where smooth sidewalks are.
- Look for benches along the riverfront for frequent rests; many are shaded in May.
- If you prefer minimal walking, stay near the riverfront seating and ask a vendor to bring purchases to you if possible.
Return to hotel for luggage and departure preparations
Short transfer back to the hotel to collect luggage; request porter assistance and an accessible vehicle for onward travel.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask hotel staff to bring luggage to the lobby and to call your pre-booked taxi or shuttle to the curb for a quick, step-free load.
- Keep vital items (medication, ID) in a small bag you carry aboard the transport rather than in checked luggage.
- Confirm pick-up times for your airport or train transfer with the front desk at least 30 minutes before departure to avoid delays.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Total Activities | 17 |
| Total Places | 17 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Break, Attraction, Transfer, Restaurant, Meal, Culture, Experience, Outdoor |
