St. Louis in 2 Days for Friends - Gateway Arch tram & riverfront cruise
A lively, social 2-day weekend in St. Louis built for a group of friends: iconic sights, hands-on play (City Museum + Topgolf), brewery vibes, big-group-friendly meals, and live-music nightlife — timed for pleasant spring weather in May.
Highlights
- Gateway Arch tram & riverfront cruise
- City Museum — climb, crawl & rooftop views
- Big group BBQ & craft-beer tastings
- Delmar Loop live music at Blueberry Hill
- Topgolf group game to cap the trip
Itinerary
Day 1
Downtown & Central St. Louis: start at the Arch and build energy with an iconic climb and a hands-on afternoon at City Museum. Evening: smoky BBQ and live music in the Delmar Loop.
Gateway Arch National Park — tram to the top + riverside photos
Start your weekend with the Gateway Arch: take the tram to the top for sweeping river-city views, then stroll the riverfront plaza for classic St. Louis photo ops.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy tram tickets online in advance for a morning slot — groups often sell out on sunny weekends.
- Best group photo: stand on the West Plaza (river side) with the arch framing the Mississippi at golden hour; bring a wide-angle phone lens if you have one.
- Transit/parking: use the Arch parking garage (paid) or grab an Uber to avoid circling; metered street parking fills fast on weekends.
Gateway Arch Riverboats — 45–60 min Mississippi cruise (optional)
A relaxed, social river cruise gives a new perspective on the city and is a good recovery after the tram; great for group photos and easy conversation.
Tips from local experts:
- If your group prefers shorter time on your feet, choose the 45–60 minute daytime cruise rather than longer specialty tours.
- Bring a light jacket — breezes off the river can be cooler in May even on warm days.
- Sit on the upper deck for unobstructed views of the Arch and skyline; request a single table to keep the group together if possible.
Transfer: quick ride to City Museum (downtown → north city)
Drive or rideshare across to City Museum — a short transfer that gives time to refuel mentally for the afternoon of climbing and exploring.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow extra travel time if a Cardinals game is on — riverfront traffic can spike.
- If you're splitting rideshares, request the biggest vehicle option for bikes or a large group bag.
- Use this short transit time to designate a meetup spot and set expectations (e.g., lock and phone locations) before entering the museum.
City Museum — active, playful urban playground
Three hours to lose yourselves in tunnels, slides, rooftop vantage points and art installations — the ultimate playful St. Louis attraction for a rowdy group.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear comfortable clothing you can climb in and closed-toe shoes — many exhibits require climbing and crawling.
- Lockers are available near the entrance; bring a small note for split-cost plans and keep valuables locked up.
- Go in small clusters inside (4–6) and set a rendezvous time/spot (the museum roof is an easy meetup and great photo backdrop). Expect to use stairs and slides — not stroller-friendly.
Break: Crown Candy Kitchen — milkshakes or quick caffeine recharge
Traditional soda-fountain vibes for an afternoon treat or caffeine recharge after City Museum (great to share milkshakes and sundae bowls).
Tips from local experts:
- Try a shared malt or one of the famous candy-shop sundaes — perfect for splitting between 2–4 people.
- This spot is popular; if you have a large group, consider ordering a few items to-go and sitting at a nearby bench or park area.
- Cash is handy but credit cards are accepted; seating can be tight, so prepare to split between two tables or enjoy standing-room socializing.
Downtime / freshen up (short break before dinner)
Head back to your accommodation or a public restroom area to freshen up and switch into evening clothes — keeps the night moving comfortably.
Tips from local experts:
- If you split across hotels, pick a 30–45 min window and coordinate arrival times to regroup before dinner.
- Use the downtime to set up any reservations or notify restaurants of your ETA so the kitchen can seat the full group together.
- Charge phones and share a power bank — lots of photos and videos will drain batteries by nightfall.
Dinner: Pappy's Smokehouse — famous Memphis-style BBQ for groups
Roomy, casual BBQ joint great for groups who want hearty platters to share (ribs, brisket). Plan for communal ordering and a lively atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Pappy's sees long lines — go early (17:30–18:00) or be prepared to wait; they move lines quickly and it's worth it.
- Order family-style platters to share across the table — it’s the most economical and social way to taste several meats.
- Split bills with apps like Venmo/CashApp; ask staff about the best combo plates for sharing and any current specials.
Delmar Loop nightlife — live music at Blueberry Hill & casual bar crawl
Head to the Delmar Loop for iconic Blueberry Hill live music (Duck Room) or hop between neighborhood bars. The Loop is energetic after dark and perfect for a group vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Check Blueberry Hill’s event calendar in advance — the Duck Room hosts local and touring acts and can be great for a group night out.
- Parking on Delmar is limited; use a rideshare for bar hopping between venues so everyone can join the fun safely.
- Blueberry Hill has large booths and tables; call ahead if you hope to snag a larger table for 4–6+ on show nights.
Day 2
Forest Park, brewery culture and a playful evening game at Topgolf — active morning, easy-going afternoon, and a competitive, social finale.
Group bike rental & ride — Big Shark Bicycle Company (Forest Park loop)
Pick up group rentals and cruise Forest Park’s scenic loop and trails — a playful, social way to explore green spaces and cover more ground as a crew.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve bikes ahead — Big Shark has multi-person options and can advise on Forest Park-friendly routes for groups.
- Suggested route: hit the Jewel Box, art museum lawn and the Grand Basin for photo stops; plan 60–90 minutes riding with cushion for stops.
- Bring a small backpack with water and sunscreen; Forest Park has water refill stations but they can be spaced out between attractions.
Transfer: short ride to Anheuser-Busch for brewery tour
Rideshare or light drive from Forest Park to the Anheuser-Busch complex — a seamless hop into one of St. Louis' most social experiences.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow ~20–30 minutes for travel depending on traffic; Saturdays in May can be busier with spring visitors.
- Coordinate a single rideshare for the whole group to avoid staggered arrivals and to keep everyone together for the tour.
- Grab a quick snack en route if you have a later brewery tour slot — tours can include standing in walking sections.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery tour + tasting
A lively, guided brewery tour with historic brewery grounds, clydesdales (seasonal appearances), and tasting stops — perfect for social groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the tour with tasting slots in advance and add extra tasters if your group wants to compare brews.
- Look out for the historic Brew House and the stables — great photo moments; if the Clydesdales are scheduled (seasonal), make time to see them.
- Tours are group-paced; if you prefer a more private experience, ask about private or semi-private tour options for groups of 6+.
Lunch on The Hill — classic Italian at Charlie Gitto's
A Milanese-Italian, big-plate lunch on The Hill — ideal for sharing antipasti and pasta in a convivial, group-friendly setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table for your full party (The Hill fills up early on weekends) and ask for a round table when possible for sharing family-style dishes.
- Try splitting a few pastas and an antipasto platter across the table to sample more dishes without ordering individually.
- Parking on The Hill can be tight; arrange carpool or rideshare, and factor in a few extra minutes to find street parking.
St. Louis Wheel at Union Station — relaxed attraction & photo stop
Take the giant Ferris wheel for elevated views of the city and Union Station's renovated entertainment hub — an easy, fun stop before evening plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy timed tickets in advance during busy holiday weekends in May to avoid lines.
- Group tip: reserve adjacent gondolas or plan to ride in shifts so everyone gets the skyline photo they want.
- Union Station has indoor seating and shops — perfect if you need an air-conditioned break between activities.
Transfer: drive / rideshare to Topgolf (Chesterfield) — prep for evening play
Short suburban transfer to Topgolf Chesterfield to finish the trip with playful competition and food + drinks for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Traffic westbound can pick up late afternoon; leave a buffer so your Topgolf reservation isn't missed.
- If you prefer to stay in-city, swap Topgolf for Ballpark Village or a Pageant concert — but Topgolf is a great safe option for larger groups and mixed skill levels.
- Confirm your Topgolf bay reservation for the full group (bays seat up to 6–8) and note that food and drinks are billed to the bay for easy split payments.
Topgolf — group bays, food, music & friendly competition
End the weekend with evening games, shared appetizers, and music — Topgolf's bays are built for groups and high-energy fun.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a bay for your full group (6+ bays available); arrive early to claim space and warm up with group games.
- Order sharable appetizers and pitchers to keep the energy social — ask staff for combo deals for larger groups to save money.
- Plan a simple prize (e.g., free round of drinks) to keep the group engaged and competitive in a playful way.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 12 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Experience, Transfer, Break, Restaurant, Nightlife, Outdoor, Sport |
