St. Louis, MO, has something for everyone. With family-friendly attractions like the Saint Louis Zoo and Forest Park, as well as a huge variety of museums, breweries, restaurants, and nightclubs, you’ll never run out of things to do. Of course, the city’s iconic Gateway Arch is a must-see. Bring the kids to the Missouri Botanical Garden that’s packed with attractions for children, including a tree house, cave, slide, and a steamboat. Adults travelers are sure to appreciate The Loop, a six-block district with a boutiques, pubs, cafes, and galleries. With so many wonderful neighborhoods and surrounding towns, choosing your destination can be a challenge. Here are 10 of the best places in the area to look for a St. Louis vacation rental.
1. Soulard
The oldest neighborhood in the city, Soulard is a great place to find a rental if you love history and old architecture. This part of the city moves a little slower than the rest, but it’s still right in the heart of it. With over 200 live music clubs, restaurants, pubs, and cafes available, the entertainment and dining possibilities are endless.
2. Central West End
The city’s Central West End area is conveniently located on the eastern border of Forest Park. Pack a picnic, and enjoy a leisurely day at the park with the whole family, or put on your walking shoes and explore the area’s many unique shops, restaurants, music venues, art galleries, and other hot spots.
3. Ellendale
Ellendale is a small St. Louis neighborhood with a lot to offer. In addition to the many diverse restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, Ellendale is home to the Saint Louis Science Center, a fantastic place for curious people of all ages to spend the day. This fascinating museum features over 750 exhibits and a planetarium. Visit one of the neighborhood’s movie theaters if you feel like catching a flick, or spend the day at beautiful Forest Park.
4. Lindenwood Park
Lindenwood Park is a bit more upscale than your typical St. Louis neighborhood. It has that welcoming St. Louis charm that makes this city so wonderful. Bring the whole family to the Ted Drewes frozen custard stand for a mouthwatering frozen treat. Lindenwood Park is just a quick stroll away from the downtown area and Forest Park, making it the perfect place for a vacation rental.
5. Peabody-Darst-Webbe
Peabody-Darst-Webbe, also known as the Near Southside neighborhood, is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in St. Louis. It’s not surprising, considering this area is loaded with delightful shops, cafes, and eateries and offers quick access to the park. Fans of architecture will fall in love with the breathtaking Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in the Western hemisphere.
6. The Hill
If you love Italian food, The Hill is the neighborhood for you. Amighetti’s Bakery is a great old-school Italian joint with an outdoor seating area and a fantastic kid’s menu. Of course, there are plenty of other reasons besides Italian cuisine to find a vacation rental in this charming neighborhood. This vibrant neighborhood is crawling with bright colors everywhere you look, and there are plenty of mom-and-pop restaurants, cafes, and businesses to explore.
7. North Hampton
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city while still staying close to the action, North Hampton is an excellent choice. The area is very clean, with carefully maintained lawns and parks covering the area. It’s a great place to bring the kids, as there are multiple playgrounds and picnic areas where they can release all that extra energy. North Hampton is one of the safer areas to stay, with a crime rate 25 percent lower than the city’s average.
8. Lafayette Square
Lafayette Square is most famously known for its 30-acre Lafayette Park. This family friendly park has plenty of attractions, including a great playground for the kids, gorgeous decorative plants, trails for biking and hiking, a duck pond, and even a gazebo where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic.
9. Clayton, MO
If you want to stay near the city but far enough to avoid it too, Clayton is the perfect choice. This lovely suburb is just 10 miles from the downtown area. It’s also just a quick drive from the Saint Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Art Museum. Make sure you bring the whole family over to Shaw Park, where you can enjoy ice skating, gardens, scenic walking trails, an aquatics center, and more.
10. Webster Groves
Just a 20-minute drive from the city, Webster Groves is another relaxing suburb getaway. This area is known for its beautiful Colonial, craftsman, and bungalow style houses. The 38-acre Blackburn Park is one of the best places to spend time in the area, and it features a bird sanctuary, tennis courts, trails, and picnic spots. This vibrant area also hosts regular events, including outdoor movies and a weekly farmer’s market.