St. Louis, Missouri, offers plenty of romantic and entertaining options for an unforgettable date night.
From iconic landmarks like the Gateway Arch to vibrant districts such as Ballpark Village and the Delmar Loop, each venue promises unique experiences to suit any couple's tastes.
Whether exploring the city's cultural institutions in Forest Park or enjoying the lively atmosphere of City Foundry STL, St. Louis is brimming with opportunities to create cherished memories with your loved one.
Here are 21 date night ideas in St. Louis, MO, that promise romance and fun!
1. Gateway Arch National Park
Start your evening with a visit to the Gateway Arch, the symbol of St. Louis. Take the tram to the top of the arch for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River. It is a great way to set a romantic tone for the evening.
If you have extra time, explore the museum at Gateway Arch National Park. It traces the story of Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who shaped America, with six themed exhibit areas celebrating the pioneering spirit.
Do not miss the Virtual Reality Theater, which transports you to a 360° depiction of the St. Louis riverfront in the 1850s, immersing you in the bustling levee's sights and sounds and the stories of the diverse people who crossed paths there.
2. Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
For a romantic ride on the Mississippi River, the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch provide spectacular options.
The St. Louis Riverfront Cruise is a one-hour tour and offers spectacular views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis, perfect for a lovely daytime adventure.
Furthermore, the Skyline Dinner Cruise offers a scenic two-hour evening cruise featuring live music or a DJ, a chef-inspired menu, and captivating views of the St. Louis skyline, making it an ideal spot for a romantic date night.
For something a little different, the Specialty Cruises include themed outings such as fireworks cruises, Halloween cruises, and New Year's Eve celebrations, offering plenty of time for fun and festivities on the water.
3. The Loading Dock
The Loading Dock, once the area’s best-kept secret, is now a popular choice for a great date night in St. Louis. This venue offers stunning river views, outdoor dining, and live music on the weekends.
During the summer, the "Let’s Rock the Dock!" concert series is held monthly from May to October, typically mid-month, featuring one or two musicians or groups per event. With no cover charge and first-come, first-served seating, it is perfect for enjoying live music, delicious food, and great drinks.
The Loading Dock also hosts one of the region’s largest monthly flea markets and seasonal ice skating in the winter, ensuring a fun time for all.
4. Forest Park
Forest Park, owned and operated by the City of St. Louis, is one of the nation's greatest urban public parks, spanning 1,300 acres of beautiful landscapes, forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes, and streams.
Attracting 15.5 million visitors each year, it is the perfect place for a romantic stroll or a day of recreation.
The park is home to five major cultural institutions, including the Saint Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Art Museum, offering endless opportunities to challenge the mind.
With a Dual Path system for leisurely walks or intense workouts, quiet picnic spots, and a variety of popular festivals and events, Forest Park truly offers something for everyone in a city oasis.
Additionally, during the winter, visitors can enjoy the Steinberg Skating Rink, the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest.
5. The Muny
For over 100 years, The Muny has captured hearts and sparked imaginations through music and movement, filling Forest Park each summer with the sounds of Broadway.
In its 106th season, The Muny will perform classics like Les Misérables, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Fiddler on the Roof, and In the Heights.
On Saturday, September 7, they will host "John Legend: A Night of Songs and Stories" with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
Elevate your date night by enjoying dinner before the show at Café One, which offers grab-and-go favorites such as pizzas, sandwiches, finger foods, and frozen treats.
Concession stands provide a variety of fan-favorite food and drink options, and for the ultimate dining experience, enjoy a buffet-style meal under the shade of Culver Pavilion.
Alternatively, you can bring your own food for a picnic, making it a perfect destination for a romantic evening.
6. Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum, originally built as the first national monument to Thomas Jefferson, delves into the history of St. Louis from its founding in 1764 to the present day.
Visitors can explore the city's rich baseball history, from the Browns to the Cardinals, and marvel at the grandeur of the 1904 World's Fair.
This award-winning institution features innovative exhibits and a variety of history programming, making it a magnificent place for a fascinating and educational date night. The best part? It is free to enter!
7. St. Louis Zoo
For an adventurous date, visit the Saint Louis Zoo, a perfect destination for animal lovers. Admission is free, and the zoo features a variety of exhibits showcasing animals from addax to zebras.
For added excitement, explore paid attractions such as a 4D theater, a bird show, a dinosaur exhibit, a sea lion show, and a stingray touch tank.
For a more in-depth experience, book a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about specific animals or visit the on-site veterinary hospital.
8. Saint Louis Science Center
For an educational and fun date, visit the Saint Louis Science Center. Enjoy free exhibits such as "Madman With A Box," featuring a full-scale TARDIS, and the new "Dream It. Build It." exhibit, which inspires creativity through St. Louis architecture.
Moreover, GameXPloration offers a free interactive experience showcasing games from board games to virtual reality, and do not miss "Mission: Mars" to learn more about the red planet.
Furthermore, explore ticketed attractions like OMNIMAX® Theater films, James S. McDonnell Planetarium shows, the Discovery Room, and the Experience Flight Simulators & VR Transporter.
9. Saint Louis Art Museum
Admission to the Saint Louis Art Museum is free every day, offering access to a collection of over 36,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of history and cultures, with more than 8,000 objects searchable online.
For an enhanced experience, visit on "Access for All Free Fridays," where you can enjoy free admission to all ticketed exhibits and a variety of programs.
Every Friday from 10 am to 9 pm, the museum features live music, gallery activations, open studios, films, performances, and more, making it a perfect place for a great date night in St. Louis.
10. Missouri Botanical Garden
Nature lovers will appreciate the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden. Wander through its many themed gardens and experience the Climatron®, the first geodesic dome conservatory with no interior supports.
This unique structure creates a spacious environment for over 2,800 plants, including 1,400 tropical species such as bananas, cacao, coffee, and the exotic double coconut.
Inside, visitors will find dense green foliage, a native hut, sparkling waterfalls, rocky cliffs, a river aquarium with exotic fish, and a bridge for viewing the forest canopy.
Take advantage of the extended evening hours on Thursdays through September 26 to enjoy a sunset stroll, dinner, or drinks on the Sassafras patio and explore the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden. It makes for an ideal spot for a romantic evening in St. Louis.
11. Tower Grove Park
Tower Grove Park, a public park and level II arboretum, features over 7,000 trees and seven miles of running and walking trails. The park also boasts a tennis and pickleball center, 15 recreation fields, and 12 historic Victorian pavilions.
Visitors can enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the park from mid-March to the end of July.
Additionally, Tower Grove Park hosts weekly farmers' markets, yoga classes, 5Ks, and other special events, offering plenty of opportunities for a memorable date night.
12. City Museum
City Museum in Downtown St. Louis, Missouri, is an architectural playground for all ages, featuring tunnels, caves, slides, and rides both inside and out. For a unique and lively date night, attend City Nights, their 21+ summer rooftop party.
These events, held from 7 - 11 pm on select nights during the summer, include DJs, dancing, live art, and themed activities such as crafts and cocktails on June 21, a paint night on July 19, a 90's prom on August 2, neon dreams on August 16, and a summer send-off on August 30.
It is a great way to experience the museum in a fun and vibrant, adults-only atmosphere.
13. Delmar Loop
The Delmar Loop is a lively district featuring unique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and a café culture, all set against the backdrop of the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
Visitors can enjoy exceptional concerts at The Pageant, stay at the eccentric Moonrise Hotel, which blends modern design with quirky charm, and dine at Blueberry Hill, a renowned St. Louis landmark known for its wide selection of food and beers, live music in the Duck Room, and entertainment like video games and pinball.
It is an ideal spot for a day of exploration and a lively night out in St. Louis.
14. Laumeier Sculpture Park
Laumeier Sculpture Park, located in the heart of St. Louis County, features 60 large-scale outdoor sculptures spread across its expansive 105-acre grounds.
Visitors can explore the park's Art Hike Trail, Central Pathway, and Western Woodland Trail, surrounded by native plant species and occasional wildlife sightings like owls and snakes.
Admission is free, allowing for leisurely visits from 7 am until 30 minutes past sunset.
For those looking to deepen their experience, Laumeier offers paid fitness and art classes/workshops that provide engaging opportunities to learn and create within this serene outdoor setting.
15. Busch Stadium - Home of the St. Louis Cardinals
Busch Stadium has been the home of the St. Louis Cardinals since 2006, making it a must-visit during baseball season.
The stadium is famous for its diverse food options, including Asian stir fry, St. Louis BBQ, chicken tenders, churros, hot dogs, homemade donuts, Dippin' Dots, Farmtruk healthy food, tacos, and Steakburgers.
Additionally, Busch Stadium offers tours for a unique look at areas not usually accessible during games, providing an excellent experience for baseball-loving couples. These tours also include a discount at the Official Cardinals Team Store with your ticket stub.
16. Ballpark Village
Ballpark Village, a lively sports-themed district near Busch Stadium, offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and attractions like the Cardinals Hall of Fame & Museum.
It is an ideal spot to hang out before or after a game, with dining options such as Fielder's Choice, Koibito Poké, and Katie's Pizza and Pasta Osteria.
For a vibrant bar scene, visit Crown Bar, Shark Room, or Bally Sports Live! Entertainment options include bull riding at PBR St. Louis and games like ping pong, mini bowling, and skeeball at Sports & Social St. Louis.
Monthly events such as movie nights, trivia nights, and Saturday Signings at the Museum add to the appeal, making Ballpark Village perfect for a lively date night in St. Louis.
17. Boom Boom Room
The Boom Boom Room, the largest burlesque club in the United States, is a fantastic choice for an entertaining and unique date night in downtown St. Louis.
Renowned for its world-famous burlesque dinner theater, it features a variety of exciting themes like the Speakeasy Spectacular, Star Wars, Wild Wild West Burlesque, and holiday-themed shows.
For an unforgettable evening, the Boom Boom Room offers an exceptional experience in the heart of the city.
18. Baileys’ Chocolate Bar
Baileys' Chocolate Bar is perfect for a romantic and laid-back night out. Known for its chic and intimate atmosphere, it offers small plates, creative desserts, and chocolate martinis in an elegant space with a patio, making it ideal for any celebration.
19. City Foundry STL
City Foundry STL, a 15-acre mixed-use development in St. Louis's Midtown neighborhood, creatively repurposes the historic Century Electric Foundry complex.
It features the city's first food hall, offering a wide range of cuisines from creole and Afro-Caribbean to pizza and burgers, with options for gluten-free and vegan diets. Visitors can also explore shops selling bikes, candles, luxury streetwear, jewelry, and more.
Entertainment options include Sandbox VR, where you can immerse yourself in six different virtual reality worlds, and Puttshack, an upscale, tech-infused mini golf experience.
20. Fine Dining at Tony's
Indulge in culinary excellence at one of the most romantic restaurants in St. Louis, Tony's, where you can savor prime steaks, fresh Atlantic seafood, and made-from-scratch pasta dishes.
Dress in your best business casual attire and enjoy a refined night out, elevating your senses with a memorable fine dining experience.
21. Rec Hall
Rec Hall, located in St. Charles, MO, is a vibrant spot reminiscent of your best friend's backyard, offering a variety of games and drinks for a lively date night.
Challenge your date to airbowling, bocce ball, Connect 4, cornhole, darts, foosball, giant pong, hunch, tetherball, Jenga, or ping pong. Enjoy a wide selection of drinks, including seltzers, craft beers, domestic beers, cider, wine, craft cocktails, and more.
Enjoy Date Night!
Whether seeking a refined evening at Tony's and Baileys’ Chocolate Bar or a lively night at Ballpark Village, St. Louis has something to offer every couple looking to enjoy quality time together.
From historic landmarks to modern entertainment venues, St. Louis' diverse attractions ensure that every date is filled with excitement, delicious bites, and opportunities to explore the city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.
What is your favorite date night activity? Let me know in the comments below! Share this article with the person or people you want to go on your next adventure with! Also, be sure to SUBSCRIBE below to learn about other places you should add to your "To Visit" List! Ready? Okay, vamos. Time to have fun!
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