St. Louis, Missouri, USA downtown cityscape on the river at dusk.

A Lowcountry Traveler’s Guide to Spring in St. Louis

Gateway to good times

May is a prime time to visit St. Louis, as the city comes alive with blooming dogwoods, energetic festivals and baseball fever. Known as the Gateway to the West, this riverfront city blends history, family-friendly attractions and a fast-growing food scene — all with a laid-back, Midwestern vibe.

Mild temperatures and sunny skies make it perfect for strolling through the Missouri Botanical Garden, catching a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium or riding to the top of the Gateway Arch for sweeping views of the Mississippi River

Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, bursts with activity in May — home to the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo (free admission!) and miles of trails and picnic spots.

Whether you’re sipping craft beer in The Grove, wandering through Soulard Farmers Market or snapping photos in the Delmar Loop, St. Louis in May offers a dynamic blend of culture, color and charm. With direct flights from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, it’s an easy and exciting escape for Lowcountry travelers.

Airport to city

Flying from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) is a breeze. Southwest offers seasonal nonstop flights beginning in April, with service on Saturdays and Sundays. In June and July the schedule expands to include Thursdays through Mondays. In August nonstop flights run Aug. 1-4 (Friday through Monday), then shift to Saturdays only through September before the seasonal route ends. Several other major airlines also offer one-stop options year-round. Once you land, getting to the city is easy — downtown St. Louis is just 25 minutes away by car. Ride shares typically cost between $30 and $40, or you can hop on the MetroLink light rail for a budget-friendly $2.50 ride straight into the heart of the city.

Dress for spring weather

St. Louis in May typically sees daytime highs in the 70s and 80s with low humidity, though an afternoon shower can sneak in. Pack accordingly:

  • Light layers: A jacket or cardigan for cooler mornings or evenings.
  • Comfortable walking shoes: Ideal for city parks and sightseeing.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen: Sunny days mean bright skies.
  • Umbrella: Spring showers are brief but frequent.
A late season baseball game at Busch Stadium between the Cardinals and San Diego Padres, with both teams fighting for a playoff berth, on September 18, 2010 in St. Louis.
Busch Stadium
Beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden in city ST Louis, MO USA July 2018.
Botanical Garden

St. Louis bucket list

A must-do checklist to make the most of your Midwestern getaway:

  • Gateway Arch: Take the tram ride to the top of this 630-foot national monument.
  • Forest Park: Explore museums, paddleboat on the lake, or enjoy a picnic under the trees.
  • Busch Stadium: Cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals with a cold beer and classic ballpark snacks.
  • City Museum: A whimsical, artistic indoor-outdoor playground for all ages.
  • Saint Louis Zoo: One of the best free zoos in the nation with over 600 species.

May adventures

From gardens to galleries, May brings energy and events to the city:

  • Missouri Botanical Garden: Azaleas, iris and peonies are in full bloom — don’t miss the Climatron.
  • Soulard Farmers Market: One of the oldest in the U.S., packed with local produce and St. Louis flavor.
  • Shakespeare in the Park: This annual tradition brings open-air theater to Forest Park (free admission).
  • Blues at the Arch: Catch live music and food trucks at Kiener Plaza.
  • Art Hill: Take a walk, or rent a paddle boat nearby — great views and great vibes.
  • Brewery tours: Sip your way through Anheuser-Busch or local craft breweries like Urban Chestnut and 4 Hands.

Savor St. Louis’s flavors

  • Toasted ravioli: A St. Louis original — try them at Charlie Gitto’s or Mama’s on the Hill.
  • Gooey butter cake: Don’t leave without trying this dense, sweet dessert — Park Avenue Coffee is home to the original. 
  • St. Louis-style pizza: Ultra-thin crust and Provel cheese — love it or hate it, you’ve got to try it. Go to Adriana’s, Pizzeoli, Uncle Leos or Failoni’s. 
  • Barbecue ribs: Head to Pappy’s Smokehouse or Bogart’s for Memphis-style dry rub with a Midwestern twist.
  • Frozen custard: A Ted Drewes tradition — thick, creamy and worth the wait.
  • •May cocktails: Try a strawberry mint julep at Blood & Sand or sip a seasonal sour at The Gin Room
  • Local brews: Raise a glass at Schlafly Bottleworks or Urban Chestnut’s beer garden.
  • Charlie Gitto’s
    Charlie Gitto’s
  • Ted Drewes
    Ted Drewes
  • The quirky room interior at Angad Arts Hotel uses green accents to promote health and wellness.
    Angad Arts Hotel
  • The Cheshire, Saint Louis courtyard
    The Cheshire

Stay in style

St. Louis has everything from boutique hotels to classic charmers:

  • Angad Arts Hotel: ($250+) A chic hotel where you choose your room by color — located in the arts district.
  • Four Seasons St. Louis: ($400+) Luxury and riverfront views, steps from the Arch.
  • Hotel Saint Louis: ($300+) A historic downtown hotel with a rooftop pool and art deco glam.
  • The Cheshire: ($180+) A cozy, English-themed inn near Forest Park, with onsite dining and old-world charm.

Travel tips

  • Take MetroLink: The city’s light rail system is affordable and connects key spots.
  • Use the Downtown Trolley: A fun way to hop between attractions like the Arch, museums and the stadium.
  • Walk and explore: Downtown, Central West End and The Loop are all walkable and filled with shops and cafés.
  • Explore nearby gems: Drive 30 minutes to historic St. Charles, or visit nearby wine country in Augusta.
  • Handy apps: Use Transit for MetroLink schedules, Explore St. Louis for local events and Toast for restaurant ordering.

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