Author: LaToya

St. Louis has long been known as the “Gateway to the West”. But today, with so many things to do in St. Louis, you can spend a day or two seeing the sights and enjoy some dining and shopping. Here are the top 5 Tourist Attractions and things to do in St. Louis, Missouri.

1. Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch, 625 feet high, is a symbol of the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” It is the tallest monument in the United States. Eight elevators run up to the observation platform on the highest point of the arch. You can also view the arch from the water on one of the many riverboat cruises, or by air in a helicopter tour. Tickets for the Gateway Arch are sold at the Gateway Arch Ticketing. Advance purchase of tickets for the observation platform is recommended.

2. Old Courthouse

On the right-hand side of Market Street is a massive domed building, the Old Courthouse, which is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. It was built in the mid 1800s and has been the scene of several important trials, including the suit by Dred Scott for freedom from slavery and Suffragist Virginia Louisa Minor for the right to vote. It is such a nice building to take cute photos.

3. Sweet Art

Sweet Art is a family-owned bakeshop, cafe and art studio located in the St. Louis. I saw this spot on a Netflix show and I could not wait to visit. Sweet Art offers delicious, scratch-made, old-school treats you know and love. They had desserts that made my heart throb. I ate so much that I could barely walk to the car. Best part that I love about Sweet Art is they have so many vegan options. This is a must try while in St. Louis.

4. Cyrano’s

Cyrano’s Cafe is serves up American cafe fare, plus beautiful cocktails, coffee drinks & storied desserts. The portion sizes are huge. I ordered all three coursed and could barely finish all of my main course. I had to take the rest back to my hotel room. The cocktails are special and the bread pudding is a dish that you must order. If you want great fresh food then you should really give Cyrano’s Cafe a visit.

5. Saint Louis Galleria

Saint Louis Galleria is a shopping mall in Richmond Heights, Missouri. I loveeeeee shopping and every city I visit I cannot leave without visiting some sort of shopping place. At the Galleria, you can shop the brands you love at the best shopping mall in St. Louis. You can make it day by visiting Saint Louis Galleria for shopping, dining, and entertainment activities. We enjoyed ourselves all day by having lunch, going to the movies and indulging in retail therapy. It was the middle of June during our visit so being able to have an indoor activity planned was perfect.

There are many more places to go for fun and entertainment. However, these were some of my favorite spots in Saint Louis Missouri! I hope this guide is helpful to you while you explore the Gateway City! Tag me in your photos and stories because I’d love to see what places you visited while in St. Louis. Check out my other Travel posts here.

Visiting Mobile? Don’t miss these awesome photo spots! Discover Mobile, Alabama’s 10 best Instagram-worthy photo spots! From scenic waterfront views to hidden gems, capture stunning shots perfect for your feed.

Mobile is a Content Creator’s playground and there are never ending opportunities for photo ops. From the downtown Dauphin St. and historic districts to coffee shops and college campuses, there’s no doubt you will use up all your camera memory in the “Azalea City”.

Mobile is a quickly growing city full of great places to explore, outdoor activities, southern cuisine, the iconic USS Battleship and several murals. This city is rich in history and tradition, Mobile has been around since 1702 and is the original birthplace of the carnival Mardi Gras. Mobile is located only 30 minutes from the gulf, this coastal port town is the perfect vacation spot for families and/or young adults. But with vacation comes sight seeing, exploring and taking pictures of everything to remember. If you are a content creator or just love to take pictures and want to get THE BEST Instagram shot, I put together some of my favorite spots for a good photo-op in Mobile, Alabama.

1. Heart of Mobile Mural

Mobile has a lot of murals throughout downtown. I love seeing art across our city. This mural in particular is on the side of the BackFlash Antiques building. The mural is of two hands coming together to make a heart. It is very colorful and brings so much life to Mobile.

2. The Mobile Mural

The MOBILE Mural was painted during Black History Month in February 2019. It is definitely a show stopper for all who see it and walk by. It’s also perfectly located downtown by some pretty good restaurants like The Post and Wintzell’s Oyster House.

3. Cooper Riverside Park

If you want amazing views of the city and the bay Cooper Riverside Park is the place to be. It is nestled on the edge of downtown this park is right next to the water and the Gulf Quest Maritime Museum where you can tour the facility and learn more about Mobile’s port history. It’s the perfect back drop for a nice stroll along the waterfront or to peak at the outdoor art sculptures. Sometimes there are city events held here too like the Mobile River Food and Music Festival.

4. Nova Espresso

Nova Espresso is perfect for multi-tasking… getting an Instagram shot, lunch and a delicious cup of coffee. This cafe is one of the new, trendy and cool coffee shops in Mobile and it does not disappoint. Their courtyard outside is the cutest set up to enjoy a hot beverage and their “NOVA” logo/mural on the side of the building is super cool and unique! 

5. Mardi Gras Park

Mardi Gras Park is located at the site of the old Mobile County Courthouse at Government Street and Royal Street. The park features colorful statues of popular Carnival characters including Joe Cain. It is a popular corner of the main parade route. I have taken so many great photos in Mardi Gras Park. Also, during Christmas time there is a massive Christmas tree perfect for family photos.

6. Dauphin Street

Mobile’s downtown strip is along Dauphin Street. with amazing restaurants, bars, shops and live entertainment. On the weekends there is always something going on and during Mardi Gras season the parade route goes right by Dauphin Street. The “iconic” picture most people take is with the tall modern buildings in the back and the smaller historic buildings in the front on the strip. Every time I see this scene it feels like time travel because you’re looking at the new through the old. If you’re in this area and want to try something new head to Dumbwaiter for the best brussel sprouts ever.

7. Fort Conde

I discovered this charming little area when I worked in the Fort Conde Inn area. Right next to the Fort of Colonial Mobile is the Conde Charlotte Museum and a little neighborhood of the cutest row of southern homes. This is also a very popular place for wedding venues and has amazing views of the city. The street is so charming and cute most photographers end up taking pictures here.

8. Spring Hill College

Spring Hill College can be found in West Mobile. This college campus is filled with a road of humungous oak trees like a scene from a romantic movie. Tons of wedding ceremonies have taken place on this beautiful campus along with graduation events as well. The campus is truly awe-inspiring and will take your breath away. I always think this is one place that’s forgotten about from the normal touristy things to do/see in Mobile.

9. University of South Alabama

University of South Alabama is a comprehensive research public university along the Alabama Gulf Coast. The campus has so many great photo spots at the Hancock Stadium, Mitchell Center and plenty of other monuments and statues. I have seen so many people this campus as a beautiful photo backdrop.

10. 4 AM Cookie Dough & Confections

4 AM Cookie Dough & Confections is an edible cookie dough, ice cream, and macaron store that makes their own products from scratch daily. They sell cookie dough and ice cream by the scoop. However, 4 AM have the cutest grass wall for photo ops. Why not get good desserts and photos at the same time.

There are many more places to get some Instagram worthy pictures but for now these are my favorite spots! I hope this guide is helpful to you while you explore the beautiful Azalea City! Tag me in your photos because I’d love to see the creative ways you capture the beauty that is Mobile, Alabama. Check out my other blog post about travel HERE.

MAP OF THE BEST PHOTO SPOTS IN MOBILE, AL