It’s nice to spend a little time in the great outdoors once in a while! Luckily for folks living in the St. Louis, MO area, there are plenty of options for exciting outdoor activities close to home. From hiking and biking to swimming and birdwatching, there’s sure to be something to appeal to you. 
4 Incredible Outdoor Activities Near St. Louis, MO
1. Ride the Mississippi Greenway
If you love cycling, St. Louis is the perfect place to be, offering a wide variety of fantastic trails to suit all ability levels. One of the best spots to ride in the city is the Mississippi Greenway, running for several miles along the riverfront. Stretching from the downtown area to the Route 66 bridge, it’s a scenic ride that’s suitable for bikers of all abilities.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of benches and tables, so you can stop for a quick rest or even a picnic! There are bike racks and plenty of parking available, making it more convenient than ever to enjoy a cycle. Find the trailhead on Biddle Street, close to Martin Luther King Bridge.
2. Take a Hike on Bootlegger’s Run
What better way could there be the reconnect with nature than taking a hike? There are plenty of great hiking trails dotted around the city, but a real favorite with local ramblers is Bootlegger’s Run. This historic path winds through the trees, offering plenty of shade and the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species.
Access the path from the trailhead at Creve Coeur Park in Maryland Heights, where there’s also plenty of parking. Please note, this trail can get a little busy with mountain bikers from time to time.
3. Explore Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis residents benefit from easy access to the 2nd largest botanical garden in the United States. Missouri Botanical Garden is packed with beautiful and rare plants, glittering water features, a hedge maze, sculptures, and so much more! It’s the perfect place for taking a leisurely stroll in peaceful surroundings while also learning about plants and ecosystems.
Missouri Botanical Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9am to 4:30pm. Admission costs $6 for residents of St. Louis City or St. Louis County with proof of residence. It’s free for those aged 12 and under.
4. Enjoy Some Outdoor Swimming at The Cove at St. Peters
On hot days, there’s nothing better than taking an outdoor swim! The Cove at St. Peters is the ideal place for the whole family to cool off. This exciting aquatic park offers several large pools, waterslides, splashpads, and more! It’s a great way to cool off while having plenty of fun.
Find The Cove at St. Peters on Mexico Road. Admission is $5 for kids from 3 to 17 and $6 for adults.
To enjoy all these fantastic activities and discover your own favorites, you’ll need a safe and reliable way to get around. Come on down to Bommarito Chevrolet South County today for a great deal on a new or pre-owned vehicle!

