Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
Located directly across the Mississippi River from the St. Louis Gateway Arch, the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park has some of the best views of the St. Louis skyline, and there’s no better time to visit than in the evening to catch the sun sinking behind the Gateway Arch. For an elevated view, take the ramp to the top of the Mississippi River Overlook. At more than 43 feet tall, the overlook is ADA accessible. 185 W. Trendley.
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Castlewood State Park
There might be no better time to visit Castlewood State Park than in the early morning or shortly before sunset. For the best views, hike the Cedar Bluff Loop. This 2.3-mile loop climbs to the highest vantage point in the park, from which you’ll have a birds-eye-view of the forest canopy. The park opens daily at 7 a.m. and closes one-half hour after sunset. 140 Kiefer Creek, Ballwin.
Art Hill in Forest Park
Although there are many locations in Forest Park with unobstructed views of the sky, our favorite is on Art Hill or the benches around the Emerson Grand Basin. Art Hill doesn’t face east or west, but it has such an expansive view that you can enjoy the location for both sunrise and sunset. Depending on the time of day, we suggest that you pack a picnic with coffee from Quarrelsome Coffee and pastries from La Pâtisserie Chouquette, or wine from Civil Alchemy and charcuterie from AO&Co. 1 Fine Arts.
St. Louis rooftop spaces
Another way to enjoy a St. Louis sunset is from the many rooftop patios across the city. The Art Bar at Angad Arts Hotel (3550 Samuel Shepard) is the No. 1 place in Midtown to take in the sun’s changing hues while sipping on a craft cocktail. Or, take in the sunset while enjoying small plates and signature cocktails at the Rooftop Garden Bar at Moonrise Hotel (6177 Delmar). For a dinner with a view, head to Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay at the Four Seasons Hotel (999 N. 2nd), where you’ll find the best views of the Gateway Arch from the outdoor terrace.
