Discover St Louis
62 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Gateway Arch
Located in St. Louis, this iconic arch is a symbol of American history and engineering. It's an excellent spot for architectural and urban photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Art Hill & Grand Basin in Forest Park
Offers a mix of natural and architectural photography opportunities, including the Saint Louis Art Museum and scenic landscaping.
St. Louis Arch
An iconic symbol of St. Louis, the Gateway Arch offers stunning architectural photography opportunities against the backdrop of the city skyline. It's a great spot for capturing urban landscapes and historical landmarks.
The Gateway Arch, Gateway Arch National Park
The Gateway Arch is a soaring 630-foot stainless-steel-clad monument in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. It is the centerpiece of Gateway Arch National Park and an architectural marvel that symbolizes America’s westward expansion. The Arch provides striking, minimalist curves for abstract photography, dramatic light play for golden hour and night shoots, and iconic views for cityscape and urban photography. The surrounding park features landscaped grounds, reflective ponds, and wide plazas that frame the Arch in creative ways, making it a prime location for both architectural and urban landscape photography[1][2].
The Arch Grounds
Home to the iconic Gateway Arch, this area offers stunning views of the arch and the Mississippi River. It is a must-visit location for capturing iconic St. Louis landmarks and cityscapes.
Forest Park - Art Hill
Art Hill is a scenic spot in Forest Park, featuring the Saint Louis Art Museum at its crest. The hill offers panoramic views of the Grand Basin and the city skyline, making it a breathtaking location for photography.
St. Louis Cathedral Basilica
A stunning cathedral in St. Louis known for its mosaics. It's a great location for architectural photography.
Laclede's Landing
A historic area with cobblestone streets and 19th-century architecture, offering stunning views of the Gateway Arch and Eads Bridge.
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
Includes the Gateway Arch and surrounding park, providing a mix of architectural and urban photography opportunities.
Gateway Arch National Park
An iconic landmark in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is perfect for architecture and cityscape photography. It offers stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Missouri Botanical Gardens
The Missouri Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the country. It offers a stunning array of flora for nature and landscape photography. The gardens include a variety of ecosystems, such as the Japanese Garden and the Forest Garden, providing diverse backdrops for photographers.
Grand Basin & Art Hill
One of St. Louis’s most iconic photography locations, featuring a majestic central fountain, wide staircases, and panoramic views of the St. Louis Art Museum. The area is perfect for portraits, architecture, cityscapes, and golden hour photography. The grand staircase and statue are local landmarks that are frequently used by professionals and amateurs alike.
St. Louis Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful mosaics. It offers excellent opportunities for architectural and historical photography.
Rooftop Views of the Arch
Various locations in St. Louis offer rooftop views of the iconic Gateway Arch. These spots are ideal for capturing urban landscapes and architectural photography.
Art Hill & Grand Basin
A scenic area with a picturesque lake and stunning views of the St. Louis Art Museum, offering a variety of vistas for landscape and architecture photography.
Missouri Botanical Garden
One of the oldest botanical gardens in the country, the Missouri Botanical Garden features stunning gardens and architectural elements. It offers a serene backdrop for nature and landscape photography.
City Museum
The City Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction built from reclaimed materials like old airplanes, school buses, and construction equipment. It’s a haven for urban and creative photography.
Rooftop at the Four Seasons Hotel
Located in downtown St. Louis, this rooftop offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Gateway Arch, making it perfect for urban and aerial photography.
Citygarden
Citygarden is a modern and contemporary sculpture garden located in the heart of St. Louis. It combines art, architecture, and nature, offering a unique backdrop for photography. The garden features over 200 modern and contemporary art pieces.
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden's Koi Pond
Removed to avoid duplication.
The Jewel Box
A stunning glass conservatory in Forest Park, offering beautiful architectural photography opportunities.
Forest Park - The Muny
Located in the heart of St. Louis, The Muny is an iconic outdoor amphitheater within Forest Park. It offers stunning architecture and a unique setting for capturing performances and evening shows. The Muny is especially popular during its summer season.
Gateway Arch Riverboats
Located on the Mississippi River, these riverboats offer a unique perspective on St. Louis' skyline and the Gateway Arch. They provide an excellent opportunity for waterscape and cityscape photography.
Forest Park - The Jewel Box
The Jewel Box is a beautiful glass conservatory in Forest Park, offering a stunning backdrop for both indoor and outdoor photography. Its unique structure provides beautiful framing opportunities.
Chain of Rocks Bridge
A historic pedestrian bridge with stunning views of the Mississippi River, offering unique architecture and landscape photography opportunities.
Atrium of the Saint Louis Art Museum
Located within Forest Park, the atrium offers beautiful natural light and stunning architectural details, making it a unique spot for interior and architectural photography.
Busch Stadium
Home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, Busch Stadium offers stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding downtown area. It's a great spot for capturing urban landscapes and sports-related photography.
Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
A park offering stunning views of the St. Louis skyline and sunset opportunities, ideal for landscape and cityscape photography.
21c Museum Hotel
A contemporary hotel featuring a unique blend of art and architecture. It offers a modern setting for capturing urban and art photography.
Contemporary Art Museum (CAM)
A modern art museum with striking architecture, ideal for non-traditional photography and capturing urban art.
City Garden
A two-block urban oasis in the heart of downtown St. Louis, featuring modern and contemporary art installations and beautiful gardens.
Pulitzer Arts Foundation & Spring Church
A modern art museum with a striking building and adjacent church, offering interesting architectural photography opportunities.
Art Hill and Grand Basin
Located in Forest Park, this area offers beautiful views of the park’s lake and walking paths, ideal for capturing serene landscapes.
Spring Church
A unique roofless church near the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. It offers a distinct architectural setting for capturing urban and historical photography.
Old Courthouse, St. Louis
A historic building with significant architectural and historical value. Offers opportunities for capturing historic architecture.
Jewel Box in Forest Park
The Jewel Box is a stunning glass conservatory in Forest Park, featuring a beautiful floral display and a unique architectural design. It's ideal for capturing colorful floral photography and architectural details.
Saint Louis University Campus
Saint Louis University (SLU) at 1 N Grand Blvd is a visually striking location with prominent architectural features that make it ideal for portrait, architectural, and urban photography. The campus boasts iconic landmarks like the SLU Clock Tower and the distinctive St. Francis Xavier College Church with its fountain, providing photogenic backdrops that capture the collegiate atmosphere. The mix of classic and modern architecture, landscaped campus grounds including seasonal tulips, and reflective water elements near the church fountain offer diverse compositions. The lighting throughout the day highlights different facets of the historic buildings, with golden hour and evening shots enhancing textures and ambiance. Additionally, candid shots on campus pathways and near the prominent clock tower showcase dynamic urban and lifestyle elements specific to SLU life. This spot is also popular for senior portraits and engagement sessions due to its balance of structured architecture and ...
Lafayette Park
Situated in St. Louis, this park offers scenic views and a picturesque lake, making it ideal for landscape and nature photography.
Soulard Farmer's Market
A historic market offering vibrant colors and lively street scenes, perfect for capturing candid moments and street life.
Contemporary Art Museum
This museum's unique architecture and artistic exhibits make it a fascinating spot for photography, offering both indoor and outdoor opportunities.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
Features modern and contemporary art exhibitions, offering unique architectural photography opportunities with its minimalist design.
Pulitzer Arts Foundation
Featuring modern architecture, this location is ideal for those interested in contemporary art and design. The courtyard is home to the iconic sculpture *Joe*.
Aloe Plaza
Situated in front of Union Station, this plaza features interesting architecture and a beautiful fountain, making it perfect for capturing urban scenes and architectural details.
City Foundry
A vibrant urban area with unique architecture and interesting compositions, ideal for capturing modern city life.
Kiener Plaza
A vibrant public space in downtown St. Louis, often hosting events and offering unique street photography opportunities.
Myseum
Myseum is a unique children's museum in St. Louis that offers a blend of interactive installations and vibrant colors. It is ideal for street, urban, and event photography, especially during festivals or family events.
City Foundry STL
Located near downtown, City Foundry offers unique urban landscapes with vibrant architecture, perfect for street and architectural photography.
Mural Mile (Mural Wall)
This vibrant street art scene is perfect for capturing colorful urban landscapes and street photography.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
A historic brewery offering tours and stunning views of its impressive architecture and gardens.
Tower Grove Park
Tower Grove Park is a large urban park featuring walking paths, gardens, and architectural elements. It offers a variety of photography opportunities, especially for nature and street photography.
Lafayette Square Park
A charming park in St. Louis with beautiful gardens and Victorian-era homes surrounding it. It offers a peaceful setting for nature and architectural photography.
Mural Mile (Graffiti Wall)
A vibrant and colorful urban photography spot featuring street art, perfect for capturing unique and modern portraits.
The Hill
A historic Italian-American neighborhood with vibrant culture and architecture, ideal for street and cultural photography.
Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
A museum dedicated to the life of Scott Joplin, offering historical and architectural photography opportunities.
The Muny
A historic outdoor amphitheater offering unique architecture and scenic views, perfect for capturing symmetrical compositions.
World's Fair Pavilion
The World's Fair Pavilion is a historic structure located in Forest Park, offering scenic views and opportunities for architecture and landscape photography.
Lafayette Park Lake
A picturesque lake within Lafayette Park, offering serene views and opportunities for nature and landscape photography.
Mural Mile
A vibrant stretch of street art perfect for capturing colorful and dynamic urban scenes.
Crown Candy Kitchen
Crown Candy Kitchen is a historic candy store with a unique, nostalgic atmosphere. It's perfect for capturing colorful street and food photography.
7th Street Parking Garage
Located in downtown St. Louis, this parking garage is known for its natural lighting and unique architectural features, making it a popular spot for urban portraits and street photography.
Drace Park
A community park with natural surroundings and recreational facilities, offering opportunities for capturing family and sports photography.
Jennifer Brand Spa & Massage
A tranquil spa offering serene settings for interior photography, focusing on relaxation and wellness themes.