Gateway Arch Grounds Walk

This is less a hike and more a stroll beneath one of the most photographed structures in America — but that doesn't make it forgettable. The paved loop winds around the base of the 630-foot Gateway Arch, and the scale hits differently when you're standing directly underneath it rather than seeing it from across the river. The paths are smooth and flat, cutting through manicured grounds with clear sightlines to the Old Courthouse and the Mississippi River. You'll spend most of your time craning your neck. The walk itself takes fifteen to thirty minutes, but budget extra time because you will stop to take photos — everyone does. This is perfect for families with strollers, anyone with mobility concerns, or travelers squeezing in a national park visit between flights at Lambert.