Francis Park - A breathtaking view of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Vienna, Austria, framed by vibrant cherry blossoms in full bloom. The delicate pink petals contrast beautifully with the historic architecture, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. The benches and pigeons in the foreground add to the serene charm of this springtime scene.
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Francis Park

4.8
·1k reviews·St. Louis, United States

A scenic St. Louis park featuring a tranquil lily pond, vibrant playground, and sports courts, with a popular beer garden.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
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Francis Park - A breathtaking view of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Vienna, Austria, framed by vibrant cherry blossoms in full bloom. The delicate pink petals contrast beautifully with the historic architecture, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere. The benches and pigeons in the foreground add to the serene charm of this springtime scene.

Francis Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic St. Louis park featuring a tranquil lily pond, vibrant playground, and sports courts, with a popular beer garden.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"Amazing park, has a beautiful small lotus pond. My favorite park in St. Louis."

Vertical photo
TIP

🅿️ Park Smart

Angle your car facing out for street parking to avoid costly tickets.

💧 Hydration Stations

Plenty of drinking fountains for humans and pets available throughout the park.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lily Pond Serenity

Lily Pond Serenity

Central area

A tranquil lily pond offers a peaceful escape with beautiful sculptures and mature trees.

Playground Fun

Playground Fun

Near beer garden

A spacious and modern playground that's a hit with families and younger visitors.

Sports Courts Galore

Sports Courts Galore

Near beer garden

Enjoy pickleball, tennis, and handball courts for a friendly game or active afternoon.

Rockwell Beer Garden

Rockwell Beer Garden

Near sports courts

Family-friendly spot with pizza, coffee, local beer, and a great atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by visiting Francis Park during weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends, especially during events, can get busy. Check for local farmers' markets or beer garden events for a lively atmosphere.

Parking Pointers

Street parking is plentiful around Francis Park, but pay close attention to parking signs to avoid tickets. Angled parking facing out is recommended by locals to prevent fines.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour views, beer garden buzz
Crowd
Medium
When
Event days
Why
Lively atmosphere, local fun
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

blue hour at francisco park ✨ #sf #cablecar
@loveletterstosf
108.5K likes • 511.9K views

🅿️ Park Smart

Angle your car facing out for street parking to avoid costly tickets. Reddit

💧 Hydration Stations

Plenty of drinking fountains for humans and pets available throughout the park. Reddit

Salesforce tower is the tallest building in San Francisco, but did you know about the park that was built next to it. Salesforce Park is a 5.4-acre public rooftop garden located atop the Salesforce Transit Center in downtown San Francisco. It has a walking trail, botanic gardens featuring 13 themed gardens, an amphitheater, a children's play area, and several food options. #sanfrancisco #sf #only...
@ashleyturner053
54.3K likes • 342.9K views
Today we checked out Francis Park at Blacktown Showground. It’s got a great water play area (that’s got shade sails), multiple playground areas with shade, a ninja warrior course, flying Fox, lots scooter paths, lots of tables, BBQ’s, green space and a Café on site plus toilets (no soap! 😳) Lots of free parking too. A great morning out and one we highly recommend. ✅
rydedistrictmums
73 likes • 3.9K views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths

A great spot for walks with your furry friends, with ample space and bins. Reddit

☀️ Summer Vibes

The beer garden and water features are highlights during warmer months. InstagramReddit

🌳Discover the Timeless Allure of Francis Park!🌳 Nestled in St. Louis, Missouri, Francis Park is a picturesque green space with a captivating history. Designed by renowned landscape architect George Kessler in 1917, the park stands as a testament to his visionary work. During World War II, Francis Park played an active role in the war effort, hosting scrap drives and war bond rallies that brought...
insidethelou
635 likes • 16.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🅿️ Park Smart

Angle your car facing out for street parking to avoid costly tickets. Reddit

💧 Hydration Stations

Plenty of drinking fountains for humans and pets available throughout the park. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Paths

A great spot for walks with your furry friends, with ample space and bins. Reddit

☀️ Summer Vibes

The beer garden and water features are highlights during warmer months. InstagramReddit

👟 Active Pursuits

Bring your gear for pickleball, tennis, or handball courts. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Francis Park is widely praised as a wonderful city park offering a blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Visitors love the serene lily pond, the well-maintained sports courts, and the family-friendly playground. The Rockwell Beer Garden is a popular social hub, though some note it can be seasonal. Parking is generally easy, but attention to signage is advised.

"Big park with a long outer edge sidewalk. Included a short inner walkway too. Plenty of parking, trash bins, and drinking fountains for people and pets! Lots of big beautiful houses all around"

The Great Satan

"Wonderful city park! Great place to take a walk, stroll with your pup, or play pickle ball. Clean park! Make sure that you follow the directions to park on the angle facing out if you wish to avoid a costly parking ticket."

Suzanne Chisum

"Amazing park, has a beautiful small lotus pond. Has squash / handball courts (I think). A few tennis and a few pickleball courts, these two which are right next to the beer garden that has amazing pizza and coffee. Closed down for the winter but such a cool spot during the summer. It has a nice big playground for kids as well and ample distance to walk. Such a nice neighborhood around. They also have great events probably a couple times a month. I think it’s my favorite park in St. Louis."

N c

What People Like

Beautiful lily pond
Great playground
Sports courts

What People Dislike

Seasonal beer garden
Parking ticket risk

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Francis Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri. It's accessible by car, with ample street parking available. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point. Instagram

Yes, there is plenty of street parking around Francis Park. Remember to park at an angle facing out to avoid potential parking tickets. Reddit

Francis Park is a great destination for cyclists. There are scooter paths and ample space to enjoy a ride within the park. Instagram

While specific routes vary, St. Louis has a public transportation system that may serve areas near Francis Park. Checking local transit schedules is recommended. Instagram

The park features a long outer edge sidewalk and a shorter inner walkway, perfect for strolls. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Francis Park is a public park and generally free to enter. TikTok

As a public park, Francis Park is typically open from dawn until dusk. However, specific amenities like the beer garden may have their own operating hours. Reddit

Entry to the park itself is free. Some special events, like farmers' markets or concerts, might have associated costs or require tickets. Instagram+1

Generally, parks have rules against littering, excessive noise, and certain activities. Always check local park regulations. Reddit

While there are many tables and green spaces for picnics, dedicated reservations for specific spots are usually not available in public parks. Arrive early for the best selection. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can enjoy walking, playing pickleball, tennis, handball, visiting the playground, and relaxing by the lily pond. The beer garden is also a popular spot. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! It features a nice, large children's play area and is generally family-friendly. TikTokReddit

Yes, there are bathrooms located on the back side of the beer garden. Reddit

Yes, Francis Park is a great place to walk your dog. There are drinking fountains for pets. Reddit

The park boasts several pickleball, tennis, and handball courts. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Rockwell Beer Garden is located within the park, offering pizza, snacks, and drinks. There's also a cafe on-site. InstagramReddit+1

The beer garden serves pizza, snacks, and local beer. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are plenty of tables and green spaces perfect for picnics. Instagram

Yes, there's a cafe on-site and coffee is available at the beer garden. InstagramReddit

Yes, Francis Park has BBQ facilities available for public use. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The lily pond, the mature trees, and the general scenic beauty of the park offer great photo opportunities. The beer garden area also provides a lively backdrop. InstagramReddit

Yes, late afternoons offer beautiful lighting, especially around the pond and open green spaces. Reddit

Yes, the sports courts are part of the park's amenities and can be photographed. Reddit

The lily pond with its sculptures and the mature trees are notable features for photography. Reddit

With its playgrounds and scenic spots, Francis Park can be a lovely location for family photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Francis Park is a fantastic destination for families. The spacious and modern playground is a huge hit with children, offering plenty of room to play and explore. TikTokReddit The park also has ample green space for running around and a lily pond that can be fascinating for little ones to observe. Reddit The nearby Rockwell Beer Garden is very family-friendly, offering pizza and snacks, making it easy to grab a bite while the kids play. Instagram Plus, the availability of BBQ facilities means you can easily plan a fun family picnic. Instagram

👟 Sports Enthusiasts

For those who love to stay active, Francis Park offers a great selection of courts. You'll find pickleball, tennis, and handball courts ready for use. Reddit Many visitors note the number of courts available, making it a popular spot for casual games and friendly competition. Reddit The beer garden's proximity to these courts makes it convenient to grab a refreshing drink or snack after a game. Reddit

🐶 Pet Owners

Francis Park is a welcoming spot for your four-legged companions. It's a great place for dog walks, with a long outer sidewalk and plenty of open space for them to enjoy. Reddit The park is equipped with drinking fountains for pets, ensuring they stay hydrated during your visit. Reddit Remember to be mindful of other park visitors and clean up after your pet.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Stroll Through History and Nature

Francis Park, designed by landscape architect George Kessler in 1917, is a testament to thoughtful urban green space planning. Instagram The park offers a serene escape with its beautiful lily pond, featuring unique sculptures and surrounded by mature, diverse trees that provide ample shade. Visitors often praise the peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing walk or quiet contemplation. Reddit

The park's long outer sidewalk and shorter inner walkway are perfect for leisurely strolls, whether you're walking a dog, pushing a stroller, or simply enjoying the scenery. Reddit The presence of drinking fountains for both people and pets adds to the convenience for visitors. Reddit It's a place where nature's beauty meets thoughtful design, offering a refreshing break from city life. Reddit

Active Fun and Social Hub

Beyond its natural beauty, Francis Park is a hub for active recreation and social gatherings. It boasts a variety of sports facilities, including pickleball, tennis, and handball courts, making it a popular spot for sports enthusiasts. Reddit The park also features a large, modern playground that is a major draw for families with children, ensuring fun for all ages. TikTokReddit

A key social element of the park is the Rockwell Beer Garden, which offers a family-friendly environment with pizza, snacks, and local beer. InstagramReddit This spot is particularly vibrant during warmer months and often hosts events like farmers' markets, adding to the community feel. InstagramReddit With ample tables and BBQ facilities, it's also a great place for picnics and gatherings. Instagram

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