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Top 10 Things to do in Maryland Heights, MO

Nestled northwest of St. Louis, Maryland Heights has plenty to offer residents who may work in the city but want to relax closer to home. There are exciting nearby attractions, beautiful community parks, unique restaurants, and plenty of places to shop! There are always fun things to do in Maryland Heights. Our office team at Whisper Hollow Apartments is local, which means we know and love the area. Our list below can help you find your personal favorites!


Top 5 Restaurants in Maryland Heights



You don’t need to drive into St. Louis proper to enjoy a great meal! Maryland Heights has many incredible, local restaurants that will inspire you to keep coming back for more! Our short list below includes some of the best restaurants in Maryland Heights. Whether you want to grab lunch with a friend, have drinks with dinner, or try new types of cuisine, there are restaurants nearby serving what you crave!

Fried shrimp with a side of dipping sauce.

Vivola Express

People who live and work in Maryland Heights know that Vivola Express, a locally-owned sandwich shop, is likely to have a long line. On busy weekdays, the queue goes out the door and down the street. They’re only open for weekday lunches, but they’ve mastered the art of sandwich-making. People rave about their pastrami, and the Spicy Meatball Pepp has a borderline cult following.

There are so many options, including both hot and cold sandwiches, all of which are stacked high with freshly-sliced meats and cheese. Round out your meal with a bowl of soup or their housemade lobster bisque. Can’t choose due to decision fatigue? The “Surprise Me” is different every time and sure to hit the spot! You won’t mind waiting in line for one of these incredible sandwiches!

A plate of fried spring rolls on a wooden board with tomatoes in the background.

India Palace

When you’re hungry, interested in trying new dishes, or in need of the fastest service possible, stop by Indian Palace to enjoy their lunch buffet! They offer an incredible assortment of the most popular Indian dishes, such as biryani, curries, and tandoori. You can pick whatever you’re craving and keep coming back for more until you’re full.

Prefer a traditional dinner or take-out over a buffet? India Palace has you covered. Their extensive a la carte menu features numerous kinds of naan (traditional flatbreads), as well as stuffed breads and deep-fried breads. You can order fried fish or paneer, the traditional Indian cheese. They serve chicken, fish, seafood, lamb, goat, and vegetarian dishes, which means there’s something for just about everyone on their menu! If you have a sweet tooth, their dessert menu includes eight different sweet treats, including mango ice cream and rice pudding flavored with saffron!

A plate of food with a piece of meat and vegetables.

Off the Grill

Since 1990, Off the Grill has been a popular BBQ destination in Maryland Heights. You can find most flame-grilled staples on their menu, including BBQ pork rib tips, grilled mushrooms, chop steak, chicken filets, and massive eight-ounce burgers! People looking for health-conscious options may appreciate their turkey burger, as well as their fresh salads.

Locals swear by their sirloin tips, which are tender, perfectly-seasoned, and ordered in sizes starting at seven ounces. They also happily prepare to order more upscale cuts of meat, such as ribeye and filet mignon. For side dishes, enjoy one of their locally-famous rolls, a loaded baked potato, or fries smothered in cheese and bacon. They also offer small side salads and steam-grilled veggies. Just make sure you save room for a chocolate chip cookie or a slice of cheesecake for dessert!

A close up of a hot dog with toppings.

Basso on the Plaza at Westport

Located in Westport Plaza, Basso on the Plaza boasts an open kitchen, an inviting, modern dining area, and a fireplace for ambiance. Their modern take on Italian food is sure to thrill you, whether you find yourself craving steak, pizza, or pasta. If you want to try multiple dishes, visit for lunch between 11 and 2, when they offer a pick-two lunch menu! You can enjoy a half salad or wedding soup along with a half pasta or pizza for just $19!

They also serve up convenient lunch sandwiches, such as the Italian beef, topped with provolone, garlic aioli, giardiniera (Italian pickles), banana peppers, and olives. The dinner menu is extensive, with everything from a class Caesar salad with focaccia crumbs to swordfish served with fennel and arugula. Try their truffle fries for a modern take on a classic comfort food. You’ll have your choice of pastas and pizzas, as well as dessert options ranging from house-made gelato to the classic cannoli everyone loves!

A plate of fried chicken wings and two red chili peppers.

DD Mau Vietnamese Eatery

Craving fresh food with rich flavors? That’s exactly what you’ll find at DD Mau Vietnamese Eatery. This fast casual Vietnamese restaurant is popular enough to have a location here in Maryland Heights and in Webster Groves as well. Once you’ve tried their food, either to enjoy a sit-down meal or to grab takeout for back home.

Their salad bowls are fresh and flavorful. They top spring mix lettuce with your choice of protein and fresh veggies, and they serve it with a Vietnamese or veggie egg roll. Their rice bowls are also fresh and filling. You can choose brown or jasmine rice, as well as your protein. They top it with fresh veggies and an over-easy egg. The broth for their pho noodle soup is also the best in the area! Their beverage menu is larger than their food menu, and you can count on a Vietnamese coffee when you need an afternoon pick-me-up!

Top 5 Places To Go In Maryland Heights



Residents of Maryland Heights don’t need to drive into St. Louis to find entertainment. Some of the most exciting local destinations are right here! Whether you want someplace to explore the great outdoors, fun shopping, or a chance to learn local history, there's something fun to do nearby in Maryland Heights.
Two women are walking in a gallery, one of them is holding a white object.

Looking for a fun way to stay fit, a personal challenge, or an exciting way to spend time with friends or family? You may want to plan a visit to Upper Limits Rock Gym & Pro Shop. This massive indoor facility offers a world-class rock climbing and bouldering experience, all just a short drive from Whisper Hollow! If you have experience rock climbing, you can sign an online waiver and then buy a day pass to climb until your arms give out!

If you’re new to rock climbing, then you’re in luck! They have classes and youth camps to help new climbers master the basics. They also host groups, including an adaptive climbing group for those with physical limitations. There are memberships available for those who climb regularly, and it is also possible to reserve portions of the facility for special events, such as birthday parties.

A woman is looking at clothes on a rack in a room with two potted plants.

The Centene Community Ice Center is more than just a hockey rink! It’s also a modern entertainment facility that hosts live shows, including concerts. There are public skating times nearly year-round for skaters of all ages and skill levels. There are community hockey skate sessions, including special times for players 8 and younger to learn on the ice without adults and bigger kids dominating the rink.

For those who want to learn hockey skills, there are camps and clinics throughout the year. The Centene Community Ice Center is also home to the Saint Louis Music Park, which draws popular bands from all over to perform for up to 4,500 people. The 314 Social Bar and Restaurant boasts a full bar and extensive menu. There’s also a concession stand for fueling up without leaving the rink!

A sign in front of a church provides information about the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.

Open from late May through early September, the Maryland Heights Aquaport is one of the most popular attractions in the area! Local residents may want to purchase a season pass so that they can visit as much as they want all summer. Aquaport has numerous exciting attractions, a concession stand, plenty of parking, and changing facilities that include showers. The attractions within Aquaport range from relaxing to adventurous. There’s a Kid’s Area with shallow pools, a small Wacky Water Slide, and interactive sprayers. There are also larger slides, including the Rapids, Flume, and Tube Slides. The Extreme Bowl swirls swimmers around a large funnel before dropping them into the pool below, while the FlowRider offers an experience close to surfing or bodyboarding. This is THE place to cool off during the summer in Maryland Heights!

A woman is running in a park.

Why walk a sprawling mall when Westport Plaza has all of the same amenities and attractions on a much smaller footprint? Not only are there two on-site hotels, but there are multiple entertainment venues inside Westport Plaza. Take in a comedy show at the Funny Bone Comedy Club. Enjoy a chill musical experience at Backstreet Jazz & Blues Club. Westport Social offers an adult haven in its gaming lounge, which is 21 and up after 4 PM. Challenge friends, co-workers, or strangers in darts, ping pong, snookball, indoor bocce ball, and shuffleboard, which includes your choice of tabletop and floor play areas.

If you’re looking for a meal, drink, or snack, Westport Plaza has plenty of options! From modern Italian dishes at Basson on the Plaza to authentic Mexican flavors at Que Pique, sushi at Drunken Fish, and classic bar/comfort foods at Trainwreck Saloon, there are plenty of options. There’s also a barbershop, a waxing/threading salon, and even the Rawlings Experience Retail Store, which is a must-visit for baseball fans!

A brown and white cow with a black nose and ears is staring at the camera.

The St. Louis area has played an important role in aviation history, so it’s no wonder that one of the most unique aviation museums in the country is right here in Maryland Heights! A short drive to the Creve Coeur Airport to explore the Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum. There are more than four dozen incredible planes on display here in four specialized display hangars. Many of the planes are fabric-covered and kept in working order by the dedicated staff!

Most of the unique planes on display here were in use between 1916 and 1949. The Museum specifically focuses on the Golden Age of Flight, which ran from roughly 1920 to 1939. A guided tour of the collection can help you learn about the history of flight, as well as how many of the planes on display here have connections to local history!  

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