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Guide to Saint Paul

Scenic views

A vantage point that lets you take in the horizon without having to fight a crowd for the view.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
High Bridge Overlook image 1
High Bridge Overlook image 2
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Elevated spot offers spectacular views of downtown Saint Paul, the river, cathedral, and State Capital. Atmosphere stays quiet and romantic despite city surroundings. Accessible parking and seating make it easy to enjoy the scenery.

The overlook offers spectacular views of the city skyline, the river, and iconic landmarks like the cathedral and state capital. Both directions of the river are visible, making it a great spot for photos and taking in the scenery.

People are saying

"The scenic views of the city and river from the overlook are gorgeous."

"I enjoyed the great views of the city and river."

"I found plenty of parking available."

Good to know

1

There is adequate free parking available at the overlook.

2

Accessible parking is provided for visitors with disabilities.

3

Ample seating is available for visitors to enjoy the views.

02
Highland Park Water Tower image 1

Climb 151 steps with resting platforms to reach a tall water tower. Enjoy panoramic views of Minneapolis and St. Paul, especially Downtown Minneapolis. Limited access twice a year makes for a quiet, scenic experience with rich history.

Panoramic views from the top offer peaceful sights of the Twin Cities and landmarks. The view towards Downtown Minneapolis stands out, with breathtaking scenes even on cloudy days.

People are saying

"The scenic views of the Twin Cities from the water tower are amazing."

"The nice view of the Twin Cities is amazing from the water tower."

"The historical sites offer amazing, scenic views of the Twin Cities."

Good to know

1

The Highland Water Tower opens to the public only twice a year, in July and October.

2

Visitors can climb 151 steps to reach the observation deck for scenic views.

3

Expect long lines during open days; arrive early to secure your spot.

03
Wicahapi Lookout image 1
Scenic spot

Scenic spot offers city skyline and Mississippi River views with peaceful trails for walking. Open space after clearing boosts visibility and solitude. Enjoy sunsets with few visitors and dynamic sights like trains and airport activity.

Views include city skyline, Mississippi River, and sunsets. Trains and the airport add dynamic elements to the scene.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great view of the city and river."

"I thought it was the best place to photograph a sunset."

"I loved the great scenic views of the city and river."

Good to know

1

There is limited parking, with more than one area available at Wicahapi Lookout.

2

The overlook offers great views of St. Paul and the Mississippi River.

3

Expect beautiful sunset views from Wicahapi Lookout.

04
Two Rivers Overlook image 1

High vantage point offers stunning river views of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meeting. Historic fort walls and the MN-5 bridge add to the cityscape. Green spaces with benches and walking paths create a peaceful atmosphere enhanced by informative plaques about local history.

Views capture the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers clearly. The overlook offers cityscapes including Fort Snelling and the MN-5 bridge.

People are saying

"I loved the great views of the rivers converging."

"I enjoyed the nice view of the two rivers converging."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy most days at the overlook.

2

The beach access is convenient for kayaks and fishing.

3

Walking paths nearby allow for a stroll through Hidden Falls after visiting the overlook.

05
Pike Island image 1
Hiking area

Wide, flat trails with easy walking suit all ages and dogs. Loop offers striking river views at the Minnesota and Mississippi confluence. Path around Pike Island is light and perfect for family outings.

A loop trail offers striking views of the confluence where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers meet. The path around Pike Island is light and easy, with river views throughout.

People are saying

"I loved the scenic views of the rivers coming together."

"I saw a nice view of the rivers coming together."

Good to know

1

The paths are well maintained and suitable for walking.

2

This location is great for both kids and adults.

3

Pike Island may not be stroller friendly, but it's manageable.

06
The Monument image 1

Huge obelisk with a cross crowns a park with stunning river views and peaceful gardens. Grassy areas invite quiet reflection while a nearby trail offers scenic bike rides along the Mississippi. Occasional rowdy behavior can disrupt the calm atmosphere.

Great views of the Mississippi River dominate the scene. Gardens add to the beautiful city river view.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the nice view of the river."

"I loved the scenic views of the mighty Mississippi river."

"It's a nice little grassy area to relax and reflect in."

Good to know

1

The parking lot at The Monument is newly repaved for easier access.

2

Enjoy a grassy area for relaxation and reflection at the monument.

3

The view from The Monument offers great photo opportunities.

07
Harriet Island Regional Park image 1

Park features stunning river views and a bandshell with live music. Quiet paths attract an older crowd for scenic walks. Picnic areas and food vendors support casual gatherings and festivals.

Great views of the Mississippi River and Downtown Saint Paul stand out. Walking across the bridge and visiting Raspberry Island offer unique perspectives of the riverfront and cityscape.

People are saying

"I loved the nice view of downtown and the river."

"The fair had great food, beer, vendors, and live music."

"You'll love the great views of downtown and the river."

Good to know

1

Paddleboats offer affordable midday rides and romantic sunset rides from the park.

2

Food trucks are available on select days during events at the park.

3

Parking can be confusing and limited at Harriet Island Regional Park.

08
Minnesota State Capitol image 1

Massive dome and detailed stonework create a classical architecture marvel. Interior boasts marble finishes and elegant murals, giving a regal feel. Climb 63 steps for panoramic city views and golden sculptures atop the roof.

Climbing 63 steps leads to a rooftop with a gold statue and golden sculptures. The spot offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the cathedral.

People are saying

"This beautiful historical site's architecture is grandiose and stunning."

"The guided tours are so insightful and passionate about history and architecture."

"The architecture here is magnificent and grand."

Good to know

1

Entry to the Minnesota State Capitol is free for all visitors.

2

Guided tours start at the beginning of every hour.

3

The Capitol closes at 3 pm on Saturdays.

09
Shadow Falls Park image 1

Small park offers gorgeous Mississippi River views and a moss-covered waterfall. Trails range from paved paths for biking to steep, muddy dirt paths along the creek. Shaded spots with trees invite relaxation and hammocking.

Gorgeous views of the Mississippi River stand out here. The park offers beautiful creek valley and river views from above, all within a small, scenic setting.

People are saying

"I loved exploring the fun trails by the creek."

"I found the views of the Mississippi River to be really beautiful."

"The scenic views of the river here are beautiful."

Good to know

1

The park has a parking lot, drinking fountain, and porta potty.

2

Parents should have children use the restroom before walking any of the trails.

3

The park features a waterfall that leads into the Mississippi River.

10
The New Victorian Mansion Bed & Breakfast image 1

Victorian mansion offers historic charm and modern luxury in a quiet neighborhood. Large rooms open to balconies with Cathedral views, stunning at night. Shared spaces feel warm and inviting, especially during lively breakfast moments.

Rooms feature balconies and porches with beautiful views of the neighborhood and the Cathedral. The Cathedral dominates the landscape and looks especially stunning at night.

People are saying

"Mohamed made our breakfast feel so personal and welcoming."

"The view of the Cathedral from my balcony was picture perfect."

"The scenic views of the Cathedral are stunning, especially at night."

Good to know

1

The booking process is straightforward and user-friendly.

2

Rooms feature luxurious amenities, including heated bathroom floors.

3

Breakfast items like fresh fruit and eggs are available in the fridge.

11
Cathedral of Saint Paul image 1
Catholic cathedral

Cathedral boasts majestic architecture and intricate artwork that inspire awe. Quiet chapels offer a peaceful, spiritual vibe perfect for reflection. From its hilltop, enjoy great city views including the Capitol building.

A hilltop cathedral offers great views of the city and the Capitol building. Visitors can see the cityscape and the capital from its vantage point.

People are saying

"This place is a peaceful Meditation Spot with beautiful stained glass."

"The historical sites here are beautiful and breathtaking."

"The architecture here is beautiful and magnificent."

Good to know

1

Visiting the Cathedral of Saint Paul is free, with optional donations.

2

Parking is often full during mass; consider street parking.

3

On Sundays, donuts and coffee are served after Mass.

12
Wicaḣapi Regional Park image 1

Historic burial mounds and ancient trails create a peaceful atmosphere perfect for reflection. Walking paths wind through prairie and wildflowers, offering stunning city skyline views including Saint Paul. Playgrounds and courts add recreational elements uncommon in cemeteries.

Offers beautiful views of both city skylines with a clear sight of Saint Paul. Great spot for a walk while enjoying the skyline view.

People are saying

"The park's beautiful setting offers great skyline views and walking paths."

"I enjoyed the great skyline view of the city."

"I enjoyed the nice view of the city skyline."

Good to know

1

Respect the burial mounds as they hold cultural significance.

2

Police patrol the park at night to ensure safety.

3

Expect some areas, like tennis courts, to be in disrepair.

13
Lilydale Regional Park image 1

Park features river and lake views with paved paths perfect for biking and roller skating. Trails run alongside water, offering scenic spots including Pickerel Lake and downtown skyline. Spacious covered picnic area adds to the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by bikers and dog walkers.

Views include Pickerel Lake, The Mississippi River, and a sweet downtown skyline. Trails run alongside water, offering many scenic spots.

People are saying

"I loved the scenic river views and trails at these parks."

"It's a great place to walk your dog on the nice trails."

"You'll love the beautiful river and lake views here."

Good to know

1

The park has numerous hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

2

The dog park is a great space for pets to play and socialize.

3

Expect to see many birds, making it a good spot for birdwatching.

14
Como Lakeside Pavilion image 1
Performing arts theater

Outdoor pavilion offers orchestra-quality music with a cool lake breeze. Visitors enjoy scenic lake views and walking trails. Friendly crowd creates a welcoming community vibe for sitting or dancing.

Views stretch east over the water, offering a clear sight of the lake. Performances take place with a backdrop of lake views that add to the experience.

People are saying

"It's a great outdoor space with a nice walking path around the lake."

"I enjoyed the fun live music while sitting by the water."

"I loved the scenic views over the water and lake."

Good to know

1

Free concerts are held regularly at Como Lakeside Pavilion during the summer.

2

Parking is free but can be difficult to find on weekends.

3

The pavilion hosts live music events, often at no cost to attendees.

15
Anytime Fitness image 1

Gym features a modern remodel with a spacious layout and natural light. Friendly, non-judgemental atmosphere supports varied workouts with quality equipment. Enjoy river views of downtown St Paul and the Mississippi while exercising.

Views include downtown St Paul’s waterfront and the Mississippi River, visible from spacious workout areas. The scenery boosts morale during cardio and adds a pleasant backdrop to exercise.

People are saying

"I loved the nice view of the river and downtown."

"I found the Gyms to be recently updated and clean."

"The gym has gorgeous scenic views of the river."

Good to know

1

The gym closes at 10 pm, which is understandable due to the apartments upstairs.

2

Parking can be a hassle, so plan accordingly.

3

The gym is clean and one of the more spacious locations for Anytime Fitness.

16
Como Regional Park image 1

Spacious park features a beautiful conservatory and Japanese garden for peaceful strolls. Scenic paths and a colonial-style pavilion offer stunning lake views and photo spots. Picnic areas and a zoo add fun, while free entry makes visits easy.

Paths wind through the park offering many scenic spots to pause and enjoy views. The colonial-style pavilion overlooks the lake and swan pedal boats, creating a great backdrop for photos.

People are saying

"I loved Como Regional Park's scenic beauty and all the activities."

"The zoo is free, so I highly recommend donating to support it."

"It's a beautiful place with peaceful, soothing surroundings."

Good to know

1

Como Regional Park is free to access, but donations are appreciated.

2

Parking can be very difficult to find, especially during events.

3

The park features a small zoo that is also free to visit.

17
Summit Lookout Park image 1

Small park offers amazing views of the city and Mississippi River valley, surrounded by historic mansions. Visitors enjoy a quiet atmosphere with benches for relaxing and paths for walking or biking. Well-maintained grounds create an intimate vibe despite some car noise.

Views overlook the Mississippi River valley and the city, offering a peaceful and well-kept spot to take in the scenery.

People are saying

"The view of the city and river is beautiful."

"It's a nice quiet place to sit and read or just relax."

"I enjoyed the amazing, beautiful view of the city and river."

Good to know

1

Weekly donation-based yoga classes are held at Summit Lookout Park.

2

Summertime concerts at Summit Lookout Park are popular neighborhood events.

3

The park has no bathrooms nearby, so plan accordingly.

18
Ordway Center for the Performing Arts image 1

Enjoy phenomenal acoustics and intimate setting in an elegant, classic theater. Every seat offers great views and clear sightlines to the stage. Experience a family-friendly atmosphere with festive energy during performances.

Great views come from almost every seat, offering a clear sightline to the stage. Both theaters provide excellent sound and consistent visibility throughout the facility.

People are saying

"The performing arts venue here is especially beautiful."

"The shows here are so fun and full of energy."

"You get great views from almost any seat here."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in nearby lots, but can fill up quickly during events.

2

Tickets for popular shows often sell out weeks in advance; buy early.

3

The theater offers a family-friendly environment with accessible seating options.

19
Cherokee Regional Park image 1

Park offers breathtaking river views from High Bridge Overlook and spacious green areas with well-maintained walking trails. Families enjoy modern playgrounds and picnic shelters in a peaceful, serene atmosphere.

Breathtaking views of the Mississippi River Valley and the St. Paul skyline dominate from the High Bridge Overlook. Multiple spots offer gorgeous river vistas alongside picnic areas and a playground.

People are saying

"These parks offer serene, secluded trails with gorgeous river views."

"It's a beautiful place for a picnic with serene atmosphere and great views."

"The scenic views of the river valley and skyline are breathtaking."

Good to know

1

The park has picnic areas, pavilions, and a basketball court for recreational activities.

2

Restroom facilities are available and well-maintained throughout the park.

3

Free parking is available along the streets adjacent to the park.

20
SpringHill Suites by Marriott St. Paul Downtown image 1

Hotel features quiet hallways and modern rooms with amazing city views from higher floors. Indoor pool has a kid-friendly section with fun water features. Secure, heated parking adds ease and safety for guests.

Rooms offer amazing views of downtown and the nearby airport. Staying on higher floors like the 10th provides a nice cityscape outlook.

People are saying

"The hotel staff's genuine warmth and attentiveness made my stay memorable."

"The free breakfast here was amazing and well stocked."

"The city views from the room were amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available underground and requires a hotel key card for access.

2

The hotel is within walking distance of the Minnesota Children’s Museum.

3

On-site paid parking is available for guests.

21
Delta Sky Club G Concourse image 1

Expansive travel lounge offers luxurious decor and spacious seating for comfort. Large bars and an outdoor sky deck provide plane watching opportunities. Expansive views over gates and runways shine through big windows and skylights, creating a sunlit atmosphere with peaceful quiet rooms.

Expansive views stretch over the G gates and one of the runways, visible through large windows and open skylights. The lounge features a second-floor vantage point and a second bar area that lets in plenty of sunlight.

People are saying

"This lounge is modern with two bars and amazing views."

"The food options were plentiful and tasty."

"The lounge offers expansive, beautiful views of the G gates and runway."

Good to know

1

Food is served starting at 10:30 AM.

2

The lounge is clean and modern with lots of room.

3

Expect a friendly service experience.

22
Holiday Inn St. Paul Downtown image 1

Rooms on the 7th and 8th floors offer beautiful cathedral views. Quiet, clean rooms contrast with a lively bar and restaurant that buzz after events. Amenities include a small pool and hot tub that stay uncrowded, though hallways can be noisy with staff activity.

Rooms on the 7th and 8th floors offer beautiful views of the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral. Some rooms face parking but still show the cathedral in the distance, which looks pretty at night.

People are saying

"This hotel is a short walk to the Xcel Center."

"The bar staff was so friendly and helpful."

"I loved the beautiful view of St. Paul's Cathedral from the 7th or 8th floor."

Good to know

1

Parking is not guaranteed until after 4 pm, which may cause inconvenience.

2

The parking garage next to the hotel costs $20 per night and is gated.

3

The hotel is within walking distance of many attractions and dining options.

23
Courtyard by Marriott St. Paul Downtown image 1

Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with city views that highlight downtown's charm. Enjoy mid-century modern design paired with quiet comfort despite some street noise. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, gym, and indoor pool plus a cozy outdoor fireplace area.

Huge windows provide a fantastic view of the city. Rooms offer a great view of downtown with a clean and comfortable setting.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were friendly and helpful with my requests."

"The rooms felt modern, comfortable, and super clean."

"You get a fantastic view of the city from the room."

Good to know

1

Parking is not available at the hotel; consider using the nearby ramp.

2

The Bistro does not accept cash for any meals or drinks.

3

Breakfast is not included with your stay; it costs extra.

24
Allianz Field image 1

Open stadium design offers fantastic views from every seat with steep seating ensuring clear sightlines. Lively energy and a brew hall create a fun, social vibe. Families enjoy a large playground and sensory kits for a welcoming experience.

Steep seating provides amazing views from every seat. The stadium's modern design ensures clear sightlines to the pitch. Fans enjoy great views of the game and sky throughout the venue.

People are saying

"The live sports atmosphere here is awesome with high-energy fans."

"It's so Kid Friendly, they even have a playground!"

"You get great views of the game from everywhere."

Good to know

1

Clear bags are allowed, but larger bags will be turned away at security.

2

Food and drinks are available, but prices can be quite high.

3

Expect long lines for food and drinks during halftime.

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