Experience · St. Paul

Como Park & River Bluffs Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the vast Como Park, home to a popular zoo and conservatory. Take a leisurely walk through its beautiful trails and gardens, soaking in the natural beauty. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed lunch at Cafe Astoria, known for its crepes and cozy ambiance. Conclude your outing with a brief, scenic stop at Summit Lookout Park for panoramic views of the city, completing a perfect St. Paul afternoon.

A 3.5-hour St. Paul afternoon plan for solo — Como Park, Cafe Astoria, Summit Lookout Park.

Duration: 3h 30m
Cost: $25–$75
Stops: 3 stops
Area: Como Park + 1 more
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 4.1-mile driving route
Best time: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Ideal for: Solo · Couples · Friends · Adults

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The plan

1Como Park(1 hr 30 min)→
2Cafe Astoria(1 hr 15 min)→
3Summit Lookout Park(45 min)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 4.1 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of St. Paul instead of crossing town between them. Como Park is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Summit Lookout Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to solo, couples, friends, and adults who want a planned St. Paul outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
1h 30m
Como Park
Family · Como Park
Trails surround a lake in this scenic, grassy park featuring a popular zoo & conservatory.
What to do — Take a leisurely walk around the lake, visit the conservatory, or enjoy the outdoor beauty of this large park.
3.6 mi · 11 min drive
Then Drive a short distance south to Cafe Astoria in the West Seventh - Fort Road area.
2
1h 15m
Cafe Astoria
Food & Drink · West Seventh - Fort Road
Outpost for coffee & espresso as well as crepes, baked goods & salads in warm, comfy surrounds.
What to do — Grab a coffee and choose from their selection of crepes or light lunch items in a relaxed atmosphere.
0.5 mi · 10 min walk or 4 min drive
Then Take a quick drive or walk west to Summit Lookout Park for a final scenic view.
3
Optional 45 min
Summit Lookout Park
Outdoors · West Seventh - Fort Road
Grassy public park with a 19th-c. bronze eagle sculpture & free outdoor fitness classes in summer.
What to do — Relax on a bench, take in the expansive views, and capture some memorable photos from the lookout.

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The route

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good St. Paul itinerary for solo?: Yes. It's built for solo, couples, friends, and adults and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Como Park.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this St. Paul itinerary cost?: Roughly $25–$75 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Not entirely. The stops cover about 4.1 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

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