St. Louis is a great city, but we all need a little escape every now and then. There is a range of fun weekend getaway options near St. Louis, from campsites to wineries to amusement parks for the kiddos.
Let’s check out some of the best weekend getaway destinations near St. Louis!
For the Camping Enthusiasts:
If escaping into nature is your thing, there are several campsites within driving distance of St. Louis. Don’t forget to check availability and reserve campsites in advance as they tend to book up quickly!
Here are some of our favorites:
1. Shawnee National Forest
- Location: Illinois
- Distance: About two hours south of St. Louis
- Highlights: Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and the Garden of the Gods
There’s so much to do at Shawnee National Forest, from hiking and camping to fishing, boating, or horseback riding. Shawnee is home to the popular Garden of the Gods hike, featuring extraordinary rock formations and gorgeous views of the Shawnee Forest woodlands. It’s truly a sight to see.
2. Mark Twain National Forest
- Location: Missouri
- Distance: About two hours southeast of St. Louis
- Highlights: Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, mountain biking, and horseback riding
Mark Twain National Forest is massive, spanning 1.5 million acres of public land across 29 counties in Missouri. The forest features over 750 miles of hiking trails and 350 miles of beautiful streams, ideal for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.
4. Castlewood State Park
- Location: Missouri
- Distance: About 30 minutes west of St. Louis
- Highlights: Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming
Considered one of the best mountain biking locations in the St. Louis area, Castlewood State Park is located along the Meramec River and offers 26 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails.
Romantic Getaways for Winery/Brewery Enthusiasts:
There’s nothing better than enjoying a glass of red or an ice-cold IPA on your weekend vacation. Try to reserve a table in advance at these wineries and breweries!
1. Hermann, Missouri: 1 hour (58 miles)
Located one hour (58 miles) from St. Louis, Hermann features wineries, breweries, the Hermann Amphitheater, and the Hermann Museum. We recommend renting bikes to explore the town and beautiful German-American architecture.
If you like wineries, here are some great ones to check out:
- Stone Hill Winery: This is Missouri’s oldest winery, dating back to 1847! They offer wine tastings, cellar tours, and a restaurant.
- Hermannhof Winery: Hermannhof is best known for its Riesling, but it also produces other great blends.
- Adam Puchta Winery: A family-owned winery that produces Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. They offer tastings, tours, and a cute little gift shop.
Although Hermann is better known for its wineries, they also have a growing brewery scene. Here are three of our favorites:
- Hermann Brewing Company: This local brewery offers IPAs, ales, and lagers as well as a tasting room and restaurant.
- The Tin Star Brewery: This spot specializes in experimental beers, such as barrel-aged stouts and sours.
- Hermann Hill Winery & Brewery: Although this is primarily a winery, they also produce a variety of craft beers. They also offer tastings and tours of the winery/brewery.
Raise a glass to the vibrant vineyards near St. Louis – where every sip tells a story!
2. Augusta, Missouri: 1 hour (55 miles)
Also located only one hour from St. Louis, August is a popular destination for wine lovers. Here are a few wineries we love:
- Noboleis Vineyards: Noboleis is known for its wide variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
- Augusta Winery: This family-owned winery produces a range of wines, from sweet to dry.
- Stone Hill Winery: In addition to its location in Hermann, Stone Hill also has a great tasting room in Augusta.
In addition to wineries, Augusta also has a burgeoning craft beer scene, with several excellent breweries to choose from. Here are the top three in the area:
- Augusta Brewing Company: This local brewery offers a variety of craft beers, a tasting room, and a restaurant.
- The Tin Star Brewery: Tin Star specializes in unique and experimental beers, such as barrel-aged stouts and sours. They offer tastings and growler fills.
- Hermann Hill Winery & Brewery: While primarily known for its wines, Hermann Hill also produces a variety of great craft beers.
Family-Friendly Getaways:
From Legoland to museums to the Kansas City Zoo, there are tons of vacation options for families traveling from St. Louis with young kids or teenagers. Here are some options:
1. Alton, Illinois:
Located about one hour west of St. Louis, Alton offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River and several museums and historic sites, making it a great destination for families seeking an educational vacation experience.
Here are some great spots to check out:
- Alton State Historic Site: This is great for history buffs and families interested in the Civil War. Located on the site of a former Union Army encampment, the park offers a glimpse into the lives of soldiers and civilians during the war.
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center: The Interpretive Center offers families a journey through the Lewis and Clark expedition. The center features interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and historical artifacts.
- Boat Tour of the Mississippi River: A boat tour along the Mississippi River offers stunning views of the bluffs, historic landmarks, and river towns.
- Alton Museum of History and Art:strong>The Alton Museum of History and Art houses Native American pottery, early European tools, and Civil War memorabilia.
2. Kansas City, Missouri:
Although it is a bit of a trek (approx 4 hours from St. Louis / 248 miles), Kansas City is a great getaway if you’re traveling with kids. It’s home to an amusement park, zoo, Legoland, a science center, and a ton of other sights that are ideal for teens and toddlers.
Here are some other highlights:
- Worlds of Fun Amusement Park: Kansas City is home to Worlds of Fun, a 325-acre amusement park with seven roller coasters, tons of thrill rides, and a massive waterpark titled Oceans of Fun.
- Kansas City Zoo: This world-class zoo is home to over 1,300 animals from around the world. It offers a variety of exhibits, including the Helzhausen Penguin Exhibit, the Polar Bear Exhibit, and the Elephant Trail.
- Legoland Discovery Center Kansas City: This indoor play area is perfect for kids. It features a LEGO® factory, a LEGO® Minifigure workshop, and a LEGO® play area.
- Kansas City Royals Baseball Game: If your kids are into sports, be sure to catch a Kansas City Royals baseball game at Kauffman Stadium.
- Kansas City Science Center: This interactive science museum is a great place for kids to learn about science and technology. It features a range of exhibits, including a planetarium and a dinosaur exhibit.
Thinking About Moving to St. Louis?
If you’re moving to St. Louis, we invite you to check out Draper and Kramer’s luxury rental properties, including Moda at the Hill located in the historic The Hill neighborhood.
