Hop in the car for a quick 30-minute drive west to historic St. Charles, one of the easiest day trips from St. Louis. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway for bachelor or bachelorette parties or day trips from St. Louis, there’s plenty to enjoy in the timeless and beautiful river city.
Plan Your Visit
Hop on I-64 or I-70 to get from St. Louis to St. Charles. As one of the best day trips for families, kiddos can enjoy a fast and easy car ride (and even be back home in time for a nap). Or, extend your stay into a weekend getaway as you savor all that St. Charles has to offer. There are plenty of places to stay in St. Charles that accommodate all interests and budgets, including traditional hotels, historic guest houses and vacation rentals, campgrounds, cabin rentals, and RV parks.
Things to Do
St. Charles is full of surprises and discoveries around every corner. Stroll along the 250-year-old Historic Main Street, the heart of the city that once served as an important river port in U.S. westward expansion. Along Main Street, you’ll find charming shops, renowned restaurants, historical attractions, and twinkling lights if you visit the perfect Christmas town during the holiday season.
Nearby, you’ll also find Frenchtown, an antique lover’s paradise where you can treasure hunt at numerous antique stores. The St. Charles Trolley operates Friday through Sunday from early May through December 24th and is a free and convenient way to get to and from various parts of St. Charles, including Main Street and Frenchtown.
For a serene meal and unbeatable countryside views, head out to the Historic Missouri Wine Country. Enjoy a glass of award-winning wine or explore the quaint towns that dot the picturesque region. Or, hop on the 240-mile-long Katy Trail for excellent hiking, biking, fishing, and birding adventures in all seasons.
Live Music
St. Charles is a vibrant destination with live music of all genres. Whether you’re in the mood for jazz, blues, or rock, St. Charles has it all. Catch the Municipal Band playing along the scenic riverfront in Frontier Park or the electrifying Music on Main concert series, a summer staple for locals and visitors alike. Beale Street Concert Series is another summer favorite full of live music, vendors, and fun.
Enjoy live music all year long at the lively Main Street Honky Tonk, a popular venue that features a rotating lineup of local and national country acts. Or, simply catch live acoustic music at a local restaurant.
Shopping
As one of the best day trips from St. Louis for shopping, St. Charles offers unique shopping opportunities that include more than 75 boutiques along Historic Main Street alone. Browse framed art, silk florals, and collectibles from local vendors, or dress yourself up with original clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry.
Elevate your culinary skills (or enjoy a delicious treat) at one of the many specialty food shops that sell everything from spices and seasonings to hot sauces and extra virgin olive oil, to handmade chocolates and toffee. Not to mention, the numerous ice cream shops that are perfect to cool down on a hot summer day.