Most of us have likely suffered from wanderlust, from time to time, although satisfying that need to go somewhere new has proven challenging with the pandemic. Now, as more people are venturing out, many are on the hunt for the perfect quick getaway in Missouri. Look no further than St. Louis, named the top mid-size city in the United States for a quickie getaway by Hotwire.
Hotwire recently released its list of top cities for a quick getaway, and St. Louis came in at number one for mid-sized cities, beating out Tampa, Florida, and Atlanta, Georgia.
Flickr/Nikonian Novice
Approximately 300 cities were judged on such criteria as drivability, things to do, and best bang for the buck. Even if you only have a day, you’ll quickly see why St. Louis earned the top spot in Hotwire’s survey.
Flickr/Chris Yunker
A trip to St. Louis certainly wouldn’t be complete without a tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch. Spectacular views await from the top of the 630-foot landmark, the nation’s tallest man-made monument.
Flickr/Charles Barilleaux
For a leisurely morning or afternoon adventure, head over to the Missouri Botanical Garden. The sprawling garden features, among others, a Japanese garden and a children’s garden.
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
If you’re looking to stretch your budget, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Saint Louis Zoo. Admission is free. However, you will need a reservation to visit the zoo, home to polar bears, penguins, and lions.
Facebook/Saint Louis Zoo
St. Louis has debuted several new family-friendly attractions within the last year, too, including The Wheel at Union Station. For views that rival those from the Gateway Arch, step aboard the 200-foot high Ferris Wheel for a 15-minute ride.
Facebook/The St. Louis Wheel
The whole family will love spending a few hours at the relatively new St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, too. You’ll need a timed-ticket to get in.
Facebook/St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
Come face-to-face with celebrities – well, their wax versions – at Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum. Or, join the kiddos on slipping down slides and exploring the City Museum.
Facebook/Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum
For more information about the top cities for a quick getaway in Missouri and beyond, visit Hotwire.
Flickr/Jonathan Cutrer
Do you agree that St. Louis is an ideal destination for a quick getaway in Missouri? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments! For a getaway among nature, check into the Almost Heaven Treehouse in Bunker.
Flickr/Nikonian Novice
Flickr/Chris Yunker
Flickr/Charles Barilleaux
Flickr/Aaron Carlson
Facebook/Saint Louis Zoo
Facebook/The St. Louis Wheel
Facebook/St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
Facebook/Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum
Flickr/Jonathan Cutrer
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Address: Gateway Arch Trail, St. Louis, MO 63102, USAAddress: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USAAddress: STL Zoo, 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USAAddress: 201 S 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USAAddress: 201 S 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USAAddress: Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum, 720 N 2nd St, St. Louis, MO 63102, USAAddress: City Museum, 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA