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