Most Scenic Road Trips in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
1. Missouri River Road Trip
A scenic drive along the Missouri River offers stunning views of the river and the rolling hills. Enjoy the tranquility as you pass through historic towns like Washington and Hermann.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Missouri River and its surrounding landscapes
- Historic Towns: Passes through several historic towns rich in American history
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to spot various species of birds and wildlife
2. Great River Road Scenic Byway
Follow the Mississippi River from St. Louis to its source in Minnesota. This scenic byway offers views of the river, forests, and farmlands.
- Long Drive: Covers a long distance from St. Louis to Minnesota, offering diverse landscapes
- Mississippi River Views: Provides panoramic views of the Mississippi River and its tributaries
- Historic Sites: Passes by numerous historic sites, including Fort de France and Fort d'Aiguebelle
3. Route 66 Day Trip
Drive a section of the iconic Route 66 from St. Louis to Meramec Caverns. This stretch offers a taste of classic Americana and roadside attractions.
- Iconic Route: Drives along the famous Route 66, with its vintage signs and roadside attractions
- Classic Americana: Offers a glimpse into classic American culture and history
- Roadside Attractions: Features numerous quirky and interesting roadside attractions along the way
4. Pacific Coast Route - St. Louis Section
Experience a small part of the Pacific Coast Route as it passes through St. Louis. Enjoy scenic views of forests and the Meramec River.
- Pacific Coast Vibe: Offers a taste of the famous Pacific Coast Route's scenic beauty
- Forest and River Views: Provides stunning views of forests and the Meramec River
- Historic Towns: Passes through several historic towns, such as Defiance and Lesterville
5. The Great Forest Park Expressway
Drive along the scenic expressway that runs through Forest Park. Enjoy views of the park's lakes and famous attractions.
- Urban Scenic Drive: An urban scenic drive with stunning views of Forest Park's lakes and attractions
- Famous Attractions: Passes by famous attractions like the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and History Museum
- Park Views: Offers panoramic views of Forest Park's lush forests and landscapes
6. Mark Twain National Forest Drive
Explore the beauty of the Mark Twain National Forest on a scenic drive. Enjoy views of forests, rivers, and wildlife.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking natural beauty with forests, rivers, and wildlife
- Historical Significance: Follow in the footsteps of Mark Twain, who drew inspiration from this region
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for camping, hiking, and fishing
7. River Road to Ste. Genevieve
Drive the scenic River Road from St. Louis to Ste. Genevieve. Enjoy views of the Mississippi River and French Colonial architecture.
- Mississippi River Views: Provides panoramic views of the Mississippi River
- Historic Architecture: Features well-preserved French Colonial architecture in Ste. Genevieve
- Wine Tasting: Passes by several vineyards, offering opportunities for wine tasting
8. St. Louis to Branson via Highway 65
Drive from St. Louis to Branson on scenic Highway 65. Enjoy views of forests, lakes, and quaint towns along the way.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a beautiful scenic drive with views of forests, lakes, and quaint towns
- Entertainment Hub: Reaches Branson, Missouri's entertainment hub, known for its live music shows
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and boating
9. St. Louis to Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
Drive from St. Louis to the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, home of the Gateway Arch. Enjoy views of the Mississippi River and city skyline.
- Iconic Landmark: Features the iconic Gateway Arch, a symbol of St. Louis
- River and City Views: Offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and St. Louis city skyline
- Historic Significance: Highlights the westward expansion of the United States
10. St. Louis to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Drive from St. Louis to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Enjoy views of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers and the scenic Ozark Mountains.
- Natural Beauty: Offers breathtaking natural beauty with rivers and mountains
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and hiking
- Historic Significance: Features historic sites related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition
11. St. Louis to Hermann Wine Country
Drive from St. Louis to Hermann Wine Country. Enjoy views of vineyards, wineries, and the Missouri River.
- Wine Tasting: Offers numerous opportunities for wine tasting
- Scenic Drive: Provides a beautiful scenic drive with vineyards and the Missouri River
- Historic Architecture: Features well-preserved German architecture in Hermann
12. St. Louis to Boonville Vineyards Drive
Drive from St. Louis to Boonville and explore the vineyards along the way. Enjoy views of vineyards, wineries, and the Missouri River.
- Wine Tasting: Offers numerous opportunities for wine tasting
- Scenic Drive: Provides a beautiful scenic drive with vineyards and the Missouri River
- Historic Towns: Passes through several historic towns, such as Augusta and Rhineland
13. St. Louis to the Katy Trail State Park
Drive from St. Louis to the Katy Trail State Park. Enjoy views of rolling hills, forests, and farmlands.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a beautiful scenic drive with rolling hills, forests, and farmlands
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding on the Katy Trail
- Historic Significance: Follows an old railroad line with historic sites along the way
14. St. Louis to the Lake of the Ozarks
Drive from St. Louis to the Lake of the Ozarks. Enjoy views of forests, lakes, and vibrant towns along the way.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a beautiful scenic drive with forests, lakes, and vibrant towns
- Entertainment Hub: Reaches the Lake of the Ozarks, known for its live music shows and water sports
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and golfing
15. St. Louis to Perryville via Highway 79
Drive from St. Louis to Perryville on scenic Highway 79. Enjoy views of forests, vineyards, and the Mississippi River.
- Scenic Drive: Offers a beautiful scenic drive with forests, vineyards, and the Mississippi River
- Wine Tasting: Passes by several vineyards, offering opportunities for wine tasting
- Historic Towns: Passes through several historic towns, such as Union and St. Mary