St. Louis

St. Louis is a major city in Missouri along the Mississippi River. Its iconic, 630-ft. Gateway Arch, built in the 1960s, honors the early 19th-century explorations of Lewis and Clark and America's westward expansion in general. Replica paddlewheelers ply the river, offering views of the arch. The Soulard district is home to barbecue restaurants and clubs playing blues music.

With a bit of cosmopolitan flare and a piece of Midwestern Americana, St. Louis' charms are best appreciated in the stands of Busch Stadium, in the nostalgia of the legendary Judy Garland film "Meet Me in St. Louis," or at the bottom of a pint of Budweiser. And, of course, there's the Gateway Arch, that glittering stainless steel curve. Beyond its main sights, though, you'll discover a bustling city with lots to offer beer, cuisine, sports, and music fans. To begin with, it is the origin of iced tea and ice cream cones, as well as the "Home of the Blues" due to its vibrant music culture. With 79 unique districts to explore, including the serene Forest Park and historical Soulard, this Midwestern metropolis has lots to see, eat, and do. Plus, exploring here won't break the bank: St. Louis has more free attractions than any other city outside of the District of Columbia. So, like Lewis and Clark, who "found" the area in the early nineteenth century, begin your adventure of the West-and St. Louis-here.

The Best Hotels in St. Louis:

• Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
• The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis
• The Westin St. Louis

The Best Things to Do in St. Louis:

• Gateway Arch
• St. Louis' Forest Park
• Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Ranking + Rating

• 7 in Best Weekend Getaways in the Midwest