St. Charles Travel Guide

Explore the culturally important attractions, natural wonders, best things to do and see, where to stay, eat and buy souvenirs in St. Charles, Missouri.


Introduction to St. Charles

The charming city of St. Charles is nestled in the heart of the St. Louis area, Missouri in the Midwest region of the United States of America. With its historic architecture and cobblestone streets, St. Charles is a place that has preserved the culture and history of the early 19th century.

List of Places to Visit in St. Charles

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Missouri’s First State Capitol State Historic Site
  2. Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum
  3. First Missouri State Capitol Historic Site
  4. Foundry Art Centre

Natural Attractions of St. Charles: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Katy Trail State Park
  2. Frontier Park on the Missouri Riverfront
  3. Weldon Spring Conservation Area
  4. Klondike Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of St. Charles

  1. Katy Trail State Park
  2. Busch Greenway
  3. August A. Busch Conservation Area

Best Things to Do in St. Charles: Activities and Tours

  1. Discover the history of St. Charles on a walking tour
  2. Ride the antique Carousel in Frontier Park
  3. Attend the Annual Festival of the Little Hills in August
  4. Take a scenic paddleboat ride on the Missouri River

Week-Long Itinerary for St. Charles

Day Activity
1 Visit Missouri’s First State Capitol State Historic Site
2 Take a scenic paddleboat ride on the Missouri River
3 Explore Foundry Art Centre
4 Hike the Katy Trail State Park
5 Attend the Annual Festival of the Little Hills in August
6 Discover St. Charles’ history on a walking tour
7 Visit Weldon Spring Conservation Area

Food and Drink Scene of St. Charles

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Sugarfire Smoke House Brisket
  2. Mattingly’s Double Decker BLT sandwich
  3. Tony’s on Main Street Famous Fried Chicken

Local Beverages

  1. St. Charles Brewery
  2. Trailhead Brewing Company
  3. Chandler Hill Vineyards

Where to Stay in St. Charles: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. The Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles
  2. The Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis St. Charles
  3. Residence Inn by Marriott St. Louis St. Charles

What to Buy in St. Charles: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handmade pottery from The Glass Workbench
  2. St. Charles-branded merchandise from Old Town Spice Shop
  3. Locally crafted candles from Serendipity Candle Company

Local Culture and Customs of St. Charles

St. Charles celebrates its rich history and culture through multiple events like the Annual Festival of the Little Hills. People here value old-fashioned traditions and a strong sense of community.

Best Time to Visit St. Charles

The best time to visit St. Charles is during the fall season when you can experience the vibrant foliage providing a picturesque view.

Do’s and Don’ts of St. Charles

Do:

  1. Wear comfortable shoes to explore the cobblestone streets and brick buildings
  2. Bring cash to support local businesses that only accept cash payments
  3. Enjoy the small town charm of historic St. Charles

Don’t:

  1. Litter or smoke in public areas as it can lead to fines
  2. Visit during summer as it can get very hot and humid
  3. Hesitate to ask locals for recommendations or directions

Safety and Health

Safety in St. Charles

St. Charles is a reasonably safe town, but it’s still a good idea to be vigilant and avoid walking alone late at night.

Health in St. Charles

St. Charles has several medical facilities that provide quality healthcare services, including SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital West and St. Charles County Ambulance District.

Getting to St. Charles: Transportation Options and Logistics

St. Charles is easily accessible via different modes of transportation.

Airports Near St. Charles

  1. Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
  2. MidAmerica St. Louis Airport
  3. Spirit of St. Louis Airport

Bus Stations Near St. Charles

  1. Greyhound Bus Station
  2. Megabus Station

Other Options

  1. Amtrak Station

How to Get Around in St. Charles

Walking, biking, or driving is the best mode of transportation to explore the city of St. Charles.

Where to Go Next from St. Charles: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. St. Louis Gateway Arch
  2. Six Flags St. Louis
  3. Meramec Caverns

Conclusion

Experience the history and natural beauty of St. Charles, Missouri, with its vast range of attractions, outdoor events, and scenic views. The city’s unique culture and friendly community will make your visit memorable.