Day Trips from St. Louis
← All St. Louis day tripsDay Trips from St. Louis: Scenic Drives & Road Trips
The most beautiful scenic drives and road trip routes within reach of St. Louis, MO. Winding back roads, dramatic overlooks, and picture-perfect byways that make the drive itself the destination. Drive times and route info included.
12 scenic drives near St. Louis
Nim's Overlook
MO 63640, USA
Just 1 hr 30 min from St. Louis, rated 5.0 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Twin Mounds Scenic Overlook
Brussels, IL 62037
Just 1 hr 2 min from St. Louis, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Route Of The Scenic Limited Bridge
Ballwin, MO 63021
Just 40 min from St. Louis, rated 5.0 stars, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Scenic View Point - St. Charles Ecopark
St Charles, MO 63301
Just 32 min from St. Louis, rated 5.0 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Scenic Overlook
Jackson, MO 63755
Just 1 hr 53 min from St. Louis, rated 4.8 stars by 127 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Eagles Roost Scenic Overlook, Pere Marquette State Park
IL 62037, USA
Just 1 hr 3 min from St. Louis, rated 4.7 stars by 147 visitors, packed with outdoor activities and adventure.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for most outdoor activities. Winter for snow sports where available.
Jensen's Point Overlook
Pacific, MO 63069
Just 36 min from St. Louis, rated 4.6 stars by 126 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Scenic View
Belleview, MO 63623
Just 1 hr 32 min from St. Louis, rated 4.6 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Taum Sauk Mountain Overlook
Ironton, MO 63650
Just 1 hr 44 min from St. Louis, rated 4.6 stars by 193 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Knob Lick Tower
Farmington, MO 63640
Just 1 hr 19 min from St. Louis, rated 4.6 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Scenic Viewpoint - Blanchette Landing
St Charles, MO 63301
Just 31 min from St. Louis, rated 4.3 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Lovers Leap Lookout
Grafton, IL 62037
Just 1 hr 3 min from St. Louis, rated 4.3 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scenic Drives Day Trips from St. Louis
What are the best scenic drives near St. Louis, MO?
The best scenic drives near St. Louis include national scenic byways, state route back roads, and lakefront highways with dramatic views. Check the destinations above for top-rated scenic stops along these routes.
How long are the scenic drives from St. Louis?
Most scenic drives near St. Louis range from 1-4 hours one way. Many can be done as a loop or combined with stops for hiking, dining, or small-town exploring to fill a full day.
What is the best time of year for scenic drives near St. Louis?
Fall (mid-September through October) is peak season for scenic drives near St. Louis, with spectacular foliage. Spring wildflower season and summer green are also beautiful. Winter drives can be dramatic but check road conditions first.
What should I bring on a scenic drive from St. Louis?
Bring a full tank of gas, snacks, water, and a camera. Cell service is unreliable on many scenic routes, so download maps beforehand. Pack layers since temperatures at overlooks can be cooler than in the city.
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