Situated on the Missouri River, on the outskirts of Saint Louis, the city of Saint Charles has oodles of character. Renowned as the starting point of Lewis and Clark's famous expedition across America, this charming city boasts a buzzing downtown, brimming with great local shops and restaurants, in addition to its famous history. Choose a Saint Charles vacation rental to explore the city's historic downtown, its riverside parks, many local festivals and events, and the sights and sounds of nearby Saint Louis.
In 1804, at the behest of President Thomas Jefferson, Lewis and Clark left from Saint Charles to find a route to the Pacific coast. Their achievements are celebrated in the city's riverside Frontier Park, home to the Lewis and Clark Boathouse, Nature Center and Museum. As well as charting the explorers' incredible journey, this family-friendly attraction displays include full-size replicas of boats used by the expedition. Explore local history further at the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, former home of the state legislature. Or, for something a little less cerebral, how about touring some of the local wineries of Historic Missouri Wine Country?
Concerts and events at the St. Charles Convention Center and the city's Family Arena bring many visitors to town. There's also a busy program of annual festivals throughout the year, held in the city's historic downtown and riverside spaces. Many fetes celebrate the city's German, Irish and Scottish ancestry, as well as its connection with the famous explorers. The Festival of the Little Hills is an August Saint Charles tradition, and one of the most respected craft fairs in the country. If you're new to Saint Charles, one great way to explore the historic downtown districts is to follow the city's self-guided audio walking tour.
Winters in Saint Charles can be cold, but snow is rare. The conditions are ideal for the city's Fete de Glace ice sculpting festival, a January tradition. As spring warms up, the streets come alive to the sounds of pipes and drums in the annual Missouri Tartan Day, a celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. Expect a lively parade of bagpipes, tartan and Highland games. By summer, it's not unusual for temperatures climb into the 80s. Kick back and enjoy a refreshing drink or al fresco meal at a downtown restaurant or a sunny picnic in a local park.
Saint Charles offers many greenspaces and attractive riverside hiking and biking trails. The Katy Trail is part of the vast Lewis and Clark trail and a Missouri state park. This route follows the line of a former railroad from Saint Charles, near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Closer to your Saint Charles' vacation rental, miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails can be enjoyed at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park – a favorite picnicking and birding spot. Discover more about the Ozark border forest landscape and its wildlife in the park's River Hills Visitor Center.
The nearest airport is in St. Louis Lambert Intl. Airport (STL), located 7.7 mi (12.5 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to St. Louis, MO (SUS-Spirit of St. Louis), which is 11.7 mi (18.9 km) away.
Whatever vacation experience you're seeking, you'll find a rental property in or around St. Charles that's a match made in heaven. Why not try these on for size?:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect St. Charles vacation rental for you.
If you're ready to switch off and relax for a day or two, there's no shortage of wonderful weekend getaways in and around St. Charles. Take a well-deserved break at one of these top options:
Typically small in size, easy on the pocketbook and conveniently located, it's difficult not to succumb to the charms of a studio apartment. Make yourself comfortable in one of these vacation rentals and experience the culture of St. Charles up close:
When it's time to step foot outside your studio apartment and discover the highlights, there's plenty to keep you amused around St. Charles. Interested in cultural attractions? Swing by St. Louis Walk of Fame and Unity Theatre Ensemble.
Just because you only have a few days off work doesn't mean you need to spend it in a boring hotel. Head off on vacation but still have the home comforts you love at one of these short-term rentals in or around St. Charles:
Forget about roses and chocolates. Sometimes all you need is to escape for the weekend, just you and your sweetie. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around St. Charles that would make Cupid green with envy. Here are some we think you'll love:
Peep these large group vacation rentals in or near St. Charles and don't worry about leaving anyone off your guest list:
Nothing spells fun like a pool does. Grab your inflatable flamingo and browse these houses in or near St. Charles that come with this added bonus:
St. Charles has a humid subtropical climate, with average summertime temperatures ranging from 70 ºF to 85 ºF. But you don't have to wait until summertime to visit. Take a look at the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the ideal St. Charles vacation rental and organize your getaway for whenever you like.
Whether your ideal escape is up in the mountains or down by the beach, you'll enjoy it even more if you share the experience with loved ones. Choose one of these large family vacation rentals in or near St. Charles and bring the entire crew along:
When you want to get out and explore, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions in the area to keep everyone happy and entertained. St. Louis Zoo, Grants Farm and Six Flags St. Louis should be at the top of your agenda.
Time spent with family is important, which is why we'll help you find a space where you can truly connect. Stay in one of these family cabin rentals in or near St. Charles and create wonderful new memories with the people you love:
For more options, use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the St. Charles vacation rental that's perfect for your needs.
Add an extra touch of indulgence to your getaway by staying somewhere with an indoor pool. These large houses in or near St. Charles have a swimming space to call your own, along with loads of room for whoever is fortunate enough to be coming with you:
Use the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find more impressive St. Charles vacation rental options for your next big getaway.