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Trip details last updated: July 2026
Some cities are destinations.
Others become unforgettable stops along the way.
St. Louis can be both.
Originally, our plan was to take our grandson Mason camping in the Great Smoky Mountains. Then Robb was offered a filming assignment in Branson and Lake of the Ozarks, and suddenly our route changed.
As I started mapping our drive, I realized we’d be passing right through St. Louis. I looked at Robb and said, “How can we not stop?”
Could we have spent an entire weekend exploring the city?
Absolutely.
In fact, I think St. Louis deserves more than just a few hours. But this trip was different.
We only had about five hours before it was time to get back on the road toward Branson. So instead of trying to see everything, we picked two experiences we’d recommend to anyone visiting for the first time: a Mississippi River cruise and a ride to the top of the Gateway Arch.
It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made on the entire trip.
In just a few hours, we cruised one of America’s most famous rivers, looked out over the city from 630 feet in the air, enjoyed a great lunch, and still had plenty of time to continue our road trip.
If you’re passing through Missouri, don’t make the mistake of driving right by because you think you need an entire day—or an entire weekend—to enjoy St. Louis.
You don’t.
With a little planning, about five hours is enough to experience the city’s two most iconic attractions and leave saying exactly what we did…
“I’m really glad we stopped.”
This stop was just one leg of a longer trip — you can see the full Missouri Road Trip series here for every stop along the way.
Why This Itinerary Works
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they only have one day in St. Louis is trying to see everything.
We didn’t.
Instead, we picked two experiences that represent the city better than anything else:
A cruise on the Mississippi River.
A trip to the top of the Gateway Arch.
By planning our reservation around lunch, we avoided the hottest part of the afternoon, kept the walking manageable, and still left feeling like we’d experienced St. Louis instead of simply driving through it.
If you’re passing through on an RV trip or cross-country road trip, I think this is about the perfect way to spend four or five hours.
Everything we did was within a few minutes of the Gateway Arch, making it easy to fit into a single afternoon without driving across the city.
One Perfect Day in St. Louis at a Glance
Mississippi River Cruise → Lunch → Gateway Arch → Back on the Road
Allow about 5 hours.
Morning: Cruise the Mississippi River
If you’ve never seen the Mississippi River before, start here.
For me, this wasn’t just another boat ride.
Growing up, my dad read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to me. Long before I ever crossed the Mississippi, I imagined paddleboats, river towns, and adventures around every bend.
Even today, every time Robb and I cross the “Big Muddy,” I still smile and usually grab a picture.
This was finally my chance to spend an hour on it rather than simply drive over another bridge.
Since we knew we wanted to experience both attractions, we purchased a combination ticket that included the riverboat cruise and the tram ride to the top of the Arch. We also chose an early departure before the summer heat settled in.
By the afternoon, temperatures were already climbing into the 90s, and I can’t imagine enjoying that open deck nearly as much later in the day.
The boat itself has two levels with plenty of outdoor seating along the front, back, and sides. Instead of hard benches, there are comfortable patio-style chairs that make it easy to settle in and enjoy the ride.
One piece of advice?
Get there a little early. Seats fill quickly, and while there are plenty available, late arrivals often end up standing for much of the cruise. That’s probably fine on a cool spring morning, but not something I’d want to do in the middle of summer.
As the boat eased away from the dock, the Gateway Arch slowly grew smaller behind us while barges pushed their way up and down one of America’s busiest working rivers.
The captain narrated the trip, pointing out bridges, historic buildings, and sharing stories about the river’s role in shaping St. Louis.
It wasn’t flashy or filled with special effects. It was simply relaxing. Exactly what we needed before the excitement of the Gateway Arch.
Of course, Mason was in his element. Camera in hand, he listened to the stories, took pictures, and soaked up another new adventure.
One of my favorite photos of the day was taken from the river, looking back toward the Gateway Arch.
It’s a perspective most people never see.
Would I skip the riverboat?
Not a chance.
If you only have time for one attraction, I’d tell you to choose the Gateway Arch.
However, if you have the extra hour, the riverboat adds so much context to the city that I think it’s absolutely worth it.
After the cruise, we made one small change that ended up saving us a lot of walking. Instead of leaving the Jeep where we’d parked for the riverboat, we moved it to a parking garage closer to the Gateway Arch. It doesn’t sound like much, but on a hot summer day, those extra blocks make a difference.
It also meant I didn’t have to navigate the long staircase between the riverfront and the Arch grounds. Going up wasn’t the problem, but coming down without handrails made me a little uncomfortable. Moving the Jeep was an easy decision.
By then, we were more than ready for lunch.
There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the Arch, along with Ballpark Village a little farther away. The Cardinals happened to have a home game that afternoon, so we avoided the crowds and ducked into the Hyatt Regency instead. We were looking for air conditioning as much as food.
It turned out to be a great decision. The restaurant was cool and quiet, exactly the break we needed before heading to the Gateway Arch, and the food was excellent with even better service.
Mason ordered wings, and he talked about them for the next three days.
Sometimes that’s all the restaurant review you need.
Afternoon: Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch
After lunch, it was finally time for the reason we’d stopped in St. Louis in the first place.
The Gateway Arch
Even though Robb and I had been here before, I was just as excited to see Mason experience it for the first time.
The night before, Robb had driven him past the Arch after dinner. He thought it was impressive from the road, but he still didn’t quite understand what we meant when we told him we were actually going inside it.
Standing beneath it the next day, I watched him do exactly what his dad had done more than twenty years earlier.
He looked straight up. Then looked up a little farther. It’s hard to appreciate just how massive the Gateway Arch is until you’re standing underneath it.
At 630 feet tall, it doesn’t just dominate the St. Louis skyline. It makes you feel very small.
Going Through Security
The entrance process was much easier than I expected.
You’ll pass through security similar to that at an airport, including a metal detector and a bag scanner. I had a purse and a water bottle with me, and both were fine to bring in.
Plan on emptying your pockets the same way you would at the airport, and you’ll move through quickly.
Because we’d booked our tickets several weeks in advance, we only waited about 15 minutes before our group was called. Tickets sell out, especially during busy travel seasons, so this isn’t a “grab it the morning of” kind of stop.
Booking in advance removes all the guesswork and keeps your day moving.
The Tram Ride
Twenty years later, I had forgotten just how creepy the tram ride felt.
Instead of stepping into a traditional elevator, you climb into a small, egg-shaped pod with six little stool-like seats arranged around the inside. Our family shared the ride with one other passenger, and even with four adults onboard, it felt pretty cramped.
The whole thing reminded me of a carnival ride. Not because it looked unsafe, but because once the doors closed, there was that same feeling of, *”Well…here we go.”*
Once the doors closed, there was no turning back.
As the tram slowly climbed inside the Gateway Arch, it clicked and creaked its way upward. Through the small window, you could see the steel framework and even the emergency stairway winding its way to the top. The curved walls wrapped around the pod, making the ride feel much tighter than I remembered.
It sounded a little like an old wooden roller coaster.
You know…the kind that makes you wonder, “Is this thing supposed to sound like that?”
Meanwhile, Mason had his face pressed against the window the entire time. He wasn’t scared in the least. He was fascinated.
Question after question came flying.
“How does this work?”
“How many people can fit in here?”
“How high are we?”
Watching him experience it was almost better than the ride itself.
That’s one of the things I love most about traveling with Mason. Every place is still brand new, and seeing the world through his eyes reminds me to look a little closer, too.
At the Top
When the tram doors opened, we stepped out and climbed a short flight of stairs into the observation area.
This is where you realize you’re actually inside the Gateway Arch.
The observation area is narrow and follows the curve of the Arch, with a noticeable slope beneath your feet. Small windows line both sides, giving you views east across the Mississippi River into Illinois and west over downtown St. Louis.
Standing inside the Arch was fascinating. You can feel the curve of the structure around you, and seeing the city from inside one of America’s most recognizable landmarks gives you a perspective that’s unlike anything else.
We only had a few minutes before it was time to head back down with our group, but that was enough to take in the views and appreciate the experience.
Is the Gateway Arch Worth It?
If you only choose one attraction in St. Louis, make it this one. It’s history, engineering, and a little bit of adventure all packed into one ride. I’d tell almost anyone to do it.
The one exception: if you have severe claustrophobia or don’t like confined spaces, skip the tram. The pods are small, and the observation area at the top is narrow.
Visitors are given a short time at the top before returning to the tram. You go up as a group, spend a few minutes taking in the views, and then head back down together when the park rangers call your group.
Before or after your tram ride, take a few minutes to explore the free museum inside the Gateway Arch Visitor Center. It’s located at the base of the Arch and does a great job telling the story of westward expansion, the construction of the Arch, and the history of St. Louis.
Tips for Visiting St. Louis in One Day
After spending about five hours exploring St. Louis, here are a few things I’d do exactly the same, and a few things I’d plan for next time.
Reserve Your Tickets Ahead of Time
Gateway Arch tickets sell out, especially during busy travel seasons, so don’t wait until the last minute. We booked the Captain’s View package, which combines the riverboat cruise and the tram ride in one reservation, several weeks before our trip.
You can also book them separately if that fits your schedule better. Both attractions operate on a schedule, and having our reservation locked in well ahead of time made our day feel relaxed rather than rushed.
Ticket Options for the Arch and Riverboat
There are quite a few ticket options, so you can customize your day based on your time and budget. We chose a combination ticket that included both the riverboat cruise and the ride to the top of the Arch, and for us, it was the perfect way to experience St. Louis.
Plan on spending about 45 to 60 minutes for the entire Gateway Arch experience. That includes a brief orientation, a short park ranger presentation, the tram ride, time in the observation area, and the return trip to the Visitor Center. The actual tram ride and time at the top only take about 15 minutes, but the entire experience is well organized and moves at a comfortable pace.
Time at the top is limited to under 10 minutes with all options, which is plenty of time. Pricing runs about $39 to $43 for adults, $37 to $41 for seniors, and $25 to $29 for kids ages 3 to 15. National Park Pass holders get a small discount as well.
One thing worth noting: the riverboats only operate March through November, so if you’re planning a winter stop, you’ll want to check availability before you build your day around a cruise.
There are other options too, including a brunch cruise and a virtual reality theater experience, if you’d rather do something different from what we chose. Ticket prices and availability change, so I’d recommend checking the official Gateway Arch ticket page before you go.
Start with the Riverboat
We loved beginning our morning on the Mississippi River. We visited during the heat of summer, so an early start mattered to us. The pace was relaxing, and it gave us a completely different view of the Gateway Arch before we experienced it from the top.
If you’re visiting in spring or fall, you’ll have a little more flexibility on timing either way.
Move Your Car After the Cruise
This was probably the smartest thing we did all day.
After the riverboat, we moved our Jeep to a parking garage closer to the Arch. It saved us extra walking in the afternoon heat and meant we didn’t have to navigate the long staircase between the riverfront and the Arch grounds.
Build in Time for Lunch
Don’t underestimate how nice it is to sit down in air conditioning for an hour. By the time we finished lunch, we were refreshed and ready for the Gateway Arch.
Expect More Walking Than You Think
Even with moving the Jeep, we still walked about a mile throughout the day. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you’re visiting during the summer.
Where to Stay in an RV
If you’re traveling by RV, we found the DraftKings at Casino Queen RV Park to be a convenient home base for exploring St. Louis.
We stayed there the night before our visit, left the motorhome at the casino (permission granted), and drove our Jeep into the city the next morning. The drive to the Gateway Arch took about 10 minutes, depending on traffic.
The campground offers full hookups, spacious sites, and a gated entrance. Our site was level, quiet, and felt secure for a quiet night in the city.
Could you walk into downtown? Technically, yes, you’d just need to cross the bridge into the city. But since we weren’t familiar with the area, we felt a lot more comfortable driving the Jeep in instead.
If we made this trip again, we’d stay at the same campground and do the same thing.
Not Traveling by RV?
If you’re planning to spend the night instead of making St. Louis a quick road trip stop, staying downtown is the most convenient option.
Hotels like the Hyatt Regency at the Arch, Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, and Holiday Inn St. Louis Downtown all put you within a short walk of the Gateway Arch and the riverfront, making it easy to explore without having to move your car throughout the day.
We stopped for lunch at the Hyatt Regency and were impressed with both the food and the service. Its location, just a few minutes from the Arch, made it the perfect place to cool off before our afternoon tram ride.
No matter where you stay, I’d recommend choosing a hotel within walking distance of the Arch. That lets you enjoy the riverfront, restaurants, and museums at your own pace without worrying about downtown parking.
Is One Day in St. Louis Enough?
It depends on what kind of trip you’re taking.
If St. Louis is your destination, then no. There’s plenty we didn’t get to, including the City Museum, Forest Park, and The Hill.
However, if you’re passing through on a road trip like we were, five hours was plenty. We never felt rushed, and more importantly, we never felt like we’d missed the experience.
Final Thoughts on One Day in St. Louis
One of the things I love most about road trips is finding ways to make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
Our route to Missouri took us straight through St. Louis, and we knew it was the perfect opportunity to introduce Mason to the Gateway Arch, one of America’s most recognizable landmarks. It also made a great stopping point before the final drive to the Lake of the Ozarks, allowing us to experience the city without adding another night to our trip.
We didn’t see everything St. Louis has to offer, and I think the city deserves far more than the five hours we had. But by choosing two experiences that captured the spirit of the city, we left feeling like we’d made the most of our time.
If your road trip takes you through St. Louis, I wouldn’t hesitate to make the stop. Park the RV, take the riverboat, ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, and then continue on your way.
That’s exactly what we did, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made on the trip.
As we headed toward the Lake of the Ozarks, we all agreed on one thing:
“I’m really glad we stopped.”
Ready to Plan Your Next Road Trip?
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Want the Planning Sheets We Used for This Trip?
None of this happened by accident. We booked the riverboat and the tram ahead of time, figured out where to park the Jeep, and timed lunch so we wouldn’t melt in the afternoon heat.
That’s the same kind of planning I do before every trip. Nothing fancy, just a simple system so we’re not scrambling the morning we leave. I put that system into a free Road Trip Ready Kit, and it’s yours if you want it.
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Maureen Wright and Robb Strobridge
The Stromads
Entrepreneurs, Wanderlusters, Constant travelers, and Full-time RV Nomads since 2016. We are fueled by life, love, and the pursuit of all things good. Thanks for joining our journey, and we hope to see you down the road!
