Top 13 Missouri Romantic Weekend Getaways - Updated 2024

1. Columbia (from USD 199)

Excited to begin your romantic getaway in Missouri? If so, then make Columbia — about 40 mi (64.37 km) away from Jefferson City — one of your first stops.

Since this city is considered a college town, Columbia is more well-known for its progressive politics, persuasive journalism, and public art. But aside from all this, it’s also quite a romantic destination. With its forested hills, rolling prairies, and a wide variety of other natural wonders, this city is blessed with many landmarks to visit. You and your partner can stage a Columbia tour, exploring places like Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Mark Twain National Forest, and Shelter Gardens.

You can also go on a Columbia Culinary Tour, trying out delicious dishes from several well-known restaurants in the city. You will never run out of date ideas when you visit Columbia.

2. Jefferson City (from USD 150)

As the capital of Missouri, Jefferson City is the state’s most populous city. It’s also a city endowed with rich history and beautiful landmarks. If you and your partner are history buffs, you might want to pay a visit to the Missouri State Capitol (a government building with exquisite architecture and an even more exquisite historical background), Missouri State Penitentiary, and Jefferson Landing State Historic Site.

Visiting historic sites isn’t the only romantic thing you and your partner can do. If music is your scene, visiting local music venues like The Mission and The Bridge might pique your interest. Both of you can also check out the many antique and vintage stores throughout the city or spend an afternoon having a picnic at Carl R. Noren River Access.

3. Cape Girardeau (from USD 125)

Located roughly 233 mi (374.98 km) from Jefferson City, Cape Girardeau may be a low-key city, but its charm hasn’t been lost on people — both residents and visitors alike. After all, this city features gorgeous parks and other attractions that will appeal to all sorts of people.

Do you love animals? Then you should check out Lazy L Safari Park — it has a series of barns that allows you to get close and personal with exciting animals. What if you’re a wine lover? Then you definitely don’t want to miss Hunter Valley Winery and Apple Creek Vineyard and Winery. Delectable wine isn’t the only thing you’ll get from these places — you’ll also be rewarded with stunning sceneries.

There are still many other date ideas that Cape Girardeau has to offer, so don’t hesitate to look for more options.

4. Boonville (from USD 133)

At first, you might be tempted to skip Boonville on your Missouri trip. After all, it’s a pretty small city — there are less than 10,000 people residing here — and it’s about 57 mi (91.73 km) away from Jefferson City.

But all the same, it played a role in American history — a Civil War skirmish occurred here — and with its charming array of restaurants and attractions, it’s still worth a visit. Luckily, since Boonville is part of the Columbia metropolitan area, getting to this city isn’t that much of a hassle.

Some of the well-known tourist sites in Boonville include Harley Park and Roslyn Heights. If you and your partner enjoy the thrill of gambling, Isle of Capri Casino is the place to go. You might also enjoy the musical performances and art exhibitions at the Missouri River Festival of the Arts.

5. Springfield (from USD 149)

If you wish to explore more of Missouri’s southwestern side, Springfield is a city that you must not miss. It has almost everything you can think of, from historic landmarks to modern science museums. You and your partner will surely have lots of fun visiting Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, especially if you are both history buffs. If you like animals, be sure to swing by Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium. If it’s an adventure you are after, you might want to see the underground karst landscape of Fantastic Caverns. Springfield is 214km (133mi) away from Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City.

6. Kansas City (from USD 219)

Lying on Missouri’s western end, Kansas City is a beautiful and highly urbanized city with modern attractions. It boasts exciting activities for all types of tourists, especially for adventure-seeking couples. Bond over adrenaline-boosting rides at Worlds Of Fun. See wildlife in Kansas City Zoo, or be amazed by the informative exhibits at Harry S Truman Library and Museum. Don’t forget to take a romantic Instagram selfie at Union Station Kansas City. Besides all these, you can also marvel at contemporary art in Kansas. Visit Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Kansas City is 252km (157mi) away from Jefferson City.

7. St. Louis (from USD 467)

St. Louis is a city in Missouri with a dramatic cityscape thanks to Missouri River and the iconic gateway arch. It is a fantastic hideaway destination for couples. In this city, art, vibrant nightlife, modern attractions, and nature come together. If you like old-school dates in the park, there are lots of scenic urban spaces in the city that you cannot miss such as Missouri Botanical Garden, Gateway Arch National Park, and Forest Park, to name a few. Are you thinking of taking your special someone to a game of St. Louis Cardinals? Buy tickets to catch a game at Butsch Stadium. St. Louis is 212km (132mi) away from Jefferson City.

8. Branson (from USD 267)

Take your Missouri holiday to another level by spending at least a day in Branson. Nestled in the southwestern side of the state, this lovely little town is a famous family getaway destination for its entertainment venues, amusement parks, and old town charm. Catch an entertaining show at The Shepherd of the Hills and dance to the groove of country music. If you are a fan of Jack and Rose, go to Titanic Museum and take Instagram pictures. Also, while in Branson, be sure to indulge in the fun and the food in Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Branson is 270km (168mi) away from Jefferson City.

9. Excelsior Springs (from USD 160)

Located in Kansas City metropolitan area, Excelsior Springs is an urban city that is as charming as its name. If you’re thinking of treating your lover to a memorable holiday, you will not be disappointed with this city’s pretty attractions. Every corner of Hall Of Waters Visitor Center is picture-perfect. Imagine marveling at scenic countryside views while enjoying a glass of red wine. That dreamy scenario is possible at Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery. How about a date by the lake? Check out Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site and plan a picnic and a museum tour in one day. Excelsior Springs is 243km (151mi) away from Jefferson City.

10. Lake Ozark (from USD 106)

Your Missouri adventure will be even more memorable if you visit Lake Ozark. It is a breathtaking reservoir that beach lovers and watersports enthusiasts love to go to. A 1,100-mi (1,770-km) shoreline awaits visitors. Imagine swimming in freshwater to your heart’s content, falling in love with nature throughout the experience, and enjoying some fun-filled kayaking. These things are possible in Lake Ozark. Not only that, but it is also a fantastic fishing destination with an abundance of bluegill, flathead catfish, white bass, and more. Lake Ozark is 66km (41mi) away from Jefferson City.

11. Hannibal (from USD 104)

Nesting on the Mississippi River, Hannibal is one of the most breathtaking cities in Missouri that should be on your romantic road trip itinerary. It is a famous city known for being the set location for Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. More so, Hannibal is the childhood home of one of the greatest American writers of all time, Mark Twain. Tourists can visit and explore The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum to see a glimpse of the life he had lived. If you and your partner are into scary things, check out Haunted House on Hill Street. Hannibal is 168km (105mi) away from Jefferson City.

12. St. Charles (from USD 181)

There are hundreds of exciting things that couples can do on their St. Charles visit — that’s why this city is one of the most well-known couples’ getaways in Missouri.

They can catch a show at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, go on a shopping spree on Main Street, and experience a culinary adventure in Missouri Wine Country. If you are into luxurious offerings, you will surely have fun testing your luck at Hollywood Casino & Hotel St. Louis. If you like art, Fall in love with art at Foundry Art Centre. Also, don’t forget to swing by and take souvenir pictures with Missouri’s First State Capitol. St. Charles is 192km (119mi) away from Jefferson City.

13. Chesterfield (from USD 174)

You can not end your Missouri vacation without visiting Chesterfield. Located in St. Louis County, Chesterfield is a lovely suburb that is considered one of the best cities to live in the state, offering an excellent quality of life to its residents. More so, it provides superb attractions for its non-residents. The picture-perfect Butterfly House, St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park, to name a few. Plus, it has gorgeous natural parks waiting for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of them are Weldon Spring Conservation Area, Edgar M. Queeny County Park, and August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. Chesterfield is 180km (112mi) away from Jefferson City.

Fall in love with Missouri

Also referred to as the Show-Me State, Missouri is a fantastic romantic getaway destination for love birds. It is home to cities and towns with fantastic attractions, whether you are into music, art, food, or culture. Plan a holiday on this side of the US, book your stay in one of the romantic weekend getaways in Missouri mentioned in this list, and make lasting memories with your partner.