Missouri offers couples and families many excellent getaway options, from lakeside retreats and golf resorts to historic inns and charming B&Bs. Head to the country to breathe fresh air and relax surrounded by nature, or visit St. Louis, Branson, Springfield, Kansas City and other Missouri destinations. Here are the best family vacations and romantic getaways in Missouri.


Stonewater Cove Resort & Spa - 3 hours 40 minutes from Kansas City, MO

Stonewater Cove Resort & Spa - 3 hours 40 minutes from Kansas City, MO

© Stonewater Cove Resort & Spa

Located on 500 acres at Table Rock Lake, Stonewater Cove Resort and Club is an all-inclusive getaway next to Mark Twain National Forest. Enjoy serene lake views, hiking, kayaking, yoga and fishing on the property. The spa is a great place to relax with a massage or a facial before heading to dinner. You can also enjoy the hot tub, the pool or the dock which offers lovely lake views.

Accommodation options include guest rooms and suites with scenic views and a rustic feel. As part of the all-inclusive pricing, guests have access to snacks and non-alcoholic beverages whenever hunger strikes. Restaurant chefs prepare delicious meals which are served at the Lodge. If you are looking for great family weekend getaways in Missouri, this is a beautiful place to stay. Stonewater Cove Resort & Spa offers all-inclusive rates. More info

1257 Sunset Timbers Trail, Shell Knob, MO 65747, 800-792-3956

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The Fleur-de-Lys Mansion - 4 hours from Kansas City, MO

The Fleur-de-Lys Mansion - 4 hours from Kansas City, MO

© The Fleur-de-Lys Mansion

A boutique hotel in St. Louis, The Fleur-De-Lys Mansion is a luxurious getaway with in-room whirlpools and lavender sheets, perfect for a romantic weekend away. Four guest rooms are decorated in 19th century style.

The Forest Park Room has a whirlpool for two and an original mural for added romance. Relax in the hot tub and take a romantic walk through the gardens during your stay. Delicious morning breakfast includes French toast and eggs. If you are looking for unique romantic Missouri destinations, the Fleur-de-Lys Mansion is a great place to visit. More info

3500 Russell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104, 888-693-3500

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Affordable Hotel Frederick - 1 hour 40 minutes from Kansas City

Affordable Hotel Frederick - 1 hour 40 minutes from Kansas City

© Hotel Frederick

Originally built in 1905, Hotel Frederick is a historic place to stay in downtown Boonville. The property is filled with turn of the 20th century elegance, art, antiques, maps and other historic pieces. Choose from 25 rooms and suites, some with air jet tubs and sitting areas.

Plush amenities include rain showers, robes and luxurious sheets. The Fred restaurant serves lunch and dinner while the lounge offers appetizers and sandwiches. More info

501 East High Street, Boonville, MO 65233, 888-437-3321

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The Inn on Crescent Lake - Affordable 30 minutes from Kansas City

The Inn on Crescent Lake - Affordable 30 minutes from Kansas City

© The Inn on Crescent Lake

The Inn on Crescent Lake in Excelsior Springs is a quick weekend getaway from Kansas City, just a 30-minute drive away. The inn is situated in a 1915 Georgian Colonial mansion on 22 acres with two lovely ponds. 10 luxurious rooms have private bathrooms and Wi-Fi.

Vacation activities include paddle boats, bird watching, fishing and walking along the trails. The inn has a solarium, ping pong table and a hammock. Breakfast is served in the solarium each morning.

1261 St Louis Ave, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024, 816-630-6745

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D'Monaco - 3 hours 45 minutes from Kansas City

D'Monaco - 3 hours 45 minutes from Kansas City

© D'Monaco

Enjoying spectacular views of Table Rock Lake and the Ozark Mountains, D’Monaco is a relaxing resort with a private dock, pool and a swim-up bar. There are several great golf courses in the area for those who like to play a few rounds on vacation. There are six villa layouts, offering couples and families plenty of choice.

The villas feature large windows, an outdoor area, a fully equipped kitchen and lovely views. More info

D’Monaco Villas, 4125 State Highway 86, Ridgedale, MO 65739, 888-336-6622

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Camden on the Lake, Missouri

Camden on the Lake, Missouri

© Camden on the Lake

Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa, & Yacht Club offers rooms and suites with kitchenettes, a spa and many golf courses nearby. H. Toad’s Bar and Grill is an elegant restaurant serving delicious meals, while the swim up bar by the pool lets you sip drinks and listen to music.

Lake Ozark offers boating, parasailing and wave runners for rent. If you are looking for weekend spa getaways in Missouri, this beautiful resort has affordable rooms. More info

2359 Bittersweet Rd - Lake Ozark, MO 65049, 573-365-5620

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Branson Cabins & Missouri Golf Resort

Branson Cabins & Missouri Golf Resort

© Branson Cabins & Missouri Golf Resort

Branson Cabins & Missouri Golf Resort offers a choice of accommodations, some with golf course views. You will have easy access to all the attractions in the area, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts and a fitness center.

Couples can stay in the secluded Branson cabins, while families may like Branson condos or the Table Rock Lake Condos. Accommodations vary in size from suites to five bedroom town homes. There is Wi-Fi, luxurious linens and great views from the rooms. More info

245 S. Wildwood Dr., Branson, MO 65616, 877-262-0430

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Margaritaville Lake Resort

Margaritaville Lake Resort

© Margaritaville Lake Resort

Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach is located on 420 scenic acres next to the Lake of the Ozarks, offering a romantic setting for couples and families. There are 700 rooms in 5 separate buildings to choose from, including suites and a spacious house with six bedrooms.

There are several restaurants at the resort. Timber Falls indoor water park is a fun place for families, offering watersides and a three-story treehouse. The resort also has a full service marina, a spa and salon. More info

494 TanTarA Dr, Osage Beach MO 65065, 800-826-8272

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Walnut Street Inn

Walnut Street Inn

© Walnut Street Inn

The Walnut Street Inn Bed and Breakfast in Springfield offers rooms and suites in the main house and two other houses, complete with antiques, coffee makers and free Wi-Fi. The Benton Room is the largest, offering skylights, two queen beds and a separate living area.

In the morning, the chef prepares a delicious breakfast in the main house. If you have any diet restrictions, you can call ahead of time and let the chef know your preferences. If you are looking for honeymoon destinations in Missouri, Walnut Street Inn is a great place to visit. Springfield

900 E. Walnut, Springfield, MO 65806, 417-864-6346


The Inn at Hermannhof

The Inn at Hermannhof

© The Inn at Hermannhof

The Inn at Hermannhof in Hermann dates back to the mid 1800’s and has been renovated with all the modern comforts. You will be surrounded by the Missouri wine country and have easy access to wine tastings and tours in the area. Choose from 27 guest rooms at the inn, in the Hermann Cottage or 6 hillside cottages.

Some accommodations feature romantic fireplaces, wine cellars and soaking tub. In the morning, you can enjoy breakfast with other guests or in your room. More info

237 East 1st Street, Hermann, MO 65041, 573-486-5199


River of Life Farm, Dora

River of Life Farm, Dora

© River of Life Farm

Ideal for either an active family getaway or a romantic interlude, the River of Life Farm is a popular Missouri getaway destination. If you are looking for a romantic setting, the Cabins for Two at River of Life Farm are hard to beat, offering privacy, King beds, whirlpool tubs, covered patios and a charcoal BBQ. Families can book one of the larger lodges which can sleep up to 14 guests. You can be as active as you please – activities include hiking, canoeing, kayaking and excellent fly-fishing. If you prefer a relaxing break you can enjoy bird-watching, star gazing or explore the local attractions.

River of Life Farm, 1746 River of Life Drive, Dora, MO 65637, 417-261-7777


Point Randall Resort, Lake Ozark

Point Randall Resort, Lake Ozark

© Point Randall Resort

Perfectly located on a mile-long cove on Lake of the Ozarks, 2 miles from Bagwell Dam, the Point Randall Resort is perfect for a weekend getaway. The resort is a paradise for boating enthusiasts, offering 1000 feet of shoreline, 4 boat docks and 29 slips. Guests can rent everything they need for a fun day on the water including Avalon Tritoons, kayaks, paddleboards, jet-skis and rafts. There is also a great fishing deck. Visitors can choose from accommodation options to suit all tastes – couples will love the romantic Private Getaway Cabin with whirlpool tub, while families and groups can book one of the large houses or suites.

Point Randall Resort, 1584 Susan Road, Lake Ozark, MO 65049, 573-365-2081


Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch, Rockbridge

Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch, Rockbridge

© Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch

Nestled on 2000 acres of prime Ozark Mountain landscape, the Rockbridge Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch is a very popular destination for fly-fishing enthusiasts and hunters. The large private ranch offers some of the best fly-fishing in the country and is perfect for both experienced anglers and beginners. In addition, the ranch is home to the Rockbridge Gun Club where you can try your hand at Clay Pigeon shooting or hunt for wild turkey and white-tailed deer in season. Lodging comes in various shapes and sizes; couples can choose a cabin or suite on the hill or at the stream side, while larger groups can rent one of the multi-bedroom houses on the ranch. Dining is available on-site at the Grist Mill Club or the main restaurant.

Rockbridge Rainbow Trout and Game Lodge, 4297 County Rd 142, Rockbridge, MO 65741, 417-679-3619


Hermann Hill

Hermann Hill

© Hermann Hill

At Hermann Hill the emphasis is always on providing a perfect guest experience, which is why this beautiful resort is such a popular choice for a weekend getaway. Guests can choose from 20 top-end suites and cottages, all of which boast luxury extras like rainforest showers, jetted tubs, King beds and fireplaces. To make your getaway extra special you can request one of several couple’s packages to set the scene – these include rose-petal bed treatment, fresh flowers, chocolates and bubbly. The Spa is a wonderful bonus, offering an excellent range of treatments and massages including couples massages. You will enjoy a gourmet breakfast each day and the concierge will happily assist with dinner bookings at near-by restaurants. More info

Hermann Hill B&B, 711 Wein Street, Hermann, MO 65041, 573-486-4455


Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa, Missouri

Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa, Missouri

© Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa

The Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa in Branson is a relaxing spa getaway known for its great service and spectacular scenery. Choose from 301 guest rooms and suites with free Wi-Fi, HDTV and plush linens. The Ambassador suites are popular with families with their wet bars and separate sleeping area.

There are five restaurants to choose from at the resort, including the Chateau Grille with stunning views and the Atruim Cafe & Wine Bar which overlooks the waterfall and stream.

415 North State Highway 265, Branson, MO 65616, 417-334-1161


Loganberry Inn

Loganberry Inn

© Loganberry Inn

The Loganberry Inn in Fulton dates back to 1899 and is located close to the historic Brick District which means that you will be able to stroll to the restaurants, shops and antique stores during your stay. Choose from six Victorian-style rooms, including the Margaret Thatcher room with an antique double bed and a romantic fireplace (she stayed at the inn in 1996).

A delicious two-course gourmet breakfast is served in the morning.

310 West 7th Street, Fulton, MO 65251, 573-642-9229


Southmoreland on the Plaza

Southmoreland on the Plaza

© Southmoreland on the Plaza

This urban inn is situated just blocks from some of the best Kansas City attractions, including dining, museums, shopping, and more. Each of the 12 guestrooms has their own style or you can stay in the Carriage House’s luxury suite. Every room has a private bath, telephones with voicemail, luxury linens, complimentary sherry, and special features like whirlpools, wood-burning fireplace, or treetop deck.

You can choose from a room with twin, queen, or king beds.Rooms may include a private deck or porch swings. The suite in the Carriage House adds club chairs, a king bed, a deck, a two-person whirlpool, a fireplace, and a shower.

Guests also get to enjoy access to a fitness center nearby, 24-hour staffing, newspapers, turndown service, complimentary parking, and wireless internet. Relax in the living room with the fireplace, books, games, and entertainment unit.

The dining room is available for guest use during most of the day or you can relax in the gardens with its waterfall fish pond, veranda, or solarium. Every afternoon the inn serves hors d’oeuvres and wine. There is a hot beverage service featuring sweet treatss in the evening. Gourmet breakfast is served in the morning or you can take advantage of a to-go breakfast if necessary.

116 East 46th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, MO, 816-531-7979


Betty Lea Lodge, Echo Bluff State Park

Betty Lea Lodge, Echo Bluff State Park

© siraphol/stock.adobe.com

The Betty Lea Lodge is scenically nestled along the banks of Sinking Creek, where it offers wonderful vistas of Echo Bluff. The lodge comprises 16 delightful guestrooms and 4 suites and is suitable for families as well as for couples seeking a romantic getaway. All the guestrooms have comfy King (or 2XQueen) beds, flat-screen TV, Keurig Coffee maker, microwave, mini-fridge and complimentary Wi-Fi. Families or groups can book one of the cabins which have 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms. On-site activities include hiking and mountain biking, fishing, floating the river or swimming. There is also a children’s adventure water park and splash pad for summer fun.

Betty lea Lodge, MO-19, Newton Township, MO 64152, 855-999-6980


Courtyard by Marriott, Cape Girardeau Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott, Cape Girardeau Downtown

© Courtyard by Marriott, Cape Girardeau Downtown

If you are planning a weekend getaway to Cape Girardeau, the Courtyard by Marriott in Cape Girardeau Downtown would be a great base from which to explore the many historic attractions of the town. The hotel has a recently revamped lobby area which offers inviting, modern spaces where guests can meet, work and relax. The rooms are also modern and comfortable, featuring King or Queen Size beds with large sleeper couches. The Bistro restaurant in the main lobby area is ideal for a quick breakfast, snack or evening dinner. If you need some exercise you can make your way to their large, fully equipped fitness room.

Courtyard by Marriott, 400 Broadway St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, 573-240-9420


Hotel Vandivort, Springfield

Hotel Vandivort, Springfield

© Hotel Vandivort

Springfield is bursting at the seams with excellent historic and cultural attractions, which makes it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway in Missouri. Hotel Vandivort occupies a vintage building in the heart of historic downtown, which was built in 1906 as a Masonic Temple. Careful renovations have transformed this historic gem into a wonderful boutique hotel which carefully marries historic features with plush modern rooms and public spaces. All the guestrooms are elegant and spacious, featuring one King or Two Queen beds, fabulous bathrooms and luxury linens. For the ultimate romantic getaway you can book the fabulous Master Suite which features floor to ceiling view windows and lots of luxury touches.

Hotel Vandivort, 305 E. Walnut St, Springfield, MO 65806, 417-832-1515

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Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge, Branson

Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge, Branson

© Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge

Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge and resort have all the necessary ingredients for a memorable weekend getaway in Branson. The resort is located close to many of the most popular area attractions like Indian Point Marina, the Titanic Museum and Silver Dollar City. Guests have several accommodation options to choose from; couples will probably find the King Guest rooms have everything they need for a comfortable stay, while families and groups can select one of the spacious 1 or 2-bedroom Villas, which come equipped with full kitchens, a dining area and a spacious lounge. The resort has an indoor Canopy Cove swimming pool for year-round relaxation as well as a seasonal outdoor pool and a gym.

Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge, 2929 Green Mountain Dr, Branson, MO 65616, 417-348-3100


Best Places to Visit in Missouri

Missouri Destinations: Branson

Branson is a lively Ozark town with more than a fair share of family attractions and fun places. Check the Titanic Museum, a two-story museum shaped like the actual ship with a fake iceberg attached and more than 20 galleries and exhibits. Have a picnic by the Table Rock Lake, a lovely artificial lake created as the result of the construction of Table Rock Dam.

Take the tour of the fascinating Marvel Cave discovered by Indians 1500 years ago and located under the equally fascinating Silver Dollar City Theme Park. You can also take the kids to the Branson's Promised Land Zoo where they can feed and play with kangaroos, sloths, and lemurs. The World's Largest Toy Museum with over one million toys will appeal to kids and their parents, as some toys are more familiar to the older generation.

More romantic getaways in Missouri: Springfield

Known as the Birthplace of Route 66 between Chicago and LA and as the Queen City of the Ozarks, Springfield offers diverse attractions for the whole family. Explore the Discovery Center of Springfield, a unique, hands-on museum that encourages critical thinking and promotes learning through discovery and exploration. Visit the Springfield Art Museum, established in 1926 by a group of women with the goal of promoting an appreciation of arts, with more than 10,000 works of art.

Take a 55-minute guided tour in a tram drawn by a jeep of the spectacular Fantastic Caverns, an immense network of caves carved out by the relentless work of an ancient river. Botanical Center and the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park are not only serene places to relax and take a pleasant stroll but also a learning resource for the students of the University of Missouri.

Popular Missouri Destinations: Kansas City

Kansas City is famous for its fabulous barbecue, many, many fountains, and jazz history. Take a tour of the city fountains with their beautiful sculptures, simple or ornate. You can even adopt one to promote its preservation. Check what contemporary Kansas City artists are doing at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.

Both kids and adults will enjoy seeing more than 300,000 toys, from marbles to dolls, at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Catch a baseball game or take a tour of the Kauffman Stadium, or go to a concert or show at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Let the kids get creative at the fascinating Hallmark Kaleidoscope venue.

St. Louis

Defined by the mighty Mississippi that flows through it and by the magnificent monument to explorers, the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch in St. Louis is modern and vibrant, with fun attractions and activities for all ages and interests. Visit Saint Louis Art Museum with its 33,000 works of art that span five thousand years. The museum was established in 1879. You can see the iconic Arch from almost any spot in town, and from the observation station at the top of the arch you can see the entire city for 30 miles.

The Magic House Children's Museum is not only the museum but also a playground and a classroom. The fascinating and totally original City Museum is made of the city's discarded, abandoned objects. It is part museum, part art gallery, and part fun house. Take the kids to Sweetology, a sweet shop where they can decorate their own cakes, have fun with them, and then eat them. Take a break at the St. Louis City Garden, a public park, an oasis of serenity in the heart of the city, a botanic garden, and a sculpture gallery. Be sure to try these excellent Romantic Restaurants in St. Louis.

Hannibal

Immortalized by Mark Twain as the home of Tom Sawyer and Hack Finn, Hannibal is a charming river town on the mighty Mississippi that is rich in history and full of fun. Take the Mark Twain Boyhood Museum & Museum Properties tour and learn more about Hannibal's favorite son.

Visit Hannibal History Museum and learn about the city's fascinating past and take a tour of the spectacular turn of the century Art Nouveau Rockcliffe Mansion to get a glimpse of the lifestyle of rich and famous during the Gilded Age. Take a slow, leisurely tour of the Mississippi river aboard the 120 ft. long Mark Twain Riverboat.

Lake of the Ozarks

Blue and vast, Lake of the Ozarks snakes and winds like a dragon from one bend to another, surrounded by dense forests and dotted with hotels, cottages, marinas, restaurants, beaches, and docks. One of the largest man-made lakes in the world when it was created in 1931, Lake of the Ozarks was made in the process of building a hydro-electric power plant on the Ozarks' Osage River.

The lake and the area around it are declared the Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Big Surf Water park is fun for the whole family with a three-story drop down a huge half-pipe full of water, 300-foot-long waterslides, and the 600-foot-long lazy river. There is always a show or a concert at the Ozarks Amphitheater. Leisure Lake Charters organize cruises, lake tours, and other kinds of adventures. There are many public beaches for a picnic or a swim. The lake is very popular among boaters, kayakers, paddle boaters, and fishermen.

More romantic getaways in Missouri: Columbia

A home to the University of Missouri, Columbia is a lively college town that grew on the forested hills not far from the Missouri River valley where the Ozark Mountains morph into savannas and plains. Get the feel of the city in the historic downtown Columbia surrounded by three colleges with 19th century architecture, bars, galleries, and Bohemian character.

Visit the fascinating Museum of Anthropology that focuses on the history and culture of Native Americans and Missouri for the last 11,200 years. Take the kids to spend some energy at Cosmo Park, the largest in Columbia, with fields for soccer, football, softball, golf, and baseball and trails for mountain biking and hiking. Catch a performance at the historic 1928 ornate baroque and rococo Missouri Treater.

Weston

A small town on the Missouri river, Weston is famous for being a home of Buffalo Bill and the jumping off point for the Gold Rush, the Oregon Trail, and the Santa Fe Trail. Learn about the city's history at the Weston Historical Museum, or take one of the museum's walking tours through the city's picturesque neighborhoods.

Beer fans will definitely enjoy a guided tour of the Weston Brewing Company. Enjoy a performance at the Weston Community Theatre in the West Platte High School's Performing Arts Center. Take a hike through the forested Weston Bend State Park and enjoy the view of the Missouri River and Fort Leavenworth.

More Missouri Destinations: Table Rock State Park

Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in the picturesque hills of the White River valley and forested with oak and hickory, Table Rock State Park is just a few miles from Branson on the shores of lovely, clear Table Rock Lake.

A popular tourist destination, the park has two fully serviced campgrounds and numerous camping areas along the lake. The lake offers a modern marina where visitors can rent boats and even scuba equipment. The trails through the park range from adrenaline-pumping mountain bike rough trails to easy paved trails along the lakeshore. The lake is well known among fishermen for its bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish.

St. Charles

St. Charles is a charming river city known as Missouri's First State Capitol, and it was a home to Daniel Boone and the origin of the Boone's Lick Trail. Take a guided tour of the Historic Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center and learn more about this American explorer and folk hero and the times he lived in.

Visit the site of the Missouri's First State Capitol. Take a hike or bike ride along the green Katy Trail State Park. In the summer, catch a show or concert at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre.

From Kansas City, MO To Driving Time
Shell Knob, MO3 hours 40 minutes
St Louis, MO3 hours 58 minutes
Boonville, MO1 hour 40 minutes
Excelsior Springs, MO31 minutes
Sunrise Beach, MO2 hours 40 minutes
Ridgedale, MO3 hours 43 minutes
Lake Ozark, MO2 hours 48 minutes
Carthage, MO2 hours 17 minutes
Branson, MO3 hours 23 minutes
Osage Beach MO2 hours 56 minutes
Springfield, MO2 hours 41 minutes
Hermann, MO2 hours 58 minutes
Cape Girardeau, MO5 hours 29 minutes
Independence, MO19 minutes
Rocheport, MO1 hour 49 minutes
Columbia, MO1 hour 58 minutes
Branson, MO3 hours 23 minutes
Fulton, MO2 hours 26 minutes

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