The Gateway Arch -- Jefferson National Expansion Monument

• The Gateway Arch is one of the marquee attractions in St. Louis.
  
  Few monuments in the United States define a city like the St. Louis Gateway Arch does. Along with the Statue of Liberty, Seattle Space Needle and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, the Gateway Arch is one of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in the country. From the top, it offers a wonderful view of the city. Below the arch underground, there is an area devoted to its history, and the history of the United States. The real treat, however, is the ride to the top.
  
  

St. Louis Zoo

• The St. Louis Zoo at spring break makes for a very comfortable day.
  
  There's a lot that can be said about the St. Louis Zoo. It has nearly every animal one would expect to see at a zoo. From elephants, to the big cats and the impressive bear pits, spending a whole day here can be done easily. But the best part about the St. Louis Zoo is it does not cost you a penny to get in. This, of course, does not mean you cannot spend a lot of money there. The zoo offers special exhibits that do carry a charge. There is also a charge for parking and rides. Still, for those who want a cheap afternoon, this may be one of the best places to go. In the spring, it is especially pleasant because of more comfortable temperatures.
  
  

Cruise the Mississippi

• A Mississippi Riverboat cruise offers a classic piece of Americana on spring break.
  
  One of the most overlooked features about St. Louis is the fact that it is right on America's major river, the Mississippi River. There are riverboat cruises to suit nearly all styles and all budgets. There are dinner cruises, sunset cruises and general sightseeing cruises of various lengths. The city's relationship to the river is not surprising, given the fact it is approximately an hour from where Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, grew up in Hannibal, Missouri. Cruising the river at spring break is a great time to see things start to come alive after the long winter.
  
  

Get to Know the King of Beers

• St. Louis is inextricably linked to Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser beer.
  
  For many on spring break, it is all about the beer. St. Louis offers a distinct perspective on the beer, not from a party point of view--though that is certainly doable--but from a production point of view. It is the home of Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser, the self-proclaimed king of beers. Tours are available and free. Those who are 21 and over have another big bonus--a free sample of some of the products.
  
  

Choose Your Own Adventure

• Union Station in St. Louis is a very impressive, and functional, piece of architecture.
  
  Whether you want to pick up Route 66 in St. Louis or visit one of the many other impressive sites, such as the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Science Center or Union Station, there are many options. The city also has a Six Flags theme park for those looking to take on another type of adventure.