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Shedd Aquarium
Waterfront at Saint Charles during sunset.

A Weekend Stay in St. Charles

From Local Experts

3 Days 8 Miles

Highlights

St. Charles

from the local experts at the St. Charles Business Alliance

Come stay in St. Charles, a thriving, cultural town located along the scenic Fox River.

Come find a variety of fun, memory-making activities that will have you ready to come visit our town for more than just the weekend.

Day 1:

St. Charles

  • Couple listening to Live Music at the Courtyard.

Prepare for the best service you’ll find in the area with our pristine, exemplary hotels. For your first day, stay in the heart of our historic, thriving downtown at the Hotel Baker, a 92-year-old riverfront hotel with some of the best views and rooms in the city.

Once you're ready, head across the street to explore the outdoor dining options in the First Street Plaza, a hub of activity where you can explore four different styles of food between four local restaurants. Try some amazing guacamole, pico de gallo, tacos and more at La Mesa Modern Mexican, farm-to-table delicacies at Gia Mia, Irish staples such as corned beef, Shepherd’s pie and more at McNally’s Traditional Irish Pub or delectable, quality Italian dishes and desserts at La Za Za Trattoria

After having an amazing meal, check out the live music scene in St. Charles, which is one of the best in the Chicago suburbs. Many of the St. Charles restaurants, such as the Filling Station Pub & Grill and Flagship on the Fox, feature spacious outdoor patios for outdoor dining and entertainment options.

Day 2:

St. Charles

  • Beer Glass.

Fuel your day with some of the best breakfast around at Brunch Cafe. Enjoy a mimosa or bloody Mary, hearty oatmeal or one of their many organic options.

After a great breakfast, take a walk-through history in downtown St. Charles. Stop by the St. Charles History Museum for a self-guided tour featuring 27 historic stops at downtown buildings. 

Ready to try a variety of craft brews? Look no further than our self-guided brewery tour, featuring six local, craft breweries with a diverse array of flavors. Sip a beer in Riverlands Brewing Co.’s beer garden; take-in brews and views of downtown St. Charles and the Fox River from the patios at Pollyanna Brewing Co. or Alter Brewing Co.+ Kitchen; or explore D&G Brewing Co.93 Octane Brewing Co., and Broken Brix Home Brew Shop for tastes you can’t find anywhere else. 

St. Charles has plenty of options to end your day. Visit Rox City GrillOsteria Trulli or Wok n' Fire for an upscale dinner and excellent selections of cocktails and drinks. Rest your head at the Courtyard by Marriott in St. Charles, where excellent service and accommodations are in abundance.

Day 3:

St. Charles

  • Charles Belle Boat in the river..

Begin your last day in St. Charles with a hearty breakfast. Enjoy amazing coffee, cappuccinos and more at Arcedium Coffeehouse or find healthy, delicious breakfast options at Kava Diem, which also features vegan items.

St. Charles has plenty of active outdoor options to explore. Take a Paddlewheel Riverboat cruise as you tour the beautiful Fox River, or take your own ride on a kayak or paddle wheel boat. Discover new trails to walk, run or bike when visiting Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve, the Fox River Trail or the Great Western Trail. Or try your hand at axe throwing, mini golfing, canoeing, fishing, golfing and more!

Finish off your weekend in St. Charles with something sweet from one of our many wonderful treat shops like Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream. Grab a cupcake, ice cream sundae, chocolate, or fudge and end your stay on a sweet note.

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