St. Louis is loaded with spectacular views and amazing places to visit. Whether you are seeing a place everyday on your way to work, or planning a full day visit, these places are truly incredible sites to view. When you see a local site every day the marvel of it can wear off. And when you live in a place with so much beauty it can be easy to take it for granted. Living in the Greater St. Louis area also means more choices of neat places to visit and see. See below for a bucket list of 19 jaw-dropping must-visit places around the city.

1. St. Louis Gateway Arch on the Riverfront

The most prominent of jaw-dropping places in the city, The St. Louis Arch is currently under construction but many attractions within the Arch are still open. The Gateway Arch Ticketing & Visitor Center is temporarily in the Old Courthouse at 11 N. 4th Street. Grab a ticket and head to the top for the best views you can get of the city.

2. Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: 15193 Olive Blvd. Faust Park, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017

Butterflies are the feature here but you will love all the beautiful flowers and foliage too. Be sure and stop at the giant concrete caterpillar when you visit!

3. St. Louis Botanical Gardens: 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63110

The St. Louis Botanical Gardens is a place you plan to spend the whole day when you visit. You will see flowers, plants, gardens, learn about horticulture, and see an ever changing exhibition display.

4. Cathedral Basilica: 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63108

A working church holding ceremonies and mass, the Cathedral Basilica is also open to the public to view. Architecturally stunning, the Cathedral Basilica is home to one of the largest displays of mosaic art in the world.

5. Forest Park: 5595 Grand Dr., St. Louis, Missouri 63112

Forest Park is home to some of our best attractions, as in the Art Museum, but it is also an amazing open space to spend the day. You can lounge on the grassy knolls, take a walk to Art Hill, see the World's Fair Pavilion, and so much more.

6. The Eads Bridge: St. Louis, Missouri 63102

You might see it every day, but take a minute and really look at how neat this bridge is! The first bridge in the United States to be built with all steel construction, it was a marvel of its day and still is an amazing engineering feat.

7. The Great River Road Alton-Grafton: Alton, Illinois 62002

The Great River Road runs for 2,000 miles across 10 states, including Illinois and Missouri. A driving tour, this road trip is a gorgeous journey.

8. Union Station: 1820 Market St., St. Louis, Missouri, 63103

A bit of Old World castle meets modern day luxury, the hotel of Union Station is a sure bet for a weekend stay-cation. Or, plan a night visit to the restaurant in The Grand Hall, featuring a 3d light show.

9. Creve Coeur Memorial Lake: 2143 Creve Coeur Mill Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63146

You can rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards at this lake. A part of the St. Louis County park system, the park has other attractions and activities that include tennis courts, an archery course, and a walking trail.

10. The City Garden: 801 Market St., St Louis, Missouri 63101

The City Garden is a little bit of art, design, green space, and wonderment nestled around the buildings of our city.

11. The Jones-Confluence Point State Park: 1000 Riverlands Way, West Alton, Missouri 63386

See the place in person where the Mighty Mississippi River and the Missouri River meet, at the Jones-Confluence Point State Park. It is an incredible site to witness.

12. Tower Grove Park: 4256 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63110

You'll love this great park to visit every day. The park is home to festivals that draw people from all over St. Louis. Every season here brings all the beauty of nature to life.

13. Fort Belle Fontaine County Park: 13002 Bellefontaine Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63138

Once a working post of the United States Army, this spot in St. Louis still boasts many remnants of the time. Now a part of the St. Louis County Park system, the park offers a unique historical experience.

14. The Boathouse: 6101 Government Dr., Forest Park, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110

A full service restaurant, the Boathouse in Forest Park offers a beautiful vista to enjoy your meal.

15. Lone Elk Park: 1 Lone Elk Park Rd., Valley Park, Missouri 63088

Despite the name there are many elk in this park. There are also many other creatures roaming free including deer, wild turkey, and bison.

16. The Missouri River - Missouri River at Highway 364

Shown in the above photo at Highway 364, the Missouri River looks every bit as mighty as the Mississippi. Running along a large portion of the Greater St. Louis area, there are many vistas to view this grand river.

17. Cliff Cave County Park: 806 Cliff Cave Rd., St. Louis, Missouri 63129

Cliff Cave offers a great view of the Mississippi, walking and biking trails, and a covered enclosure for celebrations. This fantastic attraction offers all the benefits of a secluded park but is right in town.

18. Meramec River: St. Louis County

The Meramac River runs along a good portion of St. Louis County and our neighboring cities. Stop by any of the parks with access to the river's edge for fishing and boating.

19. O'Fallon Park: 799 E Taylor Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63147

Opened in 1908, this park has continued to upgrade and add attractions each year. The park offers sports fields, a boathouse, a spray pool, and much more.

There are so many stunning places here in St. Louis to spend the day. We are a big city with a lot of green space and architectural wonders. And so much water everywhere too! Our rivers, lakes, and ponds offer recreation, commerce, and beautiful views. They add a distinction to our city that sets us apart, as does our Arch, our parks, and our host of free attractions.

Have visited these places? We'd love to hear from you in the comments.

Here are 15 additional incredible places to visit in Missouri.