Day-cation Planning

In honor of #NationalPlanForAVacationDay, so we’re sharing our top tips for day-trip excursions around Cape Girardeau. Whether you’re an out-of-town visitor or an area resident looking to explore, follow this quick guide for planning the perfect day-cation. And don’t forget to check out www.visitcape.com’s planning tools for more options on where to eat, stay and play in Cape Girardeau – there’s a ton of options beyond the ideas listed here!

 

Where to stay

Bed and breakfasts, traditional hotels, guest cottages, RV parks and rooms with sweeping river views are all options for an overnight stay in Cape Girardeau. To choose the perfect place to lay your head, first plan out your itinerary. Are you interested in experiencing the city’s Downtown? Hoping for some retail therapy? Embarking on an outdoor adventure? There are accommodations that make all of the above convenient. Explore all the options:   https://visitcape.com/stay/


Where to eat

With more than 100 eateries to choose from, there’s something for every taste in our city, but you can also make eating part of your day-cation experience with opportunities for hands-on cooking lessons, like learning to make (and then devour!) handmade pasta and other Italian fare at Gabriel’s Food and Wine. Explore all of our delicious dining options: https://visitcape.com/eat/


What to do

Whether you’re a couple, a family or a friends group, Cape Girardeau makes a great getaway destination. Here’s why:

New experiences: If you’re looking for family fun, you can plan your trip around activities like visiting a trampoline park, a walk-through zoo with exotic animals, putt putt golf, arcade games, inflatables and much more. Explore venues: https://visitcape.com/discover-category/family-fun/ For a friends’ day out or couple’s getaway, check out area spas, wineries, golf courses, pubs and more: https://visitcape.com/discover-category/come-play/

Outdoor adventures: It’s tough to beat our great views of the Mississippi, or our numerous hiking/biking trails and parks. From kayaking to nature-watching or a lesson in history at Trail of Tears State Park, there’s a lot to do no matter what season you plan to visit: https://visitcape.com/discover-category/great-outdoors/

Retail therapy: Cape Girardeau’s Downtown area is filled with unique boutiques, galleries and antique shops that make for a great day of retail exploring, or check out the city’s westside for your favorite national retail powerhouses. Start planning your trip: https://visitcape.com/discover-category/antiques-and-shopping/

Time travel: More than two centuries’ worth of history makes for some amazing experiences. From museums to state historic sites, Cape Girardeau’s historical attractions make a great day trip for all ages. Explore all the options: https://visitcape.com/discover-category/back-in-time/

 

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Adventures Await. Explore Events.

07Sep
Fall Muster Labor Day Weekend
Monday, September 07, 2026 - Monday, September 07, 2026 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM Fort D 920 Fort St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Details
09Sep
South Side Farms 573 Market
Wednesday, September 09, 2026 - Wednesday, September 09, 2026 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM South Side Farms 573 900 S West End Blvd, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States, 63703
Details
10Sep
Cape Farmer’s Market
Thursday, September 10, 2026 - Thursday, September 10, 2026 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM West Park Mall Parking Lot Mount Auburn Rd Entrance, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States, 63701
Details
11Sep
Tim Convy & Sean O’Brien
Friday, September 11, 2026 - Friday, September 11, 2026 07:30 PM - 10:30 PM Scout Hall 420 Broadway St, Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701
Details
11Sep
Tunes at Twilight
Friday, September 11, 2026 - Friday, September 11, 2026 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM Ivers Square Gazebo 44 N Lorimier St, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Details
12Sep
Semo District Fair
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - Saturday, September 19, 2026 08:00 AM - 11:00 PM Fairground 410 Kiwanis Dr, Ste 200, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States, Missouri
Details
12Sep
Cape Riverfront Market
Saturday, September 12, 2026 - Saturday, September 12, 2026 08:00 AM - 12:00 PM Downtown Cape 35 S Spanish St, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States, Missouri 63701
Details
13Sep
Semo District Fair
Sunday, September 13, 2026 - Saturday, September 19, 2026 08:00 AM - 11:00 PM Fairground 410 Kiwanis Dr, Ste 200, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States, Missouri
Details
14Sep
Semo District Fair
Monday, September 14, 2026 - Saturday, September 19, 2026 08:00 AM - 11:00 PM Fairground 410 Kiwanis Dr, Ste 200, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States, Missouri
Details
15Sep
Semo District Fair
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Saturday, September 19, 2026 08:00 AM - 11:00 PM Fairground 410 Kiwanis Dr, Ste 200, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States, Missouri
Details

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