Des Moines, IA

Travel Guide
Des Moines showing a bridge, a skyscraper and a sunset
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden featuring interior views and a garden
Des Moines Art Center featuring interior views and art
Des Moines Art Center showing outdoor art and outdoor eating as well as a small group of people
Iowa State Capitol Building which includes a park and heritage architecture

Where to stay in Des Moines

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes landscape views, a skyscraper and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4.5/5(711 area reviews)

Downtown Des Moines boasts corporate campuses, fine dining, and unique retail destinations. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and enjoy easy access to DART transit and skywalk connections.

Downtown Des Moines
Historic East Village

Historic East Village

Directly east of Downtown Des Moines, this nationally recognized historic district boasts the Iowa State Capitol complex, State of Iowa Historical Museum, and Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Explore eateries, boutique shops, and loft-style housing in its charming structures.

Historic East Village
Grays Lake featuring a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

4/5(189 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Greater South Side, Gray’s Lake Park and Water Works Park are top sights worth seeing.

Greater South Side
Des Moines Botanical Center showing a cascade

Capitol Park

While Capitol Park isn't home to many top sights, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Iowa State Capitol Building are some notable places to visit nearby.

Capitol Park
View into downtown from the Capitol Building.

#capitol #desmoines #city #downtown

Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while in the area.

Court District
Great Western Trail. Lovely and mostly flat. Connects to other trails in the greater DSM area. Ride it to work when the weather's good.

Southwestern Hills

If you're spending some time in Southwestern Hills, Air Lanes Bowling Center and Water Works Park are top sights worth seeing.

Southwestern Hills
Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines / Clive
Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines / Clive
2 out of 5
1600 NW 114th St, Clive, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is SAR 176 per night from Dec 30 to Dec 31
SAR 176
SAR 197 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Dec - 31 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Clive. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center and Clive ...
5.6/10 (1,000 reviews)
"Good stay!"

Reviewed on 25 December 2024

Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines / Clive
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
The price is SAR 380 per night from Dec 29 to Dec 30
SAR 380
SAR 425 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Dec - 30 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Johnston. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,521 reviews)
"Staff very friendly and helpful. Room was clean. Some areas showing some wear but nothing that was a problem. Room very comfortable. We had to stay an extra night because of an ice storm. Staff arranged for us to stay in same room so we didn't have to move to another room for that night. Breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 22 December 2024

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
2.5 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr, West Des Moines, IA
The price is SAR 327 per night from Jan 4 to Jan 5
SAR 327
SAR 366 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 January 2025
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Full hot breakfast Great!!"

Reviewed on 23 December 2024

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
4 out of 5
550 Watson Powell Junior Way, Des Moines, IA
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Iowa State Fairgrounds ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (70 reviews)
"Good location for events and access to highways. More business area with high volume traffic. Noise level is high, but acceptable."

Reviewed on 17 December 2024

Kasa Downtown Des Moines
SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!
SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!
Des Moines
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a pool table. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (40 reviews)
Study group meeting
"Worked great for us. Plenty of beds for everyone, held a couple day meeting. Close to restaurants and easy to get too."

Reviewed on 4 October 2024

SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!
LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!
LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!
Waukee
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Waukee. Enjoy a garden, a pool table, and patios. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center and Clive Aquatic Center ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
Family get together
"Beautiful house, plenty of beds to accommodate everyone & the basement game room was a hit. Something for everyone, ages 15-62."

Reviewed on 24 October 2024

LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Des Moines

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
492
" "5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
596
" "4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
151
" "3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
21
" "2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Busy lol

5/5 - Excellent

HappyGuest

Irene was so nice over the phone and in person,I ended up coming now because my mom died, Irene and the rest of the staff was excellent !

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We loved Des Moines, but where we stayed was sub par at best.

5/5 - Excellent

jms918

big city but not overwelming

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very nice people!! friendly, helpful and overall a very pleasant experience.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Was in town for family wedding

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