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
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
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
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 Principal Park and Des Moines Civic Center while in the area.

Court District
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
Checked out the Mars Cafe in Des Moines, IA. Great spot with good seating, wifi, and a pretty good latte. Nice flavor to the espresso. A good spot for a light lunch wit good sandwiches. 

If I have to be in Iowa it's nice to find a good coffee joint.

Drake

If you're spending some time in Drake, Des Moines Community Playhouse and Knapp Center are top sights worth seeing.

Drake
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 Ruan Center and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (75 reviews)
"It's great to have full apartment amenities for the week-long stay."

Reviewed on 26 January 2025

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! (44 reviews)
Game night
"Everything was great and really fun!"

Reviewed on 13 January 2025

SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!
SPACIOUS LUXURY- PARTY BARN… PL TBl, PNG PNG, ARCADE, PATIOS. ACCESS TO POOLS!
SPACIOUS LUXURY- PARTY BARN… PL TBl, PNG PNG, ARCADE, PATIOS. ACCESS TO POOLS!
West Des Moines
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town Center ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (55 reviews)
Fantastic location, gorgeous property, excellent host.
"Bedrooms, bathrooms, and living space were perfect for a large family get together. House is stocked with little extras to help make your stay perfect. The hot tub was not working and the sink in the party barn was out of order, but otherwise fantastic!"

Reviewed on 2 January 2025

SPACIOUS LUXURY- PARTY BARN… PL TBl, PNG PNG, ARCADE, PATIOS. 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

Other places like Des Moines