4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Busy lol
Des Moines, IA
Travel Guide
Visit Des Moines
Where to stay in Des Moines
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.
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.
Court District
Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Polk County Courthouse while in the area.
Drake
If you're spending some time in Drake, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.
Southwestern Hills
While Southwestern Hills might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.
Greater South Side
4/5(189 area reviews)
While Greater South Side might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is AED 258 per night from Jun 23 to Jun 24
AED 258
AED 289 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,496 reviews)
"Quality staff and clean rooms"
Reviewed on 27 May 2025
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
The price is AED 399 per night from Jun 1 to Jun 2
AED 399
AED 446 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Jun - 2 Jun
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! (1,697 reviews)
"Very nice, cute little hotel"
Reviewed on 26 May 2025
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
The price is AED 447 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
AED 447
AED 500 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Jun - 30 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,015 reviews)
"J"
Reviewed on 29 May 2025
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
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 Wells Fargo Arena ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (85 reviews)
"Great access to Expo Center. Spacious, clean, extremely well organized. Would book again next year."
Reviewed on 4 May 2025
Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8
Des Moines
Stay at this vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Iowa State Fairgrounds and Wells Fargo Arena ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
Perfect!
"This is the cutest little house! It had everything we could possibly need. Backyard area is amazing and kept the kids entertained. House was clean and functional. Beds are comfortable! Awesome location!"
Reviewed on 27 May 2025
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 laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (49 reviews)
Very entertaining for the kids!
"Our children greatly enjoyed their stay, with plenty for them to do. They enjoyed all of the downstairs games and recreation as well as the nearby swimming pool."
Reviewed on 16 April 2025
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
Adventureland
4/5(201 reviews)
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting amusement park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Principal Park
4.5/5(62 reviews)
You can take time to visit Principal Park during your travels to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Capitol Building
4.5/5(194 reviews)
After visiting Iowa State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Living History Farms
4.5/5(63 reviews)
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Living History Farms during your trip to Urbandale. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
4.5/5(115 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Des Moines Art Center
4.5/5(76 reviews)
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Des Moines Art Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.
Reviews of Des Moines
4.2
Top Destination
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
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
- Adventureland
- Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Wells Fargo Arena
- Drake University
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Principal Park
- Iowa Events Center
- Blank Park Zoo
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Hy Vee Hall
- Living History Farms
- Hoyt Sherman Place
- Val Air Ballroom
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Saylorville Lake
- Des Moines Art Center
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Merle Hay Mall
- Des Moines Area Community College
- West Glen Town Center
- Lauridsen Amphitheater
- Valley Junction
- Science Center of Iowa
- 801 Grand
- Raccoon River Park
- Des Moines MEPS
- Wooly's
- Salisbury House
- Mercy Medical Center West Lakes