Des Moines, IA
Travel Guide
Visit Des Moines
Where to stay in Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines
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 Principal Park 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.
Greater South Side
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 Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Great staff. Beautiful rooms
Reviewed on 6 April 2026
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Beyond expectations! Super property and staff.
Reviewed on 8 April 2026
Wildwood Lodge
We had a great stay at Wildwood. The WiFi worked well, the rooms were clean, the pool was fun, the fire pit and fireplace were on and ready for guest, and the staff was helpful and kind. The breakfast had a lot of options (waffles, biscuits and gravy, eggs, cereal, apples, toast, bagels, yogurt, ...
Reviewed on 6 April 2026
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Extremely noisy unit- sirens, water pipes circulating noise, even the AC is so noisy. We lived on first floor, noise from Tenant upstairs - walking, slamming doors, the garage door below our unit opening and closing non stop 24/7. The cushion on the couch is torn and cotton was spilling out . There ...
Reviewed on 4 April 2026
LUXURY GETAWAY! ARCADE, POOL TBL, PING PONG, HOT TUB, DECK! ACCESS TO POOLS!
Perfect for my bachelorette party!!We were unaware that the pools would be so far away, a bummer on an 85 degree day in March, but the girls loved the hot tub.The downstairs was PERFECT for late night socializing and fun. It's a beautiful home with comfortable beds. Top that off with a full kitchen ...
Reviewed on 28 March 2026
SO MUCH FUN! ARCADE, PL TBL, PNG PNG, YARD GAMES, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS!!
We had a great family weekend in Des Moines. The house is fantastic for a large group. Nice kitchen, dining and living areas. Plenty of bedrooms and nice bathrooms. The game room in the basement was super fun! Everyone had plenty of space and a great time! When we arrived the front door was open ...
Reviewed on 6 April 2026
Popular places to visit
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.
Iowa State Capitol Building
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.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
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.
