Top reasons to visit West Des Moines
- Family-Friendly Attractions: West Des Moines is perfect for families, offering diverse activities suitable for all ages.
- Charming Shopping Centers: Explore West Glen Town Center for a delightful mix of shopping and dining experiences.
- Vibrant City Life: Enjoy cultural experiences and lively events in nearby downtown Des Moines.
- Recreational Options: Discover urban parks and outdoor experiences that enhance relaxation and adventure.
- Diverse Accommodations: Choose from various pet-friendly and LGBTQIA welcoming hotels for a comfortable stay.
Find great hotels in and around West Des Moines
West Des Moines offers a diverse selection of accommodations, ranging from comfortable hotels to cozy motels, catering to both business and leisure travelers. Many properties are pet-friendly and LGBTQIA welcoming, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors. With an array of options available, you can easily find the best hotels that suit your preferences, complete with helpful reviews to guide your decision-making.
- Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking a pet-friendly atmosphere, Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA offers a simple yet comfortable lodging experience. Located conveniently in West Des Moines, this motel welcomes pets with open arms, allowing guests to enjoy their stay without leaving their furry friends behind. Amenities include free parking and complimentary Wi-Fi, making it a practical choice for those on the go. The straightforward design and warm hospitality ensure you have a pleasant stay, whether you're here for business or leisure.
- Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines / Clive: Just under 1.6km from West Des Moines, Days Inn by Wyndham combines comfort with convenience, making it perfect for both leisure travelers and business professionals. This hotel is particularly suited for pet owners, allowing pets in designated smoking rooms with certain restrictions. Guests can enjoy amenities like a complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a business center, ensuring a productive stay. The friendly staff and well-maintained facilities create a welcoming environment for all visitors, whether they’re on a work trip or a family getaway.
- Woodspring Suites West Des Moines: Catering to extended stays, Woodspring Suites West Des Moines provides a home-like environment for travelers looking to balance comfort and practicality. With options for pet-friendly accommodations, this hotel allows dogs while adhering to certain restrictions. Guests can enjoy in-room kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and access to laundry facilities, making it ideal for longer visits. The hotel’s contemporary design and supportive staff contribute to a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring you feel at home during your stay.
Where to stay in West Des Moines
West Des Moines offers a delightful blend of family-friendly attractions and vibrant city life, making it an ideal getaway. Explore the charming West Glen Town Center for shopping and dining, or venture into downtown Des Moines for cultural experiences and lively events. With its welcoming atmosphere and recreational options, West Des Moines promises memorable adventures for travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement in a picturesque setting.
- Des Moines: As the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines is a vibrant metropolis that serves as the cultural and economic heart of the region. Located conveniently close to West Des Moines, it features a mix of family-friendly attractions, bustling business districts, and urban experiences. Visitors can enjoy shopping at the local malls and explore a variety of events at conference venues. The city comes alive with activities during the summer months, particularly from June to August, making it a great time to experience local fairs, lakeside events, and the lively atmosphere of its modern college campuses.
- Urbandale: Just 6.4km from West Des Moines, Urbandale is a welcoming city known for its community spirit and family-centric activities. It offers a blend of urban conveniences and suburban charm, attracting visitors year-round, especially during the spring and summer months. The city boasts several shopping centers and fairground showgrounds, providing ample opportunities for entertainment. Local highlights include modern college universities and a variety of events that cater to both business and leisure travelers, making it an ideal spot for those looking to balance work and play.
- Clive: Located a mere mile from West Des Moines, Clive is a small city that offers a cozy atmosphere with easy access to urban amenities. Known for its family-friendly environment, Clive features shopping malls and an entertainment arena that hosts various events throughout the year, peaking during the spring and summer. Visitors can enjoy local attractions such as conference venues and a modern convention center, making it a great destination for business travelers as well. The community feel and accessible attractions make Clive a perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.
Things to do in and around West Des Moines
West Des Moines is a great destination for families and business travelers alike, offering a variety of attractions. Visitors can explore popular shopping centers and enjoy entertainment at the local arena. For those planning events, there are several conference venues available. Whether you're looking to shop or unwind, West Des Moines provides a perfect blend of activities for a memorable vacation.
Shopping
In West Des Moines, you can enjoy shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center and Valley West Mall, both offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit Jordan West for more shopping options in a vibrant atmosphere.
Recreation
Experience the lively atmosphere at Val Air Ballroom, where you can enjoy a variety of music concerts. For relaxation, Raccoon River Park offers serene walking trails and beautiful nature views. If you're in the mood for some outdoor activity, Willow Creek Golf Club provides a fantastic golfing experience amidst scenic landscapes.
Adventure
Explore the scenic Greenbelt Trail, a perfect spot for hiking just a couple of miles from West Des Moines, where you can immerse yourself in nature's beauty. For adrenaline seekers, head to Pole Position Raceway for thrilling karting action, located 9.7km away, ensuring an exhilarating experience.
Nightlife
Experience the fun at Pump It Up, an arcadeAdventureZone just 4.8km away, offering family-friendly adventure. For a touch of culture and entertainment, visit the Des Moines Community Playhouse, 8.0km away. Don't miss Cinemark Century Jordan Creek 20 for a perfect movie night right in West Des Moines.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for West Des Moines
Traveling to West Des Moines can be budget-friendly with several saving tips. Enjoy free attractions like Drake University and Valley Junction, and utilize public transport options like buses and bikes. Visit from November to January for lower accommodation prices, and consider booking your stay on a Monday to save even more. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and find eco-friendly options, and consider package deals to combine flights and activities for extra savings. With these strategies, you can make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in West Des Moines are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in West Des Moines is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in West Des Moines is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool empowers you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in West Des Moines with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in and around West Des Moines
West Des Moines is perfect for family, city, and business-themed vacations. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including urban parks, modern colleges, and charming neighborhoods. The area's points of interest cater to travelers seeking family-friendly activities, outdoor experiences, and vibrant city life, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the best of Iowa.
- Drake University: Located 9.7km from West Des Moines, Drake University offers a vibrant urban atmosphere with beautiful campus architecture. Visitors can enjoy its art galleries, theaters, and lively events, providing a taste of college life in a modern setting.
- Living History Farms: Just 3.2km away, Living History Farms is an immersive experience showcasing Iowa's agricultural history. Friendly staff in period costumes guide you through interactive exhibits, gardens, and farm animals, making it a fun and educational outing for all ages.
- West Glen Town Center: Nestled within West Des Moines, West Glen Town Center blends shopping, dining, and entertainment in a bustling environment. Enjoy trendy boutiques, popular restaurants, and outdoor spaces that create a vibrant city vibe perfect for relaxation and socializing.
Best time to go to West Des Moines
The best time to visit West Des Moines is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to West Des Moines
Traveling to West Des Moines, Iowa, is convenient with Des Moines International Airport (DSM), located 12.9km away. For a comfortable stay, consider Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, a 4.5-star hotel situated 6.4km from the airport. Another excellent option is the Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, also a 4.5-star establishment, located 14.5km from DSM. Similarly, the Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, is 14.5km away. Transportation services are readily available for easy access between these hotels and the airport, ensuring a smooth travel experience.