Des Moines Vacations

Book a Hotel + Flight together to unlock savings

  • Plan, book, travel with confidence

  • Better together

    Save up to AED 5,000 when you book a flight and hotel together*
  • Find the right fit

    With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package
  • Rest easy

    Plan, book, and manage your trip all in one place

Where to stay in Des Moines

Find the best Des Moines areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Des Moines
A cityscape with various buildings, including a tall skyscraper and several mid-rise structures.

Downtown Des Moines

5 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

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.

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.

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.

A street lined with brick buildings, parked cars, and hanging flower baskets.

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.

The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.

Drake

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

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

A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.

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.

Find the Best Des Moines Vacation Packages

Des Moines Hotel Deals

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
AED 372
AED 417 total
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
AED 255
AED 286 total
7 Sep - 8 Sep
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,860 reviews)
"Close to Hyvee for any groceries we needed. Shuttle to and from the airport was always quick and convenient. There was always a shuttle within minutes of getting my baggage. Best hotel/airport combo with an affordable price!"

Reviewed on 12 August 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

5000 Merle Hay Rd Urbandale IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
AED 262
AED 294 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
See all 734 properties in Des Moines
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.

Stay near popular Des Moines attractions

A colorful salad with various vegetables and cheese.
Photo by Lana Garmon

Jordan Creek Town Center

9.2/10 (1,624 reviews)
Iowa's largest shopping destination features 150+ stores along a scenic lakefront boardwalk. Explore upscale boutiques, dine at waterfront restaurants, or catch a film at the theater for a complete retail retreat.
See properties
An aerial view of a bustling fairground with various stalls, rides, and a Ferris wheel.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

8.8/10 (945 reviews)
Home to one of America's oldest state fairs, these 435-acre grounds showcase agricultural heritage and Midwestern charm. Explore exhibitions and sample iconic fair foods during the August event.
See properties
A bridge over a river with a clear blue sky.
Photo by Analyn Suan

Principal Park

8.6/10 (133 reviews)
Principal Park offers baseball fans an intimate view of the Iowa Cubs with the Des Moines skyline as backdrop. Sit along the first base line for the best views of both the game and the Iowa State Capitol.
See properties
A city skyline with a river and a bridge.

Iowa Events Center

8.8/10 (573 reviews)
This sleek downtown complex houses three premier venues for concerts, sports, and conventions. Experience world-class entertainment or attend major trade shows in Des Moines' cultural heartbeat.
See properties
A large government building with a golden dome, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

Iowa State Capitol Building

9.0/10 (354 reviews)
The Iowa State Capitol dazzles with its 23-karat gold-leafed dome and unique five-dome design. Inside, marvel at the ornate law library's spiral staircases and intricate marble details during a free guided tour.
See properties

Adventureland

8.4/10 (602 reviews)
Iowa's premier amusement destination features signature coasters like The Monster and The Tornado, plus many other rides. Families can enjoy both thrilling attractions and Adventure Bay's refreshing water park.
See properties

Casey's Center

8.8/10 (976 reviews)
Downtown Des Moines arena hosting NBA G League games and major concerts with space for 17,000 fans. Enjoy premium club seating and local food favorites while cheering on the Iowa Wolves or catching headline performers.
See properties

Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino

8.6/10 (560 reviews)
Experience the thrill of live horse racing and casino gaming at this vibrant entertainment hub in Altoona. Enjoy fine dining at AJ's Steakhouse or catch live performances in the comfortable event center.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Des Moines vacation package cost?
You can pick up a vacation package to this destination on Expedia. But how much your vacation to Des Moines costs will depend on factors like your hotel choice, length of stay and season.
What are the cheapest months to go to Des Moines?
November, December and January are great times to look for cheap Des Moines vacation packages. Opting to travel in less busy months means you'll typically find reduced prices on flights and accommodations.
How to find the best Des Moines package deals?
Use Expedia's filter tool to find some fabulous Des Moines package deals. When you begin your search, just set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your escape for midweek, or search for Des Moines package deals in the low season. Switch up your travel dates and you may score even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to lock in your vacation package well in advance.
Is it cheaper to book a Des Moines vacation as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Des Moines escape by booking a personalized vacation package. Check the "Package" heading, then enter your destination and travel dates to view the best hotel prices and airfares. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may score a better deal.
When to book a vacation package to Des Moines?
If you've got your Des Moines travel dates locked in, book as soon as you can to grab some awesome deals. With Expedia, you can often reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment getaways? Our last-minute deals are great for quick escapes.
How to plan a trip to Des Moines?
  1. Choose when to travel: Check your calendar and get packing. Your favorite time of year and the activities on offer will also help you decide when to escape to Des Moines.
  2. Budget wisely: In addition to the cost of your hotel, you'll need to factor in other expenses too. These include food, flights and transportation. Also, put aside some extra funds for unexpected expenses that may crop up during your trip to Des Moines.
  3. Decide how long to go away for: Now that you know more about Des Moines, you can figure out the ideal length of your vacation. Put together a rough itinerary and give yourself enough time to cover everything you want to see.
  4. Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your flights, hotels, car rental and more into a tailored Des Moines vacation package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia