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
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 Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while in the area.

Court District
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
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, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.

Drake
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
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
The price is AED 339 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
AED 339
AED 380 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
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! (1,595 reviews)
"This hotel has a little age on it, but the staff was great, breakfast was very good, and the pool area is great for kids. The indoor/outdoor pool was awesome, we swam outside in nice warm water when the temps were in the single digits."

Reviewed on 17 February 2025

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
2.5 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr, West Des Moines, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AED 288 per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10
AED 288
AED 322 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Mar - 10 Mar
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Was s very nice room. Bed was comfortable. Quiet and breakfast was really good."

Reviewed on 18 February 2025

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Surety Hotel
Surety Hotel
4 out of 5
206 6th Ave., Des Moines, IA
The price is AED 403 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
AED 403
AED 462 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Feb - 24 Feb
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (936 reviews)
"Great staff and a beautiful hotel."

Reviewed on 16 February 2025

Surety Hotel
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
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
NEW REMODEL! ARCADE GAMES, PNG PNG, SKEE BALL, ACCESS TO POOLS..WE HAVE IT ALL!
NEW REMODEL! ARCADE GAMES, PNG PNG, SKEE BALL, ACCESS TO POOLS..WE HAVE IT ALL!
Urbandale
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Urbandale. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Arena and Merle Hay ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (46 reviews)
Just as described
"Our large family had a great stay here! There was something for everyone to do!"

Reviewed on 9 January 2025

NEW REMODEL! ARCADE GAMES, PNG PNG, SKEE BALL, ACCESS TO POOLS..WE HAVE IT ALL!
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown Des Moines •
Des Moines
Stay at this vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Arena and Iowa State Fairgrounds ...
• Casa Dean sleeps 20 close to Fairgrounds and Downtown 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.

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