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.
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.
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.
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.
Drake
If you're spending some time in Drake, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.
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.
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
5291 Stoney Creek Court, Johnston, IA
The price is AED 359 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
AED 359
AED 402 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
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! (1,629 reviews)
"Front desk was so helpful!! Very clean"
Reviewed on 19 March 2025
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
5000 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale, IA
The price is AED 256 per night from Mar 25 to Mar 26
AED 256
AED 286 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Urbandale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
5.8/10 (362 reviews)
"The room we checked in to had a toilet that constantly ran. The bathroom pocket door was wedged open. The front desk was very accommodating to get us moved to a new room"
Reviewed on 17 March 2025
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
The price is AED 490 per night from Mar 27 to Mar 28
AED 490
AED 549 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Mar - 28 Mar
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! (934 reviews)
"Our stay was exactly what we were promised. The property was beautiful and clean, the staff friendly and helpful, the location perfect!"
Reviewed on 17 March 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! (76 reviews)
"Close to the YMCA"
Reviewed on 4 March 2025
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! (52 reviews)
Just as described
"Our large family had a great stay here! There was something for everyone to do!"
Reviewed on 9 January 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 a pool table. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (47 reviews)
Game night
"Everything was great and really fun!"
Reviewed on 13 January 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 lively festivals and great live music.
Principal Park
4.5/5(62 reviews)
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
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 acclaimed theater scene 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 great live music 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 great live music and lively festivals.
Reviews of Des Moines
4.2
Top Destination
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
- Wells Fargo Arena
- Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Adventureland
- Drake University
- Iowa Events Center
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Hy Vee Hall
- Blank Park Zoo
- Principal Park
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Living History Farms
- Hoyt Sherman Place
- Val Air Ballroom
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Merle Hay Mall
- Des Moines Art Center
- West Glen Town Center
- Science Center of Iowa
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Valley Junction
- Saylorville Lake
- Gray’s Lake Park
- 801 Grand
- Lauridsen Amphitheater
- Wooly's
- Salisbury House
- Mercy Medical Center West Lakes
- Raccoon River Park
- Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center