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.
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 Polk County Courthouse while in the area.
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.
Southwestern Hills
While Southwestern Hills 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.
Drake
If you're spending some time in Drake, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
The price is SAR 516 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
SAR 516
SAR 578 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,021 reviews)
Great stay!
"Very pretty hotel! Many beautiful details and everyone was very friendly. Very spacious room and ambience was wonderful. *our only complaints, though minor- bed was not the most comfortable (but still fine) and no fan in the bathroom."
Reviewed on 10 July 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is SAR 252 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
SAR 252
SAR 282 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,541 reviews)
"The only thing that we would have liked the air conditioner would have cooled better. I know it was a hot day but didst work very good."
Reviewed on 11 July 2025
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is SAR 408 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
SAR 408
SAR 457 total
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Everything was clean and staff weree very kind!!!"
Reviewed on 12 July 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! (93 reviews)
"Great, modern & great location."
Reviewed on 7 July 2025
Close to Drake/Downtown - Filled With Amenities, Pet Friendly, Hot Tub, Theater!
Des Moines
Book a stay at this golf vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy a water park, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Wells Fargo Arena ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Nice place
"I chose this place due to price, location and what it provided for the grandchildren. It was decorated cute and had a theatre in the basement. We were hoping to have smores after a day at Adventureland and a movie. Rain came in so outside was out and then the TV's didn't work. SO, it wasn't the best ..."
Reviewed on 23 June 2025
AMAZING & A PARTY BARN… HOT TUB, PL TBl, PNG PNG, & ARCADE! ACCESS TO POOLS!
West Des Moines
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in West Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Jordan Creek Town ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (59 reviews)
Mini Family Reunion
"Hello, We had 10 families that traveled to West Des Moines from the Chicagoland area for a mini family union for another family member that lives in town. We all stayed at different places including a mix of VRBOs and hotels. My cousin hosted us all at his house for the reunion, but we definitely ..."
Reviewed on 23 June 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 lively festivals 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 lively festivals 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 lively festivals 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 acclaimed theater scene and lively festivals.
Reviews of Des Moines
4.2
Top Destination
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
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
- Adventureland
- Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Casey's Center
- Drake University
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Iowa Events Center
- Principal Park
- Blank Park Zoo
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- EMC Expo Center
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Hoyt Sherman Place
- Living History Farms
- Val Air Ballroom
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Saylorville Lake
- Des Moines Art Center
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Merle Hay Mall
- West Glen Town Center
- Lauridsen Amphitheater
- Valley Junction
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Science Center of Iowa
- Wooly's
- Mercy Medical Center West Lakes
- 801 Grand
- Des Moines MEPS
- Salisbury House