Des Moines, IA
Travel Guide
Visit Des Moines
Where to stay in Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines
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 Principal Park while in the area.
Drake
If you're spending some time in Drake, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.
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 Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"We usually stay at Des Luxe but have always wanted to stay at a variety of local hotels. We stayed here for the balcony experience but would never return. It was not well kept and the entrance was difficult and frustrating to locate. Ashley A. Was the only positive aspect of our trip. 10/10 would ..."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"Room was a nice size, clean and comfortable, but the walls are thin and could hear the neighbors. Breakfast had nice choices with scrambled eggs, sausage gravy with biscuits, yogurt, bananas, cereal, usual waffles, mini muffins."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
"Clean"
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
"Its a lot of effort to check-in and go through all the steps they need to be able to do the setup for self check-in. Also, they have sensors in the property, and if you are sitting and just having normal conversations or eating or something at 2 AM, you start getting annoying messages every few mins, ..."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Fabulous 2-bedroom house with AC in Des Moines
"Only thing that I would request to change is the TV stand in the bedroom needs to be taller"
Reviewed on 18 May 2026
Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8
"Very nice, cozy home away from home! Close to all Des Moines has to offer!"
Reviewed on 26 April 2026
Popular places to visit
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.
Principal Park
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
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 lively festivals.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
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.
