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.
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, Des Moines Community Playhouse and Knapp Center 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.
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA
The price is SAR 456 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
SAR 456
SAR 511 total
29 Jun - 30 Jun
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! (1,009 reviews)
"Nostalgic property. Love the history and room was squeaky clean. Bed was very comfy. Will visit this property again!"
Reviewed on 21 June 2025
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
1050 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
Fully refundable
The price is SAR 454 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
SAR 454
SAR 508 total
30 Jun - 1 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! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice property, clean room. Staff just weren't very friendly"
Reviewed on 21 June 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
1901 Hackley Ave, Des Moines, IA
The price is SAR 255 per night from Jul 3 to Jul 4
SAR 255
SAR 286 total
3 Jul - 4 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! (1,508 reviews)
"Nice place to stay. No complaints"
Reviewed on 21 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.
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! (89 reviews)
"All the convinces of home, while being central to all activities."
Reviewed on 15 June 2025
Fun, group friendly house close to fair! Sleeps 8
Des Moines
Stay at this vacation home in Des Moines. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Iowa State Fairgrounds and Wells Fargo Arena ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (13 reviews)
Good place and owner
"Had a great time staying in Des Moines. Host was very nice and fast responding!"
Reviewed on 8 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)
Had a great time!
"We celebrated my husband's birthday here with our family. There was nice for sleeping with little kids that the rooms are spread out. The grandkids had a great time!"
Reviewed on 14 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.
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 great live music and lively festivals.
Principal Park
4.5/5(62 reviews)
You can take time to visit Principal Park during your travels to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
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 lively festivals.
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 acclaimed theater scene and great live music.
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
- Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Adventureland
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Drake University
- Wells Fargo Arena
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Principal Park
- Blank Park Zoo
- Iowa Events Center
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Hy Vee Hall
- Hoyt Sherman Place
- Living History Farms
- Val Air Ballroom
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Saylorville Lake
- Des Moines Art Center
- Merle Hay Mall
- Des Moines Area Community College
- West Glen Town Center
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Lauridsen Amphitheater
- Valley Junction
- Raccoon River Park
- Science Center of Iowa
- Des Moines MEPS
- Wooly's
- Salisbury House
- Mercy Medical Center West Lakes
- 801 Grand