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 Polk County Courthouse while in the area.
Greater South Side
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
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Adventureland
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
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 lively festivals and great live music.
Living History Farms
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
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
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.
Other places like Des Moines
- Iowa State Fairgrounds
- Adventureland
- Casey's Center
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Drake University
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Iowa Events Center
- Blank Park Zoo
- Principal Park
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- EMC Expo Center
- Hoyt Sherman Place
- Des Moines Civic Center
- 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
- Lauridsen Amphitheater
- Valley Junction
- Science Center of Iowa
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Wooly's
- Salisbury House
- 801 Grand
- Des Moines MEPS
- Mercy Medical Center West Lakes
- Sleepy Hollow Sports Park