Greater South Side Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Greater South Side
Popular places to visit
Gray’s Lake Park
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme 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 theatre scene.
Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Living History Farms
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
Top hotels in Greater South Side
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025
Check Greater South Side hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Greater South Side
Grays Lake
While Grays Lake isn't home to many top sights, Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby.
Indianola Hills
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Indianola Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.
Watrous South
While there might not be top attractions in Watrous South, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Blank Park Zoo and Air Lanes Bowling Center.
Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Polk County Courthouse while you're in town.