Visit Southwestern Hills
Popular places to visit
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
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.
Living History Farms
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Des Moines Art Center
Spend time admiring the architectural lines of this art and education center before heading inside to view its outstanding collection.
Top hotels in Southwestern Hills
Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Staff was good
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
This is our second time staying here. It feels like a 5 star hotel. The details in the decor are unique and well designed. The bed and bedding is comfortable. I love the lobby, large and spacious with lots of seating options for gatherings small or large. Great restaurant, Proudfoot and Bird with ...
Reviewed on 6 Dec 2025
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Room was clean but smoke alarm was hanging from the ceiling so check your rooms for maintenance. Staff was very friendly and helpful at desk. Housekeeping did knock and try to enter our room before I could answer the door at 10am, an hour before checkout, so educate them to let us answer. It takes ...
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Everyone was very friendly and welcoming. The breakfast was better than expected in the morning. The bed was comfortable.
Reviewed on 5 Dec 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
This is an older, but well maintained option and it was convenient. Our room was clean. Staff was friendly and helpful.
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
Des Lux Hotel
Wonderful, friendly staff. Stunning lobby! The room was large and immaculate.
Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Southwestern Hills
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 Southridge Mall.
Greater South Side
While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.
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.
North of Grand
North of Grand might not have many top sights, but Des Moines Community Playhouse and Salisbury House are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
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.
Waterbury
While Waterbury may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Val Air Ballroom and Des Moines Art Center.
