Des Moines Trip
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Where to stay in Des Moines
Historic East Village
The East Village blends historic charm with Des Moines' trendiest urban scene. Cobblestone streets wind past the iconic State Capitol dome while restored 19th-century brick buildings house art galleries and boutiques. This walkable district buzzes with local culture and unique shopping experiences. Farm-to-table restaurants showcase Iowa ingredients alongside craft beer venues and cocktail lounges. Independent shops offer locally-made goods and vintage finds throughout the area. The State Historical Museum and Capitol grounds provide cultural depth while evening concerts at Wooly's capture the area's creative spirit.
Downtown Des Moines
City centre Des Moines balances business energy with cultural flair. Modern glass towers stand beside historic limestone buildings while the Wells Fargo Arena anchors the skyline. Court Avenue District pulses with lively restaurants and bars where locals gather after work. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park offers an artistic retreat among office buildings. Business travellers appreciate the skywalk system connecting major buildings during Iowa's changing seasons. Culture seekers enjoy performances at the Des Moines Civic Centre and weekend farmers markets. The scenic riverwalk provides peaceful paths along the water's edge for morning jogs or evening strolls.
Western Gateway
Western Gateway is a cultural jewel in Des Moines where art and business blend seamlessly. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park anchors the area with 30 striking artworks scattered across 4.4 acres of manicured grounds. Visitors can wander between towering steel installations and whimsical bronze figures in this outdoor gallery. The area balances world-class cultural attractions with a sleek corporate environment. Wide boulevards with landscaped medians create an orderly, spacious streetscape. The Des Moines Art Centre and Temple for Performing Arts offer additional cultural experiences just steps away from major business headquarters.
Waveland Park
Waveland Park offers a peaceful retreat in Des Moines where leafy residential streets lead to an expansive green oasis. This family-friendly area centers around its namesake park and the historic Waveland Golf Course with rolling fairways. The Des Moines Community Playhouse adds cultural flair to this suburban haven. Tree-lined avenues showcase well-maintained homes with manicured lawns and seasonal gardens. Enjoy morning walks through the park's 120 acres of trails and playgrounds. Golf enthusiasts appreciate the classic course while families gather at local sports fields. City centre Des Moines attractions remain just a short drive away.
Beaverdale
Beaverdale offers an authentic slice of Midwestern suburban charm with its distinctive "Beaverdale Brick" homes from the 1920s-1940s. Tree-canopied streets create natural archways over well-maintained lawns and gardens. This welcoming Des Moines area provides a peaceful retreat from urban bustle. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along quiet residential streets with excellent pavements. The family-oriented atmosphere showcases genuine suburban culture with area parks and minimal tourist infrastructure. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the Tudor Revival and Colonial styles that define this historic residential haven.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Des Moines
Jordan Creek Town Center
Des Moines Hotel Deals
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West, IA
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Des Moines West, IA
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University"Clean room"
La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines
La Quinta by Wyndham Altoona Des Moines
Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Des Moines - Jordan Creek by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Des Moines - Jordan Creek by IHG
Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center
Comfort Inn & Suites Event Center"The staff was really friendly. Made our stay pleasant and welcoming."
Find out more about Des Moines
Things to do in Des Moines
Shopping
In Des Moines, you can explore Jordan Creek Town Center, a vibrant hub for shopping and entertainment. Valley West Mall offers a variety of shops and family-friendly activities, while Southridge Mall provides a diverse shopping experience, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.
Recreation
Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Val Air Ballroom, where live music creates an exhilarating ambiance. For relaxation, Sleepy Hollow Sports Park offers serene recreational activities amidst nature. If you enjoy golf, the Tournament Club of Iowa provides a scenic outdoor setting for a rejuvenating round on the greens.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of bouncing at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, where adventure meets family fun. At Pump It Up, enjoy inflatable attractions and exciting games. For a different kind of excitement, challenge your friends at Air Lanes Bowling Center, perfect for a lively outing in Des Moines.
Nightlife
Des Moines offers a vibrant nightlife with venues like the trendy 8th Street and the lively Court Avenue. For a more relaxed evening, explore the local breweries or enjoy live music at the Des Moines Social Club. There's always something to suit your mood in this dynamic city.
Find the best attractions in Des Moines
Des Moines offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and business opportunities. Notable attractions include urban parks, event and conference venues, and modern colleges and universities. Visitors can explore a variety of popular tourist spots that cater to those seeking a vibrant city experience, making it an ideal destination for a memorable vacation. Be sure to check out the major and top attractions in and around Des Moines for an enriching experience.
- Adventureland: Experience thrill and excitement at Adventureland, an amusement park in Des Moines. With a variety of rides and attractions, it offers outdoor fun for families and adventure seekers alike, ensuring a memorable day filled with laughter and adrenaline.
- EMC Expo Center: The EMC Expo Center serves as a premier event and conference venue in Des Moines, perfect for business gatherings and conferences. Its modern facilities and professional atmosphere make it an ideal location for networking and attending informative events.
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. This enchanting garden is a romantic escape with diverse plant collections, perfect for families seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.
Best time to go to Des Moines
The best time to visit Des Moines can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Des Moines falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Des Moines falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.
Tips to save on your trip to Des Moines
- Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
- Consider traveling to Des Moines during the low season (November to January) for more affordable options.
- Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
- Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Des Moines holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Des Moines getaway. However, a range of factors like the season, choice of hotel and length of stay will determine how much your holiday to Des Moines costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Des Moines?
If you're looking to book a cheap Des Moines holiday package, consider travelling in November, December and January. You're likely to find lower prices on hotels and airfares during these months — perfect for a budget-friendly getaway.
How many days is enough for Des Moines?
Allow around 2 days for your Des Moines holiday in order to immerse yourself in everything that makes this destination special. Stroll around key neighbourhoods, including Downtown Des Moines and Greater South Side. Then make a beeline for top attractions such as The Temple for Performing Arts and Iowa Hall of Pride. With a well-planned itinerary, you'll be kept busy with room for some downtime too. Want to venture outside of Des Moines? Consider squeezing in an excursion or two.
How to find the best Des Moines package deals?
Use Expedia's handy filters to find some fabulous Des Moines package deals. When you start your search, simply set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your break for midweek, or search for Des Moines package deals in the off-season. Play around with your travel dates and you may score even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to book your holiday package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Des Moines holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you great savings when compared to arranging accommodation and flights separately. Better still, you can personalise your Des Moines escape to fit your exact style. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Des Moines?
If you have your Des Moines holiday dates finalized, book as early as you can to bag some terrific deals. With Expedia, you can often reserve some flights up to one year in advance. Prefer spontaneous adventures? Our last-minute deals are great for setting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Des Moines?
- Choose when to get away: Check your diary and get your bags packed. Your favourite season and the type of activities on offer will also help you decide when to holiday in Des Moines.
- Calculate your budget: Ensure you have enough money to cover everything from transportation and food to activities and flights. Your hotel will probably be the biggest expense during your trip to Des Moines.
- Set the duration of your trip: Start by listing all the attractions you want to experience in Des Moines. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, including any travel time.
- Bundle your flights and hotel: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to find a Des Moines holiday package that brings all your bookings together.