Des Moines Trip

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Where to stay in Des Moines

Find the best Des Moines areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Des Moines
A cityscape with various buildings, including a tall skyscraper and several mid-rise structures.

Downtown Des Moines

4 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.

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A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.

Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Principal Park and Des Moines Civic Center while you're in town.

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A street lined with brick buildings, parked cars, and hanging flower baskets.

Historic East Village

Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront.

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The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.

Drake

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Des Moines Community Playhouse and La Casa Cultural Center.

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A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

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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.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November40.5°F (4.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

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.

Top hotels in Des Moines

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
₹9,675
₹10,836 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Staff was nice and breakfast was good. The A/C was really loud and seemed a bit worn and old."

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2026

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

5000 Merle Hay Rd Urbandale IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
₹6,814
₹7,632 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
5.8/10 (1,019 reviews)
"It was okay. The staff were helpful. In our room the bathroom door wouldn’t close. The bed was nice and comfortable. The A/C in the room worked great. The pool area the A/C didn’t work at all. The first day the big slide was not working. By the end the main thing was the grandkids had fun in the ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
₹6,551
₹7,337 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
See all 734 properties in Des Moines
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.

Stay near popular Des Moines attractions

A colorful salad with various vegetables and cheese.
Photo by Lana Garmon

Jordan Creek Town Center

9.2/10 (1,624 reviews)
Iowa's largest shopping destination features 150+ stores along a scenic lakefront boardwalk. Explore upscale boutiques, dine at waterfront restaurants, or catch a film at the theatre for a complete retail retreat.
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An aerial view of a bustling fairground with various stalls, rides, and a Ferris wheel.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

8.8/10 (945 reviews)
Home to one of America's oldest state fairs, these 435-acre grounds showcase agricultural heritage and Midwestern charm. Explore exhibitions and sample iconic fair foods during the August event.
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A bridge over a river with a clear blue sky.
Photo by Analyn Suan

Principal Park

8.6/10 (133 reviews)
Principal Park offers baseball fans an intimate view of the Iowa Cubs with the Des Moines skyline as backdrop. Sit along the first base line for the best views of both the game and the Iowa State Capitol.
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A city skyline with a river and a bridge.

Iowa Events Center

8.8/10 (573 reviews)
This sleek city centre complex houses three premier venues for concerts, sports, and conventions. Experience world-class entertainment or attend major trade shows in Des Moines' cultural heartbeat.
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A large government building with a golden dome, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

Iowa State Capitol Building

9.0/10 (354 reviews)
The Iowa State Capitol dazzles with its 23-karat gold-leafed dome and unique five-dome design. Inside, marvel at the ornate law library's spiral staircases and intricate marble details during a free guided tour.
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Adventureland

8.4/10 (602 reviews)
Iowa's premier amusement destination features signature coasters like The Monster and The Tornado, plus many other rides. Families can enjoy both thrilling attractions and Adventure Bay's refreshing water park.
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Casey's Center

8.8/10 (976 reviews)
City centre Des Moines arena hosting NBA G League games and major concerts with space for 17,000 fans. Enjoy premium club seating and local food favourites while cheering on the Iowa Wolves or catching headline performers.
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Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino

8.6/10 (560 reviews)
Experience the thrill of live horse racing and casino gaming at this vibrant entertainment hub in Altoona. Enjoy fine dining at AJ's Steakhouse or catch live performances in the comfortable event centre.
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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?
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.