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.
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.
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.
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.
Western Gateway Park dazzles art lovers with its jaw-dropping outdoor sculpture collection where giant steel masterpieces stand proudly on green lawns. The Des Moines Art Center adds even more cultural cred with its rotating exhibitions, while the business district buzzes with well-dressed professionals during weekdays. You can easily spend hours wandering between towering art installations and taking cool photos without spending a dime.
Dining options cater mainly to the corporate crowd with upscale lunch spots that close early evening. Hotels here focus on business travelers rather than tourists, but everything's within easy walking distance. The neighborhood quiets down after work hours, so plan your evening activities in nearby downtown areas instead.
Waveland Park gives golf lovers and family travelers a peaceful retreat from Des Moines' busy downtown scene. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets, expansive green spaces, and rolling fairways at Waveland Municipal Golf Course create a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Culture seekers can catch a show at the Des Moines Community Playhouse or take a short drive to the nearby Des Moines Art Center.
Getting around requires a car or rideshare since public transit is limited in this residential area. The trade-off is worth it for the quiet evenings and genuine suburban experience. While dining options are scarce within the neighborhood, vacation rentals with full kitchens make self-catering a breeze for budget-conscious travelers.
Beaverdale welcomes you with tree-lined streets and distinctive "Beaverdale Brick" homes from the 1920s-40s. This charming Des Moines neighborhood offers an authentic slice of Midwestern suburban life where Tudor Revival and Colonial architecture create a postcard-perfect setting. Kids play in neighborhood parks while locals chat on front porches, creating a genuine community vibe away from tourist crowds.
Dining options are limited to cozy cafes and family restaurants with hearty Midwestern comfort food. Most visitors stay in occasional bed-and-breakfasts or vacation rentals in historic homes. The area is best explored by car, with ample street parking and quiet sidewalks perfect for evening strolls under mature oak and maple trees.
Iowa State Fairgrounds is 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from central Des Moines, why not stop by during your stay. If you have fun at Iowa State Fairgrounds, you'll love Des Moines Civic Center and Science Center of Iowa, both located nearby.
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.
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.
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 great live music.
Between the banks of two rivers, a city of surprising delights awaits. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park displays world-class art under open skies, while Wooly's hosts bands that tomorrow everyone will claim they discovered first. Science Center of Iowa makes learning feel rebellious, with exhibits that encourage touching everything your grade school teacher forbade. Blank Park Zoo houses creatures both exotic and local, the latter looking slightly embarrassed about their Midwestern modesty. The Des Moines Civic Center brings Broadway shows to heartland audiences who appreciate them with genuine enthusiasm. For a perfect afternoon, grab local beer and watch the sunset paint the Walnut Street Bridge in colors that seem almost suspiciously beautiful.
Visitors really like Des Moines, especially its live music, festivals, and restaurants. Nature lovers can visit Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and Gray’s Lake Park. A stop at other sights like Walnut Street Bridge and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates will create memories.
