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
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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Explore the great outdoors at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
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
You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Des Moines Art Center during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Top hotels in Southwestern Hills
Baymont by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Great stay, spotless, many amenities.
Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
The room was very clean and spacious. It was also in a great location with plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance.
Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
The staff was very accommodating. B
Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025
Home2 Suites by Hilton Des Moines at Drake University
Yes
Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
Always quiet and no issues.
Reviewed on 12 Nov 2025
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Clean room, great atmosphere and excellent staff. Room was clean and no gross “hotel” smell. The only thing negative is we had a jet tub room and we had no hot water to enjoy it. The shower had no hot water either, along with no water pressure.
Reviewed on 7 Nov 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 Air Lanes Bowling Center.
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 Salisbury House and Des Moines Art Center 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.
Southwestern Hills Travel Guide
- Places of interest
- Hotels in Southwestern Hills by Star Rating
- Hotels in top Des Moines neighborhoods
- Search Southwestern Hills Hotel Brands
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Adventureland
- Drake University
- Iowa Events Center
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- EMC Expo Center
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Blank Park Zoo
- Principal Park
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Merle Hay Mall
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Saylorville Lake
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Valley Junction
- Simpson College
- Wooly's
- Gray’s Lake Park
- 801 Grand
- National Balloon Museum
- Des Moines MEPS
- Mercy Medical Center West Lakes
