Des Moines Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Des Moines
Where to stay in Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines
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.
Historic East Village
Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to State Historical Museum of Iowa and Wooly's while you're in town.
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"Luxury! Would stay anytime."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
"👍"
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"Hotel was great. Food selection could’ve been better."
Reviewed on 29 May 2026
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
"very nice and modern place. my only issues are the garbage disposal didnt work, and the pillows are to thick."
Reviewed on 26 May 2026
Popular places to visit
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
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 acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
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.
Other places like Des Moines
- Adventureland
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Drake University
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- Iowa Events Center
- Blank Park Zoo
- Principal Park
- EMC Expo Center
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Merle Hay Mall
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Valley Junction
- Saylorville Lake
- Lauridsen Amphitheater
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Wooly's
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Mercy Medical Center West Lakes
- Raccoon River Park
- Water Works Park
- Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
