Greater South Side Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Greater South Side
Popular places to visit
Gray’s Lake Park
Explore the great outdoors at Gray’s Lake Park, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
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.
Top hotels in Greater South Side
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
The staff was very accommodating. B
Reviewed on 15 Nov 2025
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Good location by the airport the price was right and all was well
Reviewed on 10 Nov 2025
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
I stay here everytime I go on a trip and it’s always clean and a great stay! The shuttle is a huge plus and being able to leave my car there is so convenient.
Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
We had pleasant stay. The facilities were clean and the staff was friendly. The pool was well kept and clean but the hot tub needed more attention. My only complaint was that we couldnt have our guests swim in the pool because they weren't registered. This was a dissapointment for us because my grandkids ...
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
Very full so unfortunately we chose to pass on pool and hot tub. Lot of vending machines didn't work .
Reviewed on 8 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
Other neighbourhoods around Greater South Side
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.
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.
Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.
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.
Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
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.
Greater South Side Travel Guide
- Gray’s Lake Park
- 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
- 801 Grand
- National Balloon Museum
- Des Moines MEPS
- Mercy Medical Center West Lakes
- Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
