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
"Dakota was AMAZING, she was very helpful my entire stay. She was def a GIRLS GIRL💅. The hotel was a cutesy vibe, especially the speakeasy. Not much going on in Iowa, but would def stay here over and over again."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"Room was a nice size, clean and comfortable, but the walls are thin and could hear the neighbors. Breakfast had nice choices with scrambled eggs, sausage gravy with biscuits, yogurt, bananas, cereal, usual waffles, mini muffins."
Reviewed on 22 May 2026
Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA
"Good place for the price."
Reviewed on 23 May 2026
Kasa Downtown Des Moines
"Its a lot of effort to check-in and go through all the steps they need to be able to do the setup for self check-in. Also, they have sensors in the property, and if you are sitting and just having normal conversations or eating or something at 2 AM, you start getting annoying messages every few mins, ..."
Reviewed on 22 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 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.
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.
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
- Jordan Creek Town Center
- Adventureland
- Drake University
- Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
- Iowa Events Center
- Principal Park
- Iowa State Capitol Building
- EMC Expo Center
- Blank Park Zoo
- Des Moines Civic Center
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Outlets of Des Moines
- Merle Hay Mall
- Saylorville Lake
- Des Moines Area Community College
- Lauridsen Amphitheater
- Valley Junction
- Wooly's
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Water Works Park
- Mercy Medical Center West Lakes
- Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
- Raccoon River Park
