Greater South Side Travel Guide
Des Moines





Visit Greater South Side
Popular places to visit

Gray’s Lake Park
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.

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 acclaimed theatre scene 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 acclaimed theatre scene 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 lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.

Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.

Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Top hotels in Greater South Side

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Yes
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
did not eat breakfast or take shuttle
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Great! Comfy bed. The tram is perfect
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
Clean hotel. Clean rooms and friendly staff. I booked it the last minute. Checked all my boxes for this hotel.
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
The room we had was on ground level, very near the pool. there was obviously some sort of convention, so people by the pool were very loud & obnoxious. the following morning the housekeeping staff kept knocking on the door wanting to come in (first time was before 8am)- we had forgot to put the do ...
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Comfortable beds, clean, the most well dressed and courteous staff. I love the character this hotel has. It’s gorgeous.
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Check Greater South Side hotel availability
Other neighbourhoods around Greater South Side

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.

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.

Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.

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.
