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 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 great live music 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 lively festivals.
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.
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.
Things to do
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
Top hotels in Greater South Side
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Left to early for breakfast - shuttle was great
Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
Friendly front desk staff. The property, although clean was definitely dated and shows signs of wear. We would probably chose a different place near the airport next time.
Reviewed on 5 Apr 2026
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
We had to leave before they served breakfast and the young lady at checkout, Jaya, said they would have muffins, bagels and granola bars to grab on the way out. They did not and the individual at the front desk said she had no idea why Jaya would say that🙁and that the owner would not allow it.
Reviewed on 30 Mar 2026
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
Nice
Reviewed on 2 Apr 2026
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
I love staying at this hotel because of the closest to the airport. But seems the last few times that I’ve stayed here. I always get stuck in the rear part of the building.
Reviewed on 2 Apr 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Staff, vallet, and room service was amazing!
Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Greater South Side
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 A. H. Blank Golf Course.
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 Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
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.
