Greater South Side Travel Guide

Des Moines

A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.
A calm lake with mist rising from the water, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.
A park with a curved walking path, surrounded by grass and trees.
A river with a forested area and several buildings in the background.

Stay near popular Greater South Side attractions

Gray’s Lake Park

8.4/10 (8 reviews)
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.
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Things to do

The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour

The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour

Rp428.616
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
The Deadly Dirge of Des Moines Ghost Tour
See all activities in Des Moines

Top hotels in Greater South Side

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.469.522 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
Rp1.469.522
Rp1.645.865 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,825 reviews)
"Staff was friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

3 out of 5
1920 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.279.559 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
Rp1.279.559
Rp1.433.106 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport

Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport

2.5 out of 5
5001 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA
The price is Rp2.189.588 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
Rp2.189.588
Rp2.452.338 total
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Very nice hotel! Staff were very nice! Super being so close to the hotel!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2026

Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG

Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG

3 out of 5
6111 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.839.770 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
Rp1.839.770
Rp2.060.542 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service in their ...
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport

2.5 out of 5
5231 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA
The price is Rp1.287.982 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp1.287.982
Rp1.442.540 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Breakfast could have had more options"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2026

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

3 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA
The price is Rp2.042.994 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
Rp2.042.994
Rp2.288.153 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Hotel is convenient to interstate, located near many restaurants and fuel options. Breakfast was delicious and well attended by staff."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2026

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
See all 833 properties in Greater South Side
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Greater South Side

Find the best Greater South Side areas for the activities you enjoy most.
The entrance to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with a large dome structure in the background.

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.

The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.
Photo by Eric Mondres
Open Photo by Eric Mondres

Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

A sign reading "Historic East Village" with a clear blue sky and clouds in the background.

Historic East Village

Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.
Photo by Ryan Brohm
Open Photo by Ryan Brohm

Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Principal Park and Des Moines Civic Center while you're in town.

A paved road flanked by trees and bushes, leading into the distance.
Photo by Emily Ruschill
Open Photo by Emily Ruschill

Southwestern Hills

Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Lauridsen Amphitheater and Salisbury House.

Greater South Side Travel Guide