The East Village blends historic charm with Des Moines' trendiest urban scene. Cobblestone streets wind past the iconic State Capitol dome while restored 19th-century brick buildings house art galleries and boutiques. This walkable district buzzes with local culture and unique shopping experiences. Farm-to-table restaurants showcase Iowa ingredients alongside craft beer venues and cocktail lounges. Independent shops offer locally-made goods and vintage finds throughout the area. The State Historical Museum and Capitol grounds provide cultural depth while evening concerts at Wooly's capture the area's creative spirit.
City centre Des Moines balances business energy with cultural flair. Modern glass towers stand beside historic limestone buildings while the Wells Fargo Arena anchors the skyline. Court Avenue District pulses with lively restaurants and bars where locals gather after work. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park offers an artistic retreat among office buildings. Business travellers appreciate the skywalk system connecting major buildings during Iowa's changing seasons. Culture seekers enjoy performances at the Des Moines Civic Centre and weekend farmers markets. The scenic riverwalk provides peaceful paths along the water's edge for morning jogs or evening strolls.
Western Gateway is a cultural jewel in Des Moines where art and business blend seamlessly. The Pappajohn Sculpture Park anchors the area with 30 striking artworks scattered across 4.4 acres of manicured grounds. Visitors can wander between towering steel installations and whimsical bronze figures in this outdoor gallery. The area balances world-class cultural attractions with a sleek corporate environment. Wide boulevards with landscaped medians create an orderly, spacious streetscape. The Des Moines Art Centre and Temple for Performing Arts offer additional cultural experiences just steps away from major business headquarters.
Waveland Park offers a peaceful retreat in Des Moines where leafy residential streets lead to an expansive green oasis. This family-friendly area centers around its namesake park and the historic Waveland Golf Course with rolling fairways. The Des Moines Community Playhouse adds cultural flair to this suburban haven. Tree-lined avenues showcase well-maintained homes with manicured lawns and seasonal gardens. Enjoy morning walks through the park's 120 acres of trails and playgrounds. Golf enthusiasts appreciate the classic course while families gather at local sports fields. City centre Des Moines attractions remain just a short drive away.
Beaverdale offers an authentic slice of Midwestern suburban charm with its distinctive "Beaverdale Brick" homes from the 1920s-1940s. Tree-canopied streets create natural archways over well-maintained lawns and gardens. This welcoming Des Moines area provides a peaceful retreat from urban bustle. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along quiet residential streets with excellent pavements. The family-oriented atmosphere showcases genuine suburban culture with area parks and minimal tourist infrastructure. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the Tudor Revival and Colonial styles that define this historic residential haven.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Des Moines
Photo by Lana Garmon
Open Photo by Lana Garmon
Jordan Creek Town Center
9.2/10 (1,624 reviews)
Iowa's largest shopping destination features 150+ stores along a scenic lakefront boardwalk. Explore upscale boutiques, dine at waterfront restaurants, or catch a film at the theatre for a complete retail retreat.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
8.8/10 (945 reviews)
Home to one of America's oldest state fairs, these 435-acre grounds showcase agricultural heritage and Midwestern charm. Explore exhibitions and sample iconic fair foods during the August event.
Iowa Events Center
8.8/10 (573 reviews)
This sleek city centre complex houses three premier venues for concerts, sports, and conventions. Experience world-class entertainment or attend major trade shows in Des Moines' cultural heartbeat.
Photo by Analyn Suan
Open Photo by Analyn Suan
Principal Park
8.6/10 (133 reviews)
Principal Park offers baseball fans an intimate view of the Iowa Cubs with the Des Moines skyline as backdrop. Sit along the first base line for the best views of both the game and the Iowa State Capitol.
Adventureland
8.4/10 (602 reviews)
Iowa's premier amusement destination features signature coasters like The Monster and The Tornado, plus many other rides. Families can enjoy both thrilling attractions and Adventure Bay's refreshing water park.
Casey's Center
8.8/10 (976 reviews)
City centre Des Moines arena hosting NBA G League games and major concerts with space for 17,000 fans. Enjoy premium club seating and local food favourites while cheering on the Iowa Wolves or catching headline performers.
Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino
8.6/10 (560 reviews)
Experience the thrill of live horse racing and casino gaming at this vibrant entertainment hub in Altoona. Enjoy fine dining at AJ's Steakhouse or catch live performances in the comfortable event centre.
Blank Park Zoo
8.4/10 (350 reviews)
Iowa's only accredited zoo houses over 2,100 animals across nearly 200 species in diverse habitats. Feed giraffes in the African Savanna or explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre for an engaging wildlife experience.
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.
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.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Des Moines getaway. However, a range of factors like the season, choice of hotel and length of stay will determine how much your holiday to Des Moines costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Des Moines?
If you're looking to book a cheap Des Moines holiday package, consider travelling in November, December and January. You're likely to find lower prices on hotels and airfares during these months — perfect for a budget-friendly getaway.
How many days is enough for Des Moines?
Allow around 2 days for your Des Moines holiday in order to immerse yourself in everything that makes this destination special. Stroll around key neighbourhoods, including Downtown Des Moines and Greater South Side. Then make a beeline for top attractions such as The Temple for Performing Arts and Iowa Hall of Pride. With a well-planned itinerary, you'll be kept busy with room for some downtime too. Want to venture outside of Des Moines? Consider squeezing in an excursion or two.
How to find the best Des Moines package deals?
Use Expedia's handy filters to find some fabulous Des Moines package deals. When you start your search, simply set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your break for midweek, or search for Des Moines package deals in the off-season. Play around with your travel dates and you may score even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to book your holiday package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Des Moines holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you great savings when compared to arranging accommodation and flights separately. Better still, you can personalise your Des Moines escape to fit your exact style. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Des Moines?
If you have your Des Moines holiday dates finalized, book as early as you can to bag some terrific deals. With Expedia, you can often reserve some flights up to one year in advance. Prefer spontaneous adventures? Our last-minute deals are great for setting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Des Moines?
Choose when to get away: Check your diary and get your bags packed. Your favourite season and the type of activities on offer will also help you decide when to holiday in Des Moines.
Calculate your budget: Ensure you have enough money to cover everything from transportation and food to activities and flights. Your hotel will probably be the biggest expense during your trip to Des Moines.
Set the duration of your trip: Start by listing all the attractions you want to experience in Des Moines. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, including any travel time.
Bundle your flights and hotel: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to find a Des Moines holiday package that brings all your bookings together.
* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.