Find the best South Dakota Hotels

Top reasons to visit South Dakota

• Stunning Natural Landscapes: Experience the breathtaking Badlands and the rugged beauty of the Black Hills, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Rich Cultural Experiences: Explore charming cities like Rapid City and Sioux Falls, filled with historical sites and local attractions.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures, urban parks, and picturesque lakes suitable for all ages.
• Scenic Train Rides: Embark on scenic train journeys that offer unique views of the stunning landscapes.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: Find a range of hotels and resorts tailored to different preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Find great hotels in South Dakota

Discover a variety of hotel accommodations in South Dakota, perfectly suited for every traveller's needs. Whether you're seeking pet-friendly options, family-friendly resorts, or convenient stays for business trips, you'll find top hotels and motels that cater to your preferences. With numerous reviews and recommendations available, choosing the ideal lodging for your South Dakota vacation has never been easier.

• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rapid City, SD: Nestled in the heart of South Dakota, this 3-star hotel boasts a welcoming atmosphere ideal for families, business travellers, and pet owners alike. With a commendable guest rating of 9.0, it offers thoughtful amenities such as complimentary cribs for children and pet-friendly facilities, including food and water bowls. Its convenient location provides easy access to local attractions, making it a great base for your adventures.
• La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham at WaTiki Waterpark: A delightful budget-friendly option with a guest rating of 8.8, this hotel features a unique waterpark which is free for guests, ensuring hours of fun for families. Children can enjoy additional amenities like a dedicated pool and an arcade game room. The hotel is also pet-friendly, allowing pets in rooms with certain restrictions. Its vibrant atmosphere and family-oriented services make it an appealing choice for a memorable stay in South Dakota.
• Baymont by Wyndham Rapid City: This budget-friendly hotel is rated 8.2 and provides a comfortable stay for families and business travellers. With complimentary cribs available for children, it caters to families while also accommodating pets within specified guidelines. Located conveniently in Rapid City, the Baymont is a practical choice for those looking to explore the area. Guests appreciate its friendly service and comfortable amenities, ensuring a relaxing experience during your visit.

Where to stay in South Dakota

South Dakota beckons with its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Discover the rolling prairies and rugged beauty of the Black Hills, or take a scenic drive to enjoy river views. Cities like Rapid City and Sioux Falls offer a friendly atmosphere and unique experiences, making this destination ideal for both adventure and relaxation. Immerse yourself in the warmth of its people and the charm of its historical sites.

• Custer County: Nestled in the scenic Black Hills region of South Dakota, Custer County offers a breathtaking outdoor experience that attracts adventurers year-round, with peak tourist numbers from June to August. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature, exploring national parks, mountain trails, and nature reserves. The area is renowned for its stunning landscapes, making it ideal for hiking, camping, and skiing in the winter months. Popular venues include recreational areas that cater to a variety of outdoor activities, ensuring an exhilarating adventure for all.
• Rapid City: Known as the gateway to the Black Hills, Rapid City boasts a vibrant blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city experiences a seasonal influx of tourists, especially from June to August, drawn by its outdoor adventures and striking scenery. Visitors can enjoy recreational areas, a lively water park, and dynamic shopping centres. Iconic landmarks such as the nearby mountains and national parks enhance the travel experience, making Rapid City a must-visit for those seeking both adventure and cultural richness.
• Sioux Falls: As the largest city in South Dakota, Sioux Falls offers a unique blend of urban charm and outdoor leisure, appealing to families and city explorers alike. While visitor numbers peak in the summer months, the city remains an inviting destination throughout the year. Attractions include a range of shopping centres, an entertainment arena, and beautiful lakes perfect for leisurely strolls. The city's historic college and stadium add to its cultural appeal, making Sioux Falls an exciting place to explore and enjoy family-friendly activities.

Things to do in South Dakota

Shopping

In Rapid City, visit the Rushmore Mall for a variety of shops, including national brands and local boutiques. For unique souvenirs, head to the Downtown Rapid City Market, where local artisans offer handmade crafts, perfect for gifts that reflect South Dakota's charm.

Recreation

In South Dakota, the Black Hills Health and Wellness Center offers a serene environment with fitness classes and wellness programmes. The Spearfish Canyon Lodge features relaxing spa treatments and breathtaking views, while the Healing Waters Spa in Hot Springs provides mineral baths that rejuvenate the body and mind.

Adventure

Explore the stunning landscapes of Badlands National Park, where dramatic rock formations and wildlife abound. Hike the numerous trails to experience breathtaking vistas and unique geological features. For a thrilling experience, try rock climbing at Custer State Park, surrounded by majestic views and diverse wildlife.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Rapid City with a craft beer at the popular Firehouse Brewing Company. For live music, the Badlands Bar & Grille offers a lively atmosphere where locals gather. Alternatively, explore the laid-back vibe at Prairie Berry Winery for a unique wine tasting experience.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Dakota

To save money during your visit to South Dakota, consider travelling in April or December to January when accommodation prices are lower. Avoid weekends, particularly Saturdays, as they tend to be more expensive; opt for a Tuesday stay instead. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly hotels, and arrange your search from lowest to highest price for the best deals. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into one Expedia package can lead to significant savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in South Dakota are April and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in South Dakota is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in South Dakota is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in South Dakota with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in South Dakota

South Dakota is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Key attractions include urban parks, picturesque lakes, and captivating national parks, all offering family-friendly and cultural experiences. Notable highlights to explore are the Badlands of South Dakota, where visitors can immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and unique landscapes. This destination promises a memorable vacation filled with exploration and enjoyment.

• Mount Rushmore: This iconic landmark features the colossal carved faces of four U.S. presidents, symbolising democracy and national pride. Visitors can explore the visitor centre and learn about the monument's fascinating history while enjoying the surrounding pine forests.
• The Black Hills: Known for their stunning scenery and outdoor adventures, the Black Hills offer hiking, rock climbing, and breathtaking views. The region is steeped in Native American history, providing a rich cultural experience amidst the natural beauty.
• Custer State Park Wildlife Loop Road: This picturesque drive takes you through a nature reserve teeming with wildlife, including buffalo, elk, and deer. Ideal for eco-conscious travellers, it offers opportunities for wildlife watching and enjoying the great outdoors.

Best time to go to South Dakota

The best time to visit South Dakota is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	13.3°F (-10.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	20.7°F (-6.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	35.6°F (2.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	43.7°F (6.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
May	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	68.9°F (20.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	73.9°F (23.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	72.1°F (22.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	64.2°F (17.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	48.2°F (9.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	36.0°F (2.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	19.9°F (-6.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low