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Top reasons to visit Des Moines

• Family-Friendly Activities: Des Moines offers a variety of attractions suitable for families, ensuring fun for all ages.
• Beautiful Parks: Enjoy the scenic beauty of urban parks like Gray’s Lake Park and the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
• Vibrant Downtown: Experience the lively atmosphere with friendly locals, bustling businesses, and unique dining options.
• Diverse Accommodation: Choose from a range of stays, including pet-friendly and LGBTQIA welcoming hotels.
• Festivals and Events: Participate in local festivals that showcase the region's charm and community spirit.

Find great hotels in Des Moines

Discover a range of accommodation options in Des Moines, Iowa, perfect for every traveller. From modern hotels to cosy motels, you’ll find pet-friendly and LGBTQIA welcoming establishments that cater to your needs. Whether you’re looking for business-focused amenities or a leisurely stay, the best hotels in downtown Des Moines offer a comfortable base for exploring the city and its surroundings.

• Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA: A welcoming haven for pet lovers, Motel 6 West Des Moines offers a relaxed atmosphere for travellers seeking affordable lodging. Located conveniently in Des Moines, this motel is perfect for those wishing to explore the area with their furry friends. Guests appreciate the pet-friendly policies, allowing for a worry-free stay. The straightforward amenities ensure comfort without breaking the bank, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious adventurers.
• WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines: Designed with business travellers in mind, WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines blends practicality with a pet-friendly approach. Situated in Des Moines, this hotel features essential amenities tailored for corporate guests, such as a dedicated business district location and flexible accommodation options. The property allows pets with certain restrictions, making it a suitable choice for professionals who travel with their pets. Guests enjoy the home-like atmosphere alongside the convenience of business facilities.
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport: For families and business travellers alike, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport strikes the perfect balance. Located near the airport, it offers a range of services and facilities catering to both work and play. With a focus on family-friendly amenities, such as complimentary cribs and child-suitable spaces, this hotel ensures a comfortable stay for guests of all ages. Business amenities like meeting rooms and a business centre further enhance its appeal for corporate visitors.

Where to stay in Des Moines

Des Moines is a vibrant metropolis perfect for family getaways and outdoor adventures. Explore the lively downtown area, where friendly locals and bustling businesses create a warm atmosphere. Enjoy easy access to top locations like the beautiful Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the scenic Gray’s Lake Park. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, nearby suburbs offer a secluded charm, making it an ideal spot for a memorable city break.

• Des Moines: As the vibrant capital of Iowa, Des Moines offers a rich blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, it features a lively downtown area with an array of entertainment venues, including an arena and fairgrounds that host year-round events. Visitors are drawn to the city's stunning parks, lakes, and sports facilities, making it a great destination for both relaxation and recreation. Don't miss the local landmarks such as the event conference venue and nearby stadium, which showcase the city's dynamic culture and community spirit.
• West Des Moines: Located just west of the city centre, West Des Moines is a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This thriving city attracts families and business travellers alike, with a range of attractions including expansive shopping centres and music concert venues. The area is well-known for its beautiful lakes and parks, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy local events at the nearby stadium or unwind at the event conference venue, all while soaking in the welcoming atmosphere of this vibrant suburban community.
• Urbandale: A picturesque city situated north of Des Moines, Urbandale is perfect for those seeking a charming suburban experience with a city vibe. Known for its family-oriented attractions, the city boasts shopping malls and fairground showgrounds, making it an ideal spot for a day out. The local landscape is adorned with lakes and parks, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. With its close proximity to event conference venues and sports facilities, Urbandale seamlessly combines business and leisure, making it a fantastic addition to your Iowa itinerary.

Things to do in Des Moines

Des Moines is perfect for family and outdoor adventures, offering a variety of activities such as exploring local restaurants, shopping centres, and vibrant festivals. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere at the fairgrounds and discover unique attractions that highlight the region's charm. Whether you're looking for entertainment or relaxation, Des Moines has something for everyone to enjoy.

Shopping

Visit Jordan Creek Town Center for a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of entertainment and dining options. Don't miss Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market for local produce and unique souvenirs. For a more traditional shopping centre, check out Hawthorne Plaza, offering a variety of shops in a friendly atmosphere.

Recreation

Explore Principal Park for an invigorating atmosphere as you catch a local sports game. Unwind at Val Air Ballroom, where live music creates a vibrant ambiance. For serenity, visit Raccoon River Park, offering picturesque trails and peaceful spots for relaxation amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of soaring above the landscape on the Sky Glider East in Des Moines, where adventure meets stunning views. For hiking enthusiasts, the Greenbelt Trail offers scenic paths through nature, while Pole Position Raceway provides adrenaline-pumping karting fun for those seeking high-speed excitement.

Nightlife

In Des Moines, Hoyt Sherman Place enchants with its cultural performances, perfect for a romantic evening. For thrill-seekers, Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park offers an exhilarating adventure. Cinemark Century Jordan Creek 20 provides a cozy cinema experience, ideal for a fun night out with loved ones.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Des Moines

To save money on your trip to Des Moines, consider visiting from November to January when accommodation prices are lower. Take advantage of free attractions like Drake University, the Iowa State Capitol, and the Des Moines Art Center. For transport, buses are a budget-friendly option; however, walking is a great way to explore the city. Book your hotel through Expedia, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Remember, Monday is the least expensive day to stay, while Saturday tends to be the priciest.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Des Moines are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and 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 Des Moines is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Des Moines is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Des Moines hotel reservations with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Des Moines

Des Moines offers a fantastic mix of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and business-oriented venues. Visitors can explore urban parks, modern colleges, and event spaces, catering to those seeking a vibrant city experience. Don't miss the local attractions and nearby resorts that enhance your stay, providing plenty of options for leisure and exploration. Whether you're travelling solo or with family, Des Moines has something for everyone to enjoy.

• Adventureland: Experience thrills and excitement at Adventureland, an amusement park nestled within Des Moines. With a variety of rides and attractions, it's perfect for families seeking outdoor fun and adventure vibes, ensuring a memorable day filled with laughter and excitement.
• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Immerse yourself in the heart of Iowa's culture at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. This vibrant venue hosts numerous events throughout the year, offering outdoor activities and a family-friendly atmosphere, showcasing local traditions and delicious fair food.
• Drake University: Explore the campus of Drake University, a modern college situated in the city. With its beautiful architecture and lively student life, it provides a unique urban experience, blending education with cultural events and community engagement.

Best time to go to Des Moines

The best time to visit Des Moines can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Des Moines falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Des Moines falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Des Moines

When visiting Des Moines, Iowa, the primary airport to fly into is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), situated 6.4km from the city centre. Notable hotels nearby include the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, which boasts a 4.5-star rating. Additionally, the Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale and the Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, both part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton and rated 4.5 stars, are located 14.5km from the airport. Transportation services from these hotels to DSM are readily available, ensuring a convenient and pleasant stay in the area.