Greater South Side Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
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.
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
Living History Farms
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Our pick of the best Greater South Side Hotel Deals
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
The staff was helpful. The shuttle service was excellent.
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
The roo. Was vlean
Reviewed on 5 Nov 2025
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
I stay here everytime I go on a trip and it’s always clean and a great stay! The shuttle is a huge plus and being able to leave my car there is so convenient.
Reviewed on 9 Nov 2025
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
We had pleasant stay. The facilities were clean and the staff was friendly. The pool was well kept and clean but the hot tub needed more attention. My only complaint was that we couldnt have our guests swim in the pool because they weren't registered. This was a dissapointment for us because my grandkids ...
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
Very full so unfortunately we chose to pass on pool and hot tub. Lot of vending machines didn't work .
Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
I like the aesthetic of the hotel and the two restaurants/bar options within the hotel.
Reviewed on 10 Nov 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Greater South Side
Grays Lake
While Grays Lake isn't home to many top sights, Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby.
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 Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.
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 Air Lanes Bowling Center.
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.
