Travel to Des Moines

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Where to stay in Des Moines

Find the best Des Moines areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Des Moines
A cityscape with various buildings, including a tall skyscraper and several mid-rise structures.

Downtown Des Moines

4 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

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.

Find hotels in Downtown Des Moines

Things to do in Des Moines

Shopping

In Des Moines, you can visit Merle Hay Mall, Valley West Mall, and Southridge Mall, all offering a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Explore a range of shops for gifts and souvenirs, alongside family-friendly activities in a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Val Air Ballroom, where live music energises the crowd. Enjoy a game at Principal Park, surrounded by the thrill of sports. For a serene escape, Raccoon River Park offers tranquil walking trails and scenic views, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Pump It Up, where you can bounce and jump in a vibrant arcadeAdventureZone. For a racing rush, head to Pole Position Raceway for exhilarating karting. Alternatively, enjoy a fun-filled day at Air Lanes Bowling Center, perfect for an adventurous outing with family and friends.

Nightlife

Experience Des Moines' vibrant nightlife at the trendy Hessen Haus for great German beer, or enjoy live music at The Gas Lamp. For a more relaxed vibe, visit the East Village with its charming bars and eateries, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Des Moines

Des Moines, ideal for family and outdoor getaways, offers a blend of urban parks, event venues, and modern universities. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions that provide a city experience, making it a perfect destination for both leisure and business travellers. Don't miss out on top attractions and major sites that highlight the charm of this vibrant city and its surroundings.

  • EMC Expo Center: This vibrant venue is the heart of business events in Des Moines, offering a professional atmosphere perfect for conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions. Its modern facilities cater to a variety of corporate needs, making it an ideal spot for networking and innovation.
  • National Balloon Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of ballooning at this unique museum. Featuring fascinating exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive displays, it celebrates the art and science of ballooning, making it a delightful experience for all ages.
  • Water Works Park: This expansive urban park provides a serene escape with scenic views, trails for walking or cycling, and recreational areas for families. It's a perfect spot to enjoy outdoor activities or simply relax in nature amidst the city's hustle.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November40.5°F (4.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Des Moines

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Des Moines.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically November to January) for more affordable package holidays to Des Moines.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Des Moines

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM402 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
RM402
RM450 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM303 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
RM303
RM339 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd Urbandale IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM264 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
RM264
RM296 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
See all 745 properties in Des Moines
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.

Stay near popular Des Moines attractions

A colorful salad with various vegetables and cheese.
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.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Des Moines holiday package cost?
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?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.