Things to do in Des Moines

Activities, attractions and tours

A marina with various boats docked, calm water, and a wooden pier.
A pier extending into a calm body of water with a clear sky above.
A lighthouse with a red roof and a white building, surrounded by driftwood and debris on a beach with a clear blue sky and calm water in the background.
Redondo beach in Des Moines Washington, South Seattle
A rocky breakwater with a lighthouse, calm water, and sailboats in the background.

Things to do

Sky View Observatory General Admission

Sky View Observatory Tickets

RM86
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Sky View Observatory Tickets
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

RM319
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket
Anacortes: Whale and Orca Boat Tour near Seattle

Anacortes: Whale and Orca Boat Tour near Seattle

RM487
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Anacortes: Whale and Orca Boat Tour near Seattle
Whale & Wildlife Watching Tour from Seattle

Only Whale Watching Tour Departing from Seattle Waterfront

RM651
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Only Whale Watching Tour Departing from Seattle Waterfront
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour

RM131
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour
Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket

Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket

RM132
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket
Discover Seattle A Guided Tour

Discover Seattle: A Self-Guided Tour

RM5
per adult
Discover Seattle: A Self-Guided Tour
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What to do in Des Moines

Stay near popular Des Moines attractions

A bridge over calm water with birds flying near the shore.
Photo by BP
Open Photo by BP

Des Moines Beach

8.4/10 (74 reviews)
This 19.6-acre waterfront park offers scenic Puget Sound views and preserves historical structures from its Covenant Beach Bible Camp past. Enjoy paved paths or the popular Summer Concert Series July-August.
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Where to stay in Des Moines

Find the best Des Moines areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Grandview

While Grandview isn't home to many top sights, Des Moines Marina and Kent Valley Ice Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

A city skyline with the Space Needle and a mountain in the background.

Redondo

When in Redondo, you can plan a visit to Powells Wood Garden and Saltwater State Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A city skyline with the Space Needle and a mountain in the background.

SeaTac

A city skyline with the Space Needle prominently in the center.

Seattle

A marina with boats, a distinctive modern building, and a city skyline in the background.

Tacoma

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Moines worth visiting?
Whether you're here to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of things to do in Des Moines.
How do I spend a day in Des Moines?
Start your adventures with a visit to Des Moines Beach. Then, explore different areas of Des Moines for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Des Moines?
Des Moines Beach is rated the top tourist attraction near Des Moines, so don't leave without checking it out.
Is three days enough to stay in Des Moines?
You'll have enough time to tick off Des Moines Beach, Angle Lake Park and other key attractions in the area when you book a three-day break in Des Moines.
Is Des Moines a walkable neighbourhood?
With the centre of Des Moines as your starting off point, several key sights like Des Moines Beach are within walking distance. If you want to stroll some more, the neighbourhood of Normandy Park is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Des Moines with kids?
Planning what to do in Des Moines with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Des Moines for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in Des Moines for adults.
Are there free things to do in Des Moines?
You won't have to hunt high and low for free things to do in Des Moines. Simply ask a local tour guide and they'll point you toward attractions you can visit for nothing. A good free option for your trip itinerary is Des Moines Beach.