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.
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.
Des Moines' Historic East Village is where past and present hang out together like old friends. The iconic State Capitol dome watches over cobblestone streets lined with 19th-century brick buildings now housing art galleries and vintage boutiques. Catch live music at Wooly's, dive into Iowa's history at the State Historical Museum, or simply wander among the colorful murals that tell the story of this creative district.
Farm-to-table restaurants and craft beer spots showcase Iowa's flavors alongside international cuisine. The neighborhood's walkable core makes exploring easy, with most attractions just blocks apart. Historic boutique hotels and converted lofts offer stylish places to crash after a day of discovering this welcoming urban village.
Downtown Des Moines mixes business with pleasure in the heart of Iowa's capital city. Sleek glass towers stand alongside historic limestone buildings while suited executives share sidewalks with street musicians. Court Avenue District buzzes with gastropubs and live music venues, while the Wells Fargo Arena hosts major sporting events. Art lovers can wander through Pappajohn Sculpture Park or catch Broadway shows at the ornate Civic Center.
The dining scene ranges from power-lunch steakhouses to farm-to-table restaurants showcasing local ingredients. Getting around is a breeze with the convenient DART bus system and climate-controlled skywalks connecting major buildings. Hotels cater primarily to business travelers, with rates reflecting downtown's premium location.
Western Gateway Park dazzles art lovers with its jaw-dropping outdoor sculpture collection where giant steel masterpieces stand proudly on green lawns. The Des Moines Art Center adds even more cultural cred with its rotating exhibitions, while the business district buzzes with well-dressed professionals during weekdays. You can easily spend hours wandering between towering art installations and taking cool photos without spending a dime.
Dining options cater mainly to the corporate crowd with upscale lunch spots that close early evening. Hotels here focus on business travelers rather than tourists, but everything's within easy walking distance. The neighborhood quiets down after work hours, so plan your evening activities in nearby downtown areas instead.
Waveland Park gives golf lovers and family travelers a peaceful retreat from Des Moines' busy downtown scene. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets, expansive green spaces, and rolling fairways at Waveland Municipal Golf Course create a perfect backdrop for relaxation. Culture seekers can catch a show at the Des Moines Community Playhouse or take a short drive to the nearby Des Moines Art Center.
Getting around requires a car or rideshare since public transit is limited in this residential area. The trade-off is worth it for the quiet evenings and genuine suburban experience. While dining options are scarce within the neighborhood, vacation rentals with full kitchens make self-catering a breeze for budget-conscious travelers.
Beaverdale welcomes you with tree-lined streets and distinctive "Beaverdale Brick" homes from the 1920s-40s. This charming Des Moines neighborhood offers an authentic slice of Midwestern suburban life where Tudor Revival and Colonial architecture create a postcard-perfect setting. Kids play in neighborhood parks while locals chat on front porches, creating a genuine community vibe away from tourist crowds.
Dining options are limited to cozy cafes and family restaurants with hearty Midwestern comfort food. Most visitors stay in occasional bed-and-breakfasts or vacation rentals in historic homes. The area is best explored by car, with ample street parking and quiet sidewalks perfect for evening strolls under mature oak and maple trees.
After visiting Iowa State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.
Explore the great outdoors at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Des Moines Art Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Explore the great outdoors at Gray’s Lake Park, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.
Between the banks of two rivers, a city of surprising delights awaits. The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park displays world-class art under open skies, while Wooly's hosts bands that tomorrow everyone will claim they discovered first. Science Center of Iowa makes learning feel rebellious, with exhibits that encourage touching everything your grade school teacher forbade. Blank Park Zoo houses creatures both exotic and local, the latter looking slightly embarrassed about their Midwestern modesty. The Des Moines Civic Center brings Broadway shows to heartland audiences who appreciate them with genuine enthusiasm. For a perfect afternoon, grab local beer and watch the sunset paint the Walnut Street Bridge in colors that seem almost suspiciously beautiful.
Visitors really like Des Moines, especially its live music, festivals, and restaurants. Nature lovers can visit Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. A stop at other sights like Des Moines Civic Center and Wooly's will create memories.
