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.
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
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 acclaimed theatre scene.
Our pick of the best Greater South Side Hotel Deals
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"Hotel was fine for a night’s stay. The bed was comfortable and the shower was hot."
Reviewed on 10 June 2026
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"Clean"
Reviewed on 8 June 2026
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
"The only that I liked about the hotel was that the bed was comfortable. The rooms had that damp moldy smell to them. The pictures were misleading from the website. They need to update the rooms. The bathroom had dirty tile and there was someone’s fingernail still in the floor. I won’t stay here again ..."
Reviewed on 7 June 2026
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
"The complimentary shuttle to and from the airport at 1am and at 4am was extremely helpful."
Reviewed on 8 June 2026
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
"Staff were friendly"
Reviewed on 30 May 2026
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
"This is really the only place to stay in Des Moines. It is so gorgeous. The scale of it is amazing. Everything from the Cool statues and artwork in the library to the rooms themselves are just beautiful. Bravo!"
Reviewed on 9 June 2026
Check Greater South Side hotel availability
Our guide on where to stay in Greater South Side
Downtown Des Moines
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.
Historic East Village
Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market while you're in town.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and La Casa Cultural Center.
Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
