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Top reasons to visit Des Moines

• Family-Friendly Attractions: Des Moines boasts a variety of engaging activities suitable for all ages, from amusement parks to interactive museums.
• Beautiful Parks: Enjoy leisurely strolls and outdoor adventures in lush parks like Jaycee Park, perfect for relaxation and recreation.
• Vibrant Culinary Scene: Indulge in the local food culture with diverse dining options showcasing regional flavours.
• Cultural Experiences: Explore the city's rich history through its historic civic buildings and engaging local arts scene.
• Welcoming Accommodation: A range of lodging options ensures a comfortable stay, catering to diverse traveller needs.

Find great hotels in Des Moines

Discover a diverse range of accommodation options in Des Moines, Iowa, catering to all types of travellers. From business-friendly hotels to charming motels, the city offers a welcoming atmosphere, including pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-friendly options. Whether you're seeking the best hotels in Des Moines or a unique stay at the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, you'll find the perfect place to unwind and explore the vibrant local culture.

• Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA: Motel 6 West Des Moines, IA is an ideal choice for travellers seeking a pet-friendly environment. Nestled in Des Moines, this motel offers a straightforward lodging experience with essential amenities. Guests appreciate the affordability and convenience, along with the flexibility of bringing their furry companions along for the trip. The property allows pets, ensuring that your four-legged friends can join in on the holiday fun. With a focus on simplicity and comfort, it provides a welcoming atmosphere for those on a budget.
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport: With a commendable guest rating of 8.6, Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport caters to families and business travellers alike. Strategically located near the airport, this property offers a variety of child-friendly amenities, including complimentary cribs, making it a suitable choice for families on the go. The hotel is well-equipped to meet the needs of business guests, providing comfortable accommodations for work-related trips. Its blend of practicality and comfort ensures a pleasant stay for all visitors.
• Woodspring Suites West Des Moines: Woodspring Suites West Des Moines offers a unique lodging experience for those travelling with pets, featuring a pet-friendly policy that accommodates various needs. Situated in Des Moines, this hotel is designed for longer stays, providing guests with spacious rooms equipped with kitchen facilities. The focus on extended comforts makes it ideal for travellers looking to settle in for a while. With pet restrictions in place, the hotel ensures a balanced environment for all guests, making it a thoughtful choice for both pet owners and non-pet owners.

Where to stay in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa, offers a delightful blend of family-friendly attractions and serene outdoor experiences. From the vibrant downtown area with its lively atmosphere to the charming suburbs of West Des Moines, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture. Explore the lush parks, enjoy outdoor excursions, or indulge in the city's thriving culinary scene. Whether you're on a business trip or a family holiday, Des Moines and its surroundings promise an enriching travel experience.

• West Des Moines: Nestled just west of the capital, West Des Moines is a vibrant city that effortlessly blends family-friendly attractions with a bustling business environment. The city experiences a steady flow of visitors year-round, with peaks in April and from June to July. Visitors can enjoy a wide array of activities, including shopping at the popular mall centre, attending events at the fairground show ground, or relaxing by the nearby lakes. The area is also home to several local landmarks, making it an ideal spot for both leisure and corporate travellers.
• Ankeny: Located to the north of Des Moines, Ankeny is a delightful city that appeals particularly to families and outdoor enthusiasts. With a consistent influx of visitors throughout the year, the city sees its highest numbers in April and the summer months. Ankeny offers a treasure trove of experiences, from educational opportunities to thrilling adventures at its amusement parks and campgrounds. Notable attractions include a theme park and a waterpark, ensuring that both children and adults find plenty to engage with during their stay.
• Urbandale: Situated to the northwest of Des Moines, Urbandale is a lively city that caters to both families and business travellers alike. Like its neighbouring cities, Urbandale enjoys a steady stream of visitors, peaking in spring and summer. The city is known for its shopping mall centre and arena entertainment facilities, making it a hub for leisure and cultural activities. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as a theme park and waterpark, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this welcoming community.

Things to do in Des Moines

Des Moines offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. Visitors can enjoy shopping at local centres, take leisurely evening strolls, and explore beautiful parks like Jaycee Park. For those interested in motorsports, the Knoxville Raceway is a must-visit, and photo tours provide a fantastic opportunity to capture the city's charm. Whether for leisure or business, Des Moines has something for everyone.

Shopping

Located in the heart of the city, the Jordan Creek Town Center offers a variety of shops ranging from popular brands to unique boutiques. For a more local experience, the Downtown Farmers' Market showcases artisanal goods and handmade crafts, perfect for finding memorable souvenirs.

Recreation

In Des Moines, the Spa at West Glen offers a serene escape with a range of rejuvenating treatments and calming environments. Alternatively, visit the Des Moines Yoga Studio for various classes that promote mindfulness and relaxation amidst a welcoming community atmosphere.

Adventure

In Des Moines, explore the scenic trails at Gray's Lake Park, ideal for biking and hiking amidst picturesque views. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting at the Des Moines River, offering an exhilarating adventure for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant nightlife at the Gas Lamp on 4th Street, where live music and a lively atmosphere await. For craft cocktails, visit the Proof on 5th Street, known for its creative drinks and stylish setting, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Des Moines

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Des Moines are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Des Moines is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Des Moines is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Des Moines with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Des Moines

Des Moines is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a delightful blend of urban parks, historic civic buildings, and amusement parks. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions that provide engaging outdoor experiences and a vibrant city atmosphere, making it perfect for both leisurely exploration and organised tours.

• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Iowa State Fairgrounds, a hub of family-friendly outdoor activities. This venue hosts the renowned Iowa State Fair, showcasing local culture, food, and entertainment amidst a lively setting.
• Iowa State Capitol Building: Discover the stunning architecture of the Iowa State Capitol Building, a historical gem in Des Moines. With its magnificent gold dome and beautifully landscaped grounds, it offers a glimpse into Iowa’s rich political and cultural heritage.
• 801 Grand: Admire 801 Grand, a striking monument that stands as a symbol of urban sophistication. This impressive skyscraper is an architectural highlight in the city, featuring vibrant artwork and a lively atmosphere that reflects Des Moines' cultural scene.

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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
March	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.8°F (22.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.8°F (23.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	66.9°F (19.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	40.5°F (4.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	29.3°F (-1.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Des Moines

Flying into Des Moines, Iowa is convenient with Des Moines International Airport (DSM) located approximately 6km from the city centre. Notable hotels nearby include the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, both around 4 to 14km from the airport. Alternatively, Cedar Rapids Airport (CID) is about 163km away, with good options like the Radisson Hotel Cedar Rapids and The Hotel at Kirkwood Center. Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO), situated 146km from Des Moines, offers hotels such as The Black Hawk Hotel and Isle Casino Hotel - Waterloo, ensuring easy access for visitors.