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Top reasons to visit Des Moines

• Vibrant Downtown: Explore the bustling downtown area filled with popular destinations, exciting nightlife, and friendly locals.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy a variety of urban parks and outdoor activities perfect for families and nature lovers.
• Amusement Parks: Experience thrilling rides and attractions that add excitement to your holiday.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local arts, events, and neighbourhoods showcasing unique charm.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from a range of lodging options catering to various needs and preferences.

Find great hotels in Des Moines

Discover a variety of accommodations in Des Moines, from charming motels to upscale hotels, all designed to meet your travel needs. Whether you're seeking a pet-friendly space, a warm welcome for the LGBTQIA community, or a business-friendly environment, Des Moines offers excellent options. With popular choices like Quality Inn and numerous other hotels, you're sure to find the perfect base for your Iowa adventure.

• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport: Nestled conveniently near the airport, Days Inn & Suites offers a perfect blend of comfort and functionality for both business and family travellers. The hotel features a well-equipped Business Centre, spacious Conference Space, and versatile Meeting Rooms, making it an ideal choice for corporate guests. Additionally, families will appreciate the complimentary cribs and child-friendly amenities that ensure a welcoming atmosphere for younger visitors. With its practical amenities and convenient location, this hotel caters to the needs of diverse travellers seeking a productive and enjoyable stay.
• Wildwood Lodge: Emulating a rustic lodge experience, Wildwood Lodge is a charming 3-star accommodation that embraces a pet-friendly ethos. This unique property welcomes furry companions with open arms, providing specific amenities for pets, including designated areas and restrictions to ensure a comfortable stay for all. Guests can enjoy the lodge's warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with woodsy decor and a relaxing vibe. Whether you're travelling with family or friends, this charming lodge offers a delightful escape into nature while keeping your pets close.
• Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston: This hotel seamlessly combines a business-friendly environment with a pet-welcoming policy, making it suitable for a diverse range of travellers. Stoney Creek Hotel features extensive business amenities, including multiple Meeting Rooms and a Conference Centre, ensuring all your professional needs are met. Simultaneously, pet owners will find comfort in the hotel’s accommodating pet policies, allowing dogs and service animals with minimal restrictions. With its blend of practicality and comfort, Stoney Creek Hotel is a great choice for those who want to balance work and leisure in a welcoming environment.

Where to stay in Des Moines

Des Moines is a vibrant metropolis offering a delightful mix of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and business opportunities. Explore the bustling downtown area, where you’ll find popular destinations, exciting nightlife, and friendly locals. Venture into nearby neighbourhoods for a taste of secluded excursions and charming atmospheres. Whether you’re after cultural experiences or simply want to relax, Des Moines has something for everyone to enjoy during your holiday.

• West Des Moines: Nestled in the heart of Iowa, West Des Moines is a vibrant city that offers a delightful blend of urban living and family-friendly attractions. Visitors flock here year-round, particularly during the peak months of April and June to July, for experiences that range from shopping at bustling malls to enjoying live music concerts. The city is home to a variety of landmarks including beautiful lakes and a prominent stadium, making it an ideal spot for both leisure and business travellers alike.
• Urbandale: Just a stone's throw from Des Moines, Urbandale is a thriving city that caters to families and business visitors. With a steady influx of travellers, particularly during spring and summer, this city offers an array of activities. Shopping enthusiasts will revel in the shopping centres, while those looking for entertainment can enjoy the lively fairground shows. Urbandale also features several lakes and event venues that serve as perfect backdrops for both relaxation and excitement.
• Ankeny: Ankeny is a dynamic city that seamlessly combines outdoor adventures with urban charm. It attracts visitors year-round, particularly in the busy months of April and June to July. Families will find plenty to do, from educational activities to exciting fairground events. Notable attractions include modern educational institutions and a thrilling theme park. With its lush parks and recreational areas, Ankeny is perfect for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure in a friendly community setting.

Things to do in Des Moines

Des Moines offers a fantastic blend of activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore shopping centres, enjoy live entertainment, and visit local fairgrounds. For a bit of thrill, don't miss the amusement parks that add excitement to your trip. This vibrant city is perfect for a well-rounded vacation experience, whether you're after leisure or adventure.

Shopping

In Des Moines, you can enjoy shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center and Outlets of Des Moines, both offering vibrant atmospheres. If you're up for a drive, head to Des Moines' Downtown Farmers' Market for unique local goods and a lively community vibe.

Recreation

At Buccaneer Arena, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sports events, perfect for an active day out. For a more laid-back vibe, Raccoon River Park offers tranquil walking trails and serene picnic spots, ideal for relaxation amidst nature's beauty.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Sky Glider East, soaring high above scenic landscapes in Des Moines. For karting enthusiasts, Pole Position Raceway offers exhilarating races on high-speed tracks. Explore the Greenbelt Trail, where you can immerse yourself in nature with stunning views and invigorating hiking adventures.

Nightlife

In Des Moines, Hoyt Sherman Place offers a vibrant theatre experience, perfect for culture lovers. For family fun, Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park delivers adventure and excitement. Don’t miss the Heritage Carousel of Des Moines for a whimsical amusement ride, adding charm to your night out.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Des Moines

Des Moines is a budget-friendly destination with plenty of free activities, such as visiting Drake University and the Iowa State Capitol. To save on transport, consider using the bus system or simply walking around the compact city. For accommodation, plan your visit between November and January for lower prices, with Mondays being the cheapest nights. Use Expedia to compare deals, including eco-friendly options, and consider combining your hotel with flights for extra savings. Keep an eye out for great rates and package deals to maximise your budget!

• 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 tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your hotel booking in Des Moines with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Des Moines

Des Moines offers a fantastic vacation experience for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and business travellers alike. This vibrant city is home to a variety of attractions, including urban parks, event and conference venues, and modern colleges and universities. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, family-friendly activities, or a taste of city life, Des Moines has something for everyone to enjoy during their visit.

• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Experience the heart of Iowa’s culture at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, where vibrant outdoor events create a festive atmosphere. Enjoy family-friendly activities, food stalls, and exhibitions that showcase local agriculture and crafts, making it a delightful spot for all ages.
• Wells Fargo Arena: Dive into the excitement at Wells Fargo Arena, a premier venue for live entertainment. From concerts to sporting events, this dynamic space offers a thrilling experience for families and fans alike, ensuring memorable moments with every visit.
• Iowa Events Center: The Iowa Events Center is the hub for business and conferences in the region. This sophisticated venue hosts a variety of events, providing a professional atmosphere for networking and collaboration while featuring modern amenities.

Best time to go to Des Moines

The best time to visit Des Moines is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.7°F (-5.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	24.1°F (-4.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	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 (Dry)	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

When travelling to Des Moines, Iowa, the primary airport is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), located 6.4km from the city centre. Excellent accommodation options nearby include the Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton and Surety Hotel, both rated at 4.5 stars. Just a bit further at 14.5km away is the Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, also boasting a 4.5-star rating. Each of these hotels provides convenient access to the airport, ensuring a smooth transition for your travel plans.