Des Moines Holidays

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Where to stay in Des Moines

Find the best Des Moines areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Des Moines
A cityscape with various buildings, including a tall skyscraper and several mid-rise structures.

Downtown Des Moines

4 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by Des Moines Civic Center or Science Center of Iowa might round out your trip.

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A street lined with brick buildings, parked cars, and hanging flower baskets.

Historic East Village

Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront.

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A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.

Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.

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The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.

Drake

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

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A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

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Things to do in Des Moines

Des Moines is an ideal destination for family outings and outdoor adventures, offering a variety of activities. Explore shopping centres, enjoy fairground shows, and discover entertainment destinations perfect for weekend getaways and day trips. Whether you're seeking leisurely tours or vibrant local experiences, Des Moines provides ample opportunities for enjoyment and relaxation.

Shopping

Southridge Mall offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. For local treasures, visit the Downtown Farmers' Market, bustling with city life. Bridgewood Plaza complements your shopping journey with its inviting atmosphere, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Raccoon River Park offers a tranquil retreat with scenic walking trails and serene lake views, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. For a vibrant evening, Val Air Ballroom hosts lively concerts, while Hoyt Sherman Place enchants with its cultural performances, making it ideal for family and romantic outings.

Adventure

At Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, leap into fun with thrilling trampoline activities and vibrant family vibes. Experience excitement at Air Lanes Bowling Center, where friendly competition awaits. Explore the scenic Greenbelt Trail for a refreshing hiking adventure amidst nature, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure.

Nightlife

Des Moines boasts a vibrant nightlife, with a lively atmosphere at venues like the trendy Wooly's, where live music fills the air. For a more relaxed vibe, visit the Gas Lamp, known for its welcoming pub feel and diverse entertainment options, perfect for a memorable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Des Moines

Des Moines is an ideal destination for family, outdoor, and business-themed holidays, offering a variety of attractions such as urban parks, event venues, and modern colleges. Visitors can enjoy a blend of outdoor activities and city experiences, exploring major tourist hotspots within the area. For a memorable visit, consider including top attractions and city highlights in your itinerary to fully appreciate what Des Moines has to offer.

  • Iowa State Capitol Building: Explore the stunning architecture of this historic civic building, featuring a magnificent gold dome and intricate interiors. The Capitol offers a glimpse into Iowa's political history and showcases beautiful art and historical exhibits, all set against the backdrop of lush grounds.
  • Casey's Center: Enjoy a lively atmosphere at this entertainment arena, perfect for family outings. With various events ranging from concerts to sports, Casey's Center is a hub of excitement, providing a great opportunity to experience local culture and entertainment.
  • Iowa State Fairgrounds: Embrace the outdoors at this vibrant fairground, home to the famous Iowa State Fair. With its array of rides, games, and food stalls, it’s a delightful destination for families, offering a taste of Midwestern traditions and community spirit.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January21.7°F (-5.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February24.1°F (-4.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November40.5°F (4.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December29.3°F (-1.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Des Moines

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Des Moines during the low season (November to January) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Des Moines

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
S$181
11 Oct - 12 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
S$139
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,892 reviews)
"We loved our stay here. A great location. Close to everything we needed. Clean room. Comfortable bed. Great value for the price. Highly recommend and I will stay again!"

Reviewed on 12 Sept, 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
S$100
22 Sept - 23 Sept
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,815 reviews)
"Overall the room was clean and comfy. Beds and pillows were comfortable. The room did feel damp and smelled a bit musty. Was ok for a one night stop on a road trip."

Reviewed on 11 Sept, 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
See all 714 properties in Des Moines
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.

Stay near popular Des Moines attractions

A colorful salad with various vegetables and cheese.
Photo by Lana Garmon

Jordan Creek Town Center

9.2/10 (1,624 reviews)
Iowa's largest shopping destination features 150+ stores along a scenic lakefront boardwalk. Explore upscale boutiques, dine at waterfront restaurants, or catch a film at the theatre for a complete retail retreat.
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An aerial view of a bustling fairground with various stalls, rides, and a Ferris wheel.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

8.8/10 (945 reviews)
Home to one of America's oldest state fairs, these 435-acre grounds showcase agricultural heritage and Midwestern charm. Explore exhibitions and sample iconic fair foods during the August event.
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A city skyline with a river and a bridge.

Iowa Events Center

8.8/10 (573 reviews)
This sleek city centre complex houses three premier venues for concerts, sports, and conventions. Experience world-class entertainment or attend major trade shows in Des Moines' cultural heartbeat.
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A bridge over a river with a clear blue sky.
Photo by Analyn Suan

Principal Park

8.6/10 (133 reviews)
Principal Park offers baseball fans an intimate view of the Iowa Cubs with the Des Moines skyline as backdrop. Sit along the first base line for the best views of both the game and the Iowa State Capitol.
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Adventureland

8.4/10 (602 reviews)
Iowa's premier amusement destination features signature coasters like The Monster and The Tornado, plus many other rides. Families can enjoy both thrilling attractions and Adventure Bay's refreshing water park.
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Casey's Center

8.8/10 (976 reviews)
City centre Des Moines arena hosting NBA G League games and major concerts with space for 17,000 fans. Enjoy premium club seating and local food favourites while cheering on the Iowa Wolves or catching headline performers.
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Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino

8.6/10 (560 reviews)
Experience the thrill of live horse racing and casino gaming at this vibrant entertainment hub in Altoona. Enjoy fine dining at AJ's Steakhouse or catch live performances in the comfortable event centre.
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Blank Park Zoo

8.4/10 (350 reviews)
Iowa's only accredited zoo houses over 2,100 animals across nearly 200 species in diverse habitats. Feed giraffes in the African Savanna or explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre for an engaging wildlife experience.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Des Moines holiday package cost?
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Des Moines getaway. However, a range of factors like the season, choice of hotel and length of stay will determine how much your holiday to Des Moines costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Des Moines?
If you're looking to book a cheap Des Moines holiday package, consider travelling in November, December and January. You're likely to find lower prices on hotels and airfares during these months — perfect for a budget-friendly getaway.
How many days is enough for Des Moines?
Allow around 2 days for your Des Moines holiday in order to immerse yourself in everything that makes this destination special. Stroll around key neighbourhoods, including Downtown Des Moines and Greater South Side. Then make a beeline for top attractions such as The Temple for Performing Arts and Iowa Hall of Pride. With a well-planned itinerary, you'll be kept busy with room for some downtime too. Want to venture outside of Des Moines? Consider squeezing in an excursion or two.
How to find the best Des Moines package deals?
Use Expedia's handy filters to find some fabulous Des Moines package deals. When you start your search, simply set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your break for midweek, or search for Des Moines package deals in the off-season. Play around with your travel dates and you may score even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to book your holiday package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Des Moines holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you great savings when compared to arranging accommodation and flights separately. Better still, you can personalise your Des Moines escape to fit your exact style. Pick your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Des Moines?
If you have your Des Moines holiday dates finalized, book as early as you can to bag some terrific deals. With Expedia, you can often reserve some flights up to one year in advance. Prefer spontaneous adventures? Our last-minute deals are great for setting off on a whim.
How to plan a trip to Des Moines?
  1. Choose when to get away: Check your diary and get your bags packed. Your favourite season and the type of activities on offer will also help you decide when to holiday in Des Moines.
  2. Calculate your budget: Ensure you have enough money to cover everything from transportation and food to activities and flights. Your hotel will probably be the biggest expense during your trip to Des Moines.
  3. Set the duration of your trip: Start by listing all the attractions you want to experience in Des Moines. Then, estimate how long you'll need at each, including any travel time.
  4. Bundle your flights and hotel: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to find a Des Moines holiday package that brings all your bookings together.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.