Things to do in Des Moines

Activities, attractions and tours

A marina with various boats docked, calm water, and a wooden pier.
A pier extending into a calm body of water with a clear sky above.
A lighthouse with a red roof and a white building, surrounded by driftwood and debris on a beach with a clear blue sky and calm water in the background.
Redondo beach in Des Moines Washington, South Seattle
A rocky breakwater with a lighthouse, calm water, and sailboats in the background.

Things to do

Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

S$99
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket
Daytrip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper

From Seattle: Day Trip by High Speed Ferry to Victoria, BC

S$265
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
From Seattle: Day Trip by High Speed Ferry to Victoria, BC
Whale & Wildlife Watching Tour from Seattle

Only Whale Watching Tour Departing from Seattle Waterfront

S$149
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Only Whale Watching Tour Departing from Seattle Waterfront
Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket

Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket

S$41
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket
Seattle C3® by CityPASS®- Save on admission to top attractions

Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

S$138
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Seattle C3® by CityPASS®
Picture 1 for Activity Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour

Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour

S$96
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour
1-Day Mount Rainier National Park Tou

Mount Rainier National Park 1-Day Tour from Seattle

S$189
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Mount Rainier National Park 1-Day Tour from Seattle
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What to do in Des Moines

Stay near popular Des Moines attractions

A bridge over calm water with birds flying near the shore.
Photo by BP
Open Photo by BP

Des Moines Beach

8.4/10 (74 reviews)
This 19.6-acre waterfront park offers scenic Puget Sound views and preserves historical structures from its Covenant Beach Bible Camp past. Enjoy paved paths or the popular Summer Concert Series July-August.
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Where to stay in Des Moines

Find the best Des Moines areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Grandview

While Grandview isn't home to many top sights, Des Moines Marina and Kent Valley Ice Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

A city skyline with the Space Needle and a mountain in the background.

Redondo

When in Redondo, you can plan a visit to Powells Wood Garden and Saltwater State Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

A city skyline with the Space Needle and a mountain in the background.

SeaTac

A city skyline with the Space Needle prominently in the center.

Seattle

A plate of Vietnamese spring rolls with lettuce, carrots, and shrimp, accompanied by two small bowls of peanut sauce.

Normandy Park

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Moines worth visiting?
Whether you're here to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of things to do in Des Moines.
How do I spend a day in Des Moines?
Start your adventures with a visit to Des Moines Beach. Then, explore different areas of Des Moines for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Des Moines?
Des Moines Beach is rated the top tourist attraction near Des Moines, so don't leave without checking it out.
Is three days enough to stay in Des Moines?
You'll have enough time to tick off Des Moines Beach, Angle Lake Park and other key attractions in the area when you book a three-day break in Des Moines.
Is Des Moines a walkable neighbourhood?
With the centre of Des Moines as your starting off point, several key sights like Des Moines Beach are within walking distance. If you want to stroll some more, the neighbourhood of Normandy Park is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Des Moines with kids?
Planning what to do in Des Moines with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.
What to do in Des Moines for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in Des Moines for adults.
Are there free things to do in Des Moines?
You won't have to hunt high and low for free things to do in Des Moines. Simply ask a local tour guide and they'll point you toward attractions you can visit for nothing. A good free option for your trip itinerary is Des Moines Beach.