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Plan Your Trip to Des Moines: Best of Des Moines Tourism

By Brandon A

Des Moines, Iowa

Today the capital city and cultural center of Iowa is revitalized. A versatile destination everyone will enjoy, Des Moines has an itinerary for almost every interest. Culture and art enthusiasts may want to roam through the Des Moines Art Center, spend the weekend museum-hopping or attend a Broadway-caliber performance at the Civic Center. Golfers can spend their time and energy teeing up at any of the area's fine championship courses. The Blank Park Zoo and the Iowa State Fairgrounds should be on the list for families. And gardeners will savor the fantastic blooms at the Botanical Center and the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. Mix it up a little and sample all this "big city with a small town heart" has to offer.

Essential Des Moines

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Things to do

  • Capitol Building
    4.8 of 5 bubbles903
    Government Buildings
  • Downtown Farmers Market
    4.7 of 5 bubbles425
    Flea & Street Markets
  • Iowa State Fairgrounds
    4.6 of 5 bubbles883
    Arenas & Stadiums
  • Salisbury House & Gardens
    4.4 of 5 bubbles161
    Historic Sites, Art Museums
  • East Village
    4.3 of 5 bubbles177
    Neighborhoods
  • World Food Prize Hall of Laureates
    4.8 of 5 bubbles80
    Speciality Museums

Places to stay

  • Des Lux Hotel
    4.5 of 5 bubbles900
    from $189/night
  • Baymont by Wyndham des Moines Airport
    4.5 of 5 bubbles1,285
    from $97/night
  • Surety Hotel
    4.5 of 5 bubbles603
    from $114/night
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
    4.5 of 5 bubbles831
    from $139/night
  • Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
    4.5 of 5 bubbles131
    from $219/night
  • Hilton Des Moines Downtown
    4.5 of 5 bubbles353
    from $162/night

Food & drink

  • Skip's
    4.5 of 5 bubbles418
    $$ - $$$ • American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian friendly
  • La Mie Bakery
    4.6 of 5 bubbles443
    $$ - $$$ • Bakeries, French, American
  • Flying Mango
    4.5 of 5 bubbles362
    $$ - $$$ • American, Cajun & Creole, Barbecue
  • Centro Restaurant
    4.5 of 5 bubbles1,008
    $$ - $$$ • Italian, American, Vegetarian friendly
  • Fong's Pizza
    4.4 of 5 bubbles828
    $$ - $$$ • Pizza, Asian, Vegetarian friendly
  • Smokey D's BBQ
    4.4 of 5 bubbles803
    $$ - $$$ • Quick Bites, American, Barbecue

Des Moines Is Great For

Self-guided Tours

Bars

Eat & drink

Frequently Asked Questions about Des Moines


Some of the most popular restaurants in Des Moines include:

Des Moines is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:


If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Des Moines between December and February, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.