Des Moines Vacations

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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

3 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
4.5/5(721 area reviews)

Downtown Des Moines boasts corporate campuses, fine dining, and unique retail destinations. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and enjoy easy access to DART transit and skywalk connections.

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Things to do in Des Moines

Shopping

Jordan Creek Town Center offers a vibrant shopping experience with a mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. For a taste of local culture, visit the Downtown Farmers' Market, bustling with city vibes. Bridgewood Plaza provides a variety of shops in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for families.

Recreation

Experience live music at Val Air Ballroom, where vibrant energy fills the air, perfect for dance and enjoyment. At Hoyt Sherman Place, immerse yourself in a cultural journey with captivating performances in a romantic theater setting. For sports enthusiasts, Principal Park offers exhilarating baseball games in an electric atmosphere.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of jumping at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, where gravity-defying fun awaits you. Challenge friends at Air Lanes Bowling Center for a competitive twist on a classic game. For a scenic adventure, hike the Greenbelt Trail and immerse yourself in Iowa's beautiful outdoors.

Nightlife

In Des Moines, explore the lively nightlife around the East Village and Court Avenue districts, where you’ll find a mix of trendy bars, breweries, and live music venues. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere with dance clubs and cozy lounges that cater to all tastes and preferences.

*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 offers a perfect blend of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and business opportunities. Visitors can explore urban parks, attend events at conference venues, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of modern colleges and universities. With diverse attractions catering to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, Des Moines promises a memorable city experience for every traveler.

  • Iowa State Fairgrounds: Experience the heart of Iowa's culture at this iconic fairground, known for its lively atmosphere and family-friendly events. Enjoy outdoor activities, food vendors, and games that showcase local traditions, especially during the annual Iowa State Fair.
  • Iowa State Capitol Building: This stunning historic building boasts a magnificent gold dome and intricate architecture. Explore its rich history and vibrant culture through guided tours, which provide insights into Iowa's government and heritage.
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: A serene oasis featuring diverse plant collections and beautifully landscaped gardens. Ideal for families and couples, this romantic spot offers tranquility and a chance to connect with nature.

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

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Des Moines.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically November to January) for more affordable package holidays to Des Moines.
  • 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.

Des Moines Hotel Deals

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines

3 out of 5
5000 Merle Hay Rd Urbandale IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ￥12,223 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
￥12,223
￥13,690 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
5.8/10 (920 reviews)
"It was really bad. Room service never came around. We stayed for two nights. We only went to The pool once because there was poop on the pirate Ship and pool.."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2026

Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

3 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ￥18,432 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
￥18,432
￥20,643 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
"Clean room. Great breakfast."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2026

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ￥26,030 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
￥26,030
￥29,153 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
includes taxes & fees
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,219 reviews)
"The staff was amazing! It is a beautiful hotel and we had a wonderful time!"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
See all 730 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
Open 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 theater for a complete retail retreat.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Des Moines vacation 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 vacation to Des Moines costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Des Moines?
If you're looking to book a cheap Des Moines vacation package, consider traveling 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 vacation in order to immerse yourself in everything that makes this destination special. Stroll around key neighborhoods, 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 vacation package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Des Moines vacation as a package?
An Expedia vacation package could land you great savings when compared to arranging accommodations and flights separately. Better still, you can personalize 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 vacation package to Des Moines?
If you have your Des Moines vacation 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 favorite season and the type of activities on offer will also help you decide when to vacation 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 vacation 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.