Things to do in Des Moines

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
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Most popular activities in Des Moines

Tours & day trips

See all 18 activities
Mt. Rainier Full-Day Tour

Mt. Rainier Full-Day Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 269 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥29,681 per adult
Mt. Rainier Full-Day TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 4 activities
7-Day Tour from Seattle to Egypt

7-Day Tour from Seattle to Egypt

Activity duration is 7 days
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥1,853,072 per adult
7-Day Tour from Seattle to EgyptOpens in new tab

Attractions

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Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

Activity duration is 9 days
9.6 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥16,018 per adult
Seattle C3® by CityPASS®Opens in new tab

Classes & workshops

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Authentic Italian Cooking Class in Seattle (5-Course Meal)

Authentic Italian Cooking Class in Seattle (5-Course Meal)

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥20,258 per adult
Authentic Italian Cooking Class in Seattle (5-Course Meal)Opens in new tab

What to do in Des Moines

Discover the most popular places to visit in Des Moines

Seattle Waterfront featuring boating, sailing and city views

Seattle Waterfront

4.5/5(3,984 reviews)

A wonderful place to stroll and dine, this ever-changing attraction is more than just a place where land meets sea.

Seattle Waterfront
Puget Sound which includes modern architecture

Space Needle

4.5/5(4,579 reviews)

Seattle’s skyline is instantly recognizable when you see this soaring slender structure, built as a showpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair.

Space Needle
Seattle Center featuring modern architecture

Seattle Center

4.5/5(2,716 reviews)

A product of the 1962 World Fair, this cultural precinct is where sports, theater, film and fine dining come together in Seattle.

Seattle Center
Pike Place Market featuring a city, signage and night scenes

Pike Place Market

4.5/5(6,560 reviews)

Climb the steps from the waterfront to discover Seattle’s fresh food hub, the oldest farmers’ market in the U.S.

Pike Place Market
University of Washington showing heritage elements

University of Washington

4.5/5(1,574 reviews)

Enjoy the collegiate vibe around University of Washington, a top university in Seattle. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

University of Washington
CenturyLink Field

Lumen Field

4.5/5(1,027 reviews)

Catch an event at Lumen Field during your trip to Seattle. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Lumen Field
T-Mobile Park

T-Mobile Park

4.5/5(862 reviews)

Catch an event at T-Mobile Park during your trip to Seattle. Experience the great live music and acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.

T-Mobile Park
Washington State Convention Center showing a city

Seattle Convention Center Arch Building

4/5(637 reviews)

Thanks to its wood paneling, ancient fir tables and locally produced food, this conference center lets you experience the beauty of Seattle even when you’re inside.

Seattle Convention Center Arch Building
Bellevue Square which includes a square or plaza and street scenes

Bellevue Square

4.5/5(888 reviews)

The buzzing heart of Bellevue, this multistory shopping complex houses brand stores, upscale dining establishments and entertainment for the whole family.

Bellevue Square

Popular day trips from Des Moines

Auburn

Auburn

Federal Way

Federal Way

Kent

Kent

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

SeaTac

Seattle which includes landscape views, night scenes and a city

Seattle

Tacoma showing a city, a bay or harbor and a marina

Tacoma

Photo by Justin Hunter

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 neighborhood?
With the center 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 neighborhood of Normandy Park is about 3 kilometers 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.