Things to do in Des Moines

Find and book 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.
A concrete bridge over a pebbled beach with a clear sky.
A rocky breakwater with a lighthouse, calm water, and sailboats in the background.

Things to do

Sky View Observatory General Admission

Sky View Observatory Tickets

￥3,362
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Sky View Observatory Tickets
Daytrip from Seattle to Victoria on the Victoria Clipper

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

￥33,427
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
From Seattle: Day Trip by High Speed Ferry to Victoria, BC
Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket

Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket

￥5,123
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket
Picture 1 for Activity Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour

Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour

￥11,867
per adult
98% 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

￥23,418
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Mount Rainier National Park 1-Day Tour from Seattle
Snoqualmie Falls

Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour

￥14,874
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Seattle City and Snoqualmie Falls Half-Day Guided Tour
Man adding to the famous Gum Wall in Seattle

Seattle 1-Day Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver

￥12,787
per traveler
90% of travellers recommend
Seattle 1-Day Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver
Orcas Island: Whale and Orca Guided Speedboat Tour

Orcas Island: Whale and Orca Guided Speedboat Tour

￥19,051
per adult
Orcas Island: Whale and Orca Guided Speedboat Tour
Seattle: North Cascades Highlights

Seattle: North Cascades Highlights (catered lunch)

￥35,459
per adult
Seattle: North Cascades Highlights (catered lunch)
See all activities in Des Moines
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

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.
See properties

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
Learn more about Des Moines

Grandview

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Grandview and surrounding area, you can visit Des Moines Marina and Kent Valley Ice Center.

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

Redondo

While Redondo might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Powells Wood Garden and Saltwater State Park.

Popular day trips from Des Moines

A cityscape with a prominent historic building with a green roof, surrounded by lush green trees and a wide street.

Auburn

A calm lake surrounded by dense forest, with a wooden dock on the left and a clear reflection of the sky and clouds on the water.

Federal Way

A calm lake with a wooden dock, a picnic table, and a covered seating area.

Kent

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 marina with boats, a distinctive modern building, and a city skyline in the background.

Tacoma

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 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.