What to do in Des Moines, IA

Activities, attractions and tours
Des Moines Botanical Center featuring interior views and a park

Des Moines Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Des Moines has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Des Moines, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Des Moines with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Des Moines

Des Moines is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Des Moines, and make it a breeze to explore Des Moines and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Des Moines to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Des Moines, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Des Moines.

Des Moines attractions

Des Moines has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Des Moines to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Des Moines.

Looking for things to do in Des Moines can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Des Moines or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Des Moines attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!


Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.



Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Des Moines

State Historical Society of Iowa Museum which includes a high-rise building, landscape views and a city

Downtown Des Moines

4/5(1 area review)

The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.

Downtown Des Moines
Historic East Village

Historic East Village

Find beautiful government buildings, cultural attractions and a garden oasis in this older section of the city extending along a pretty riverfront.

Historic East Village
Default Image

Court District

Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.

Court District
Grays Lake showing a lake or waterhole

Greater South Side

While there might not be top attractions in Greater South Side, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

Greater South Side
Default Image

Beaverdale

While Beaverdale isn't home to many top sights, Merle Hay Mall and Knapp Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

Beaverdale
Default Image

Waveland Park

If you're spending some time in Waveland Park, Waveland Municipal Golf Course and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.

Waveland Park

Day trip destinations from Des Moines