Title: Greater South Side Travel Guide: Best of Greater South Side, Des Moines Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Greater South Side](https://expedia.co.uk/Greater-South-Side-Des-Moines-Hotels.0-n553248635976468957-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Des Moines](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Des-Moines.d601690.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Greater South Side Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Greater-South-Side.d553248635976468957.Car-Hire-Guide)[Greater South Side Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Greater-South-Side.d553248635976468957.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Greater South Side Travel Guide ## Des Moines ![😘😘](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/3e5d90b6-eeea-4939-b9eb-b480156042a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![😘😘](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/3e5d90b6-eeea-4939-b9eb-b480156042a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Gray's Lake on a foggy morning. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/cc37b9ca-8a60-4d61-a6ad-59a8f6853696.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Grays Lake which includes a garden and a lake or waterhole](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6287760/5fcc868b-cb29-405f-b0d4-b9d56de0c8dd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Grays Lake which includes a garden as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6287760/57a12dc8-0504-4572-a1a7-0304bf4cdbb8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Greater South Side Things to do Hotels Where to stay [Des Moines travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines.dx601690) --- ### Popular places to visit ![Grays Lake which includes a garden and a lake or waterhole](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/269000/269217-Grays-Lake.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Gray’s Lake Park Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Grays-Lake-Park-Greater-South-Side.d6287760.Attraction) ![#foodiefinds The best Avocado salad!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/7697/fe78d7ee-0a03-4f79-8969-84173b479d67.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Jordan Creek Town Center You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Jordan-Creek-Town-Center-Des-Moines.d6075052.Attraction) ![Saw a swine auction. Many of these pigs were raised by high school students. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/f9ef601e-d52b-407b-8953-12259d694797.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa State Fairgrounds Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-State-Fairgrounds-Des-Moines.d6075034.Attraction) ![Iowa State Capitol Building featuring a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075016/f301caa2-002c-4d78-bd31-24a2e8360fe6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Iowa State Capitol Building A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Iowa-State-Capitol-Building-Des-Moines.d6075016.Attraction) ![Brigde](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/bf0fc404-b96d-4cee-84a6-d2fcd1a79508.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Principal Park Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Principal-Park-Des-Moines.d6075046.Attraction) ![Des Moines Botanical Center showing interior views and a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075032/cc0896fb-76c4-4824-9003-88ec120cc7e8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Greater-Des-Moines-Botanical-Garden-Des-Moines.d6075032.Attraction) --- ## Top hotels in Greater South Side ![Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/49900/49826/23994ff1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport 1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA £54 25 Jan - 26 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,710 reviews) The room was clean, the receptionist was super nice and helpful! Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=25%2F01%2F2026&endDate=26%2F01%2F2026&selected=49826&PinnedHotelID=49826&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635976468957) ![Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/17400/17394/11ef309e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport 5001 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA £90 27 Jan - 28 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews) Nice crisp sheets. Clean room. Nice quiet neighborhood Reviewed on 10 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=27%2F01%2F2026&endDate=28%2F01%2F2026&selected=17394&PinnedHotelID=17394&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635976468957) ![Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/18000/17922/063c0fb4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport 5231 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA £51 27 Jan - 28 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ... 7.2/10 Good! (1,004 reviews) Great staff very helpful. Reviewed on 22 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=27%2F01%2F2026&endDate=28%2F01%2F2026&selected=17922&PinnedHotelID=17922&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635976468957) ![AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/860000/856000/855969/6f15108b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport 1920 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA £50 8 Feb - 9 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ... 7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews) Staff was very helpful. Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%2F2026&selected=855969&PinnedHotelID=855969&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635976468957) ![Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/18200/18162/7e1d4e9a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG 6111 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA £104 19 Jan - 20 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service in their ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (604 reviews) Staff were cheerful and helpful. Clean room! Courtyard fountain very soothing after a long day of travel. Airport shuttle is literally 24 hours, they came to get me late at night in a storm bc they are so close to the airport. Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=19%2F01%2F2026&endDate=20%2F01%2F2026&selected=18162&PinnedHotelID=18162&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635976468957) ![Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/9400/9375/9e4e0ef2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton 1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA £119 18 Jan - 19 Jan includes taxes & fees Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ... 9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,076 reviews) Very nice hotel. Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=18%2F01%2F2026&endDate=19%2F01%2F2026&selected=9375&PinnedHotelID=9375&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=553248635976468957) [See all 833 properties in Greater South Side](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=17%2F01%2F2026®ionId=553248635976468957) 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. ## Check Greater South Side hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976468957&startDate=2026-01-15&endDate=2026-01-16)[15 Jan - 16 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976468957&startDate=2026-01-15&endDate=2026-01-16) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976468957&startDate=2026-01-16&endDate=2026-01-17)[16 Jan - 17 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976468957&startDate=2026-01-16&endDate=2026-01-17) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976468957&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026)[16 Jan - 18 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976468957&startDate=16%2F01%2F2026&endDate=18%2F01%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976468957&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026)[23 Jan - 25 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248635976468957&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026) --- ### Other neighbourhoods around Greater South Side ![😘😘](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/3e5d90b6-eeea-4939-b9eb-b480156042a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Grays Lake While Grays Lake isn't home to many top sights, Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Grays-Lake.dx897427186091560960) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Watrous South While there might not be top attractions in Watrous South, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Blank Park Zoo and Air Lanes Bowling Center. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Watrous-South.dx897427365460975616) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Indianola Hills If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Indianola Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Indianola-Hills.dx897427424713916416) ![Great Western Trail. Lovely and mostly flat. Connects to other trails in the greater DSM area. Ride it to work when the weather's good. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/11b7af63-0b4c-413a-b304-3f10e9d80365.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Southwestern Hills Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Southwestern-Hills.dx897427989428711424) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Columbus Park While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Columbus-Park.dx897427496291811328) ![View into downtown from the Capitol Building. #capitol #desmoines #city #downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1065/607b74cc-d813-4d23-bb1e-516dbcef5c66.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### 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. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Des-Moines-Court-Avenue-Entertainment-District.dx6170624) --- --- - [Stays](?pwaLob=wizard-hotel-pwa-v2) - [Packages](?pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa) - [Flights](?pwaLob=wizard-flight-pwa) - [Things to do](?pwaLob=wizard-lx-pwa) - [Cruises](?pwaLob=wizard-cruise-pwa) - [Cars](?pwaLob=wizard-car-pwa) # Greater South Side Travel Guide ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app