Des Moines Holidays

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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

4 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
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.

Find hotels in Downtown Des Moines

Things to do in Des Moines

Des Moines is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities for a memorable vacation. Visitors can explore shopping malls, attend events at the fairgrounds, and enjoy various entertainment options. Whether you're looking for weekend getaways, day trips, or delightful family outings, Des Moines provides a charming atmosphere filled with enjoyable experiences for everyone.

Shopping

Discover Des Moines’ Jordan Creek Town Center, a vibrant shopping mall with a mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. Don’t miss the Downtown Farmers' Market for local produce and crafts, and visit Bridgewood Plaza for a variety of shops in a bustling atmosphere.

Recreation

Val Air Ballroom offers an electrifying atmosphere with live music, perfect for those seeking entertainment. At Hoyt Sherman Place, immerse yourself in a blend of romance and culture within a historic theatre. For sports enthusiasts, Principal Park provides an exhilarating experience with thrilling games in a vibrant setting.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of bouncing at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, where fun meets adventure. Enjoy a lively game at Air Lanes Bowling Center. For a scenic escape, hike the Greenbelt Trail, surrounded by nature's beauty and adventure vibes in the heart of Des Moines.

Nightlife

Des Moines boasts a vibrant nightlife with diverse options. Visit the Gas Lamp for live music and a lively atmosphere. For cocktails, head to The Continental, renowned for its stylish vibe. If you fancy dancing, the Brenton Skating Plaza offers a unique outdoor experience under the stars.

*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, Iowa, is an ideal destination for family, outdoor, and business-themed holidays. Visitors can explore urban parks, event venues, and modern universities, ensuring a rich city experience. The area boasts numerous attractions, including top and major sites that cater to diverse interests, making it a perfect spot for tourists seeking both adventure and cultural experiences.

  • Casey's Center: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Casey's Center, an entertainment hub in Des Moines. This arena is perfect for families, offering a variety of events that cater to all ages, ensuring an enjoyable outing for everyone.
  • Drake University: Wander the beautiful campus of Drake University, a modern college nestled in the heart of Des Moines. The university's city vibes create a lively environment, perfect for soaking in the energy of students and locals alike.
  • Des Moines Civic Center: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene at the Des Moines Civic Center, an arts centre that showcases a range of performances and exhibits. This venue is a testament to the city's commitment to promoting the arts.

Best time to go to Des Moines

The best time to visit Des Moines is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Des Moines during the low season (November to January) for more affordable options.
  • 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.

Top hotels in 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 €107 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
€107
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,009 reviews)
"Weird stains on the sleeper sofa as well as the light fixtures. No additional bedsheets found in linen closet. Rancid smell in room, very few outlets. Roach found in bathroom, very stained and mildewed shower curtain. Refrigerator hardly cold enough to store food. Really dingy and unclean vibe overall, ..."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2026

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €73 per night from 5 Jul to 6 Jul
€73
5 Jul - 6 Jul
includes taxes & fees
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,813 reviews)
"Nice stay. Staff was helpful and working hard. They were thoughtful about our room placement and everything was clean."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2026

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
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 €144 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
€144
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,207 reviews)
"The hotel is really top notch and in an historic building. Beautifully maintained. Parking is a bit expensive. Nice casual restaurant in the lobby floor has a good selection for breakfast, lunch, etc."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
See all 735 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 theatre for a complete retail retreat.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

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