Things to do in Des Moines

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 experiences in Des Moines

Tours & day trips

See all 16 activities
Mt. Rainier Full-Day Tour

Mt. Rainier Full-Day Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 268 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €161 per adult
Mt. Rainier Full-Day TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 3 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 €10,049 per adult
7-Day Tour from Seattle to EgyptOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 3 activities
Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

Activity duration is 9 days
9.4 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €87 per adult
Seattle C3® by CityPASS®Opens in new tab

What to do in Des Moines

Popular places to visit

Seattle Waterfront featuring boating, city views and a marina

Seattle Waterfront

4/5(85 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 featuring modern architecture

Space Needle

4.5/5(85 reviews)

Built as a showpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair, this iconic structure has become a symbol of Seattle.

Space Needle
Pike Place Market featuring night scenes, signage and a city

Pike Place Market

4.5/5(103 reviews)

A beautiful waterfront location and great on-street entertainment add to the charm of the longest-running farmers market in the U.S..

Pike Place Market
Lumen Field

Lumen Field

4/5(14 reviews)

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

Lumen Field
University of Washington

University of Washington

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Walk around the campus of University of Washington, a top university in Seattle. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

University of Washington
Seattle Center showing modern architecture

Seattle Center

4.5/5(58 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
T-Mobile Park

T-Mobile Park

4/5(9 reviews)

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

T-Mobile Park
Bellevue Square showing a square or plaza and street scenes

Bellevue Square

4.5/5(17 reviews)

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

Bellevue Square
Washington State Convention Center which includes a city

Seattle Convention Center Arch Building

4/5(9 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
SeaTac

SeaTac

Seattle

Seattle

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 neighbourhood?
With the centre 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 neighbourhood of Normandy Park is about 3 kilometres 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.