Best hotels in Des Moines
Hyatt Place Des Moines Downtown
418 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
The Hyatt Place’s amenities include an on-site gym and four miles of climate-controlled skywalk connected to event centers, shopping, and restaurants. If you stay here, you’ll be close to the historic Court Avenue District, which is a popular dining spot, the State Capitol Building, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and Principal Park.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown
101 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Overlooking the beautiful Des Moines River, Embassy Suites offers 234 suites in an eight-story tropical atrium. It is situated close to the Iowa State Capitol and the Court Avenue Entertainment District. The Principal Riverwalk is on your doorstep, and just a short walk from here is the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater, where many festivals take place.
Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel
401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Situated in the heart of downtown Des Moines, this hotel is close to several popular attractions, including the Iowa Events Center, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines, and Wells Fargo Arena, in addition to a variety of dining options.
Best restaurants in Des Moines
Proof
1301 Locust Street C, Des Moines, IA 50309
This intimate Mediterranean-style restaurant is a stone’s throw from Pappajohn Sculpture Park. It offers a blend of traditional and modern flavors. If you decide to dine here, it would be a great idea to try their octopus-bone marrow gnocchi.
Kathmandu
7229 Apple Valley Drive, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Fancy a hearty South Asian lunch? From lamb tikka to shrimp biryani, you’re spoiled for choice of Nepalese and Indian delicacies. The level of spice at Kathamandu is up to you, which includes burn-your-nose spicy.
Harbinger
2724 Ingersoll Ave Des Moines, IA 50312
Made with fresh ingredients, this small-plates restaurant promises creative twists on vegetable-themed East Asian favorites, served in an open-air atmosphere. Creative dishes include the Vietnamese-influenced Late Harvest Carrots and butternut squash koji.
Best things to do in Des Moines
Terrace Hill Historic Site
2300 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Also known as the Governor’s Mansion, this historic Second Empire-style house was built with features considered modern in the 1860s, such as indoor bathrooms, an elevator, and hot and cold running water. Explore this beautiful mansion on your own or join a guided tour to learn more about Des Moines’ history.
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
Resting on the banks of the Des Moines River Downtown, this art museum is home to a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. The permanent exhibition features work by American artists Edward Hopper and Andy Warhol, French artist Henri Matisse and Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami to name a few.
Sleepy Hollow Sports Park
4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
Located a mile east of the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the Sleepy Hollow Sports Park offers fun activities and festivals throughout the year. Sports activities include skiing, tubing, and sledding. Some of the exciting festivals held here are the Haunted Scream Park, Summer Scare, and State Fair Camping.