Des Moines, WA

Travel Guide

A marina with various boats docked, calm water, and a wooden pier.
A pier extending into a calm body of water with a clear sky above.
A lighthouse with a red roof and a white building, surrounded by driftwood and debris on a beach with a clear blue sky and calm water in the background.
A concrete bridge over a pebbled beach with a clear sky.
A rocky breakwater with a lighthouse, calm water, and sailboats in the background.

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
Learn more about Des Moines

Grandview

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Grandview and surrounding area, you can visit Des Moines Marina and Kent Valley Ice Center.

A city skyline with the Space Needle and a mountain in the background.

Redondo

While Redondo might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Saltwater State Park and The Commons at Federal Way.

Sea-Tac Airport Value Inn

Sea-Tac Airport Value Inn

2.5 out of 5
22246 International Blvd Des Moines WA
$73 nightly
The price is $83 total per night from Oct 3 to Oct 4
$83 total
Oct 3 - Oct 4
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
Sea-Tac Airport Value Inn
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
724 Pine St Seattle WA
$145 nightly
The price is $171 total per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
$171 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,751 reviews)
"Both the front desk staff and this hotel were excellent."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

The Paramount Hotel
The Belltown Inn

The Belltown Inn

2.5 out of 5
2301 3rd Avenue Seattle WA
$119 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Oct 14 to Oct 15
$140 total
Oct 14 - Oct 15
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
The Belltown Inn
See all 5,780 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.
The Boylston Hotel Capitol Hill

The Boylston Hotel Capitol Hill

4 out of 5
1517 Boylston Ave Seattle WA
Stay at this aparthotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and Tempur-Pedic beds. Popular attractions Pike Place Market and Seattle ...
The Boylston Hotel Capitol Hill
Oxford Seattle

Oxford Seattle

2 out of 5
1920 1st Ave Seattle WA
Stay at this aparthotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Pike Place Market and Seattle Waterfront are located nearby.
7.6/10 Good! (168 reviews)
"Great place! Great for the price. Older, but comfy and clean, and in a great location. Very easy check-in process and consistent communication from provider. No parking but I was aware of that, and there is well priced overnight parking one street over. Just what I needed, would definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

Oxford Seattle
Kasa Capitol Hill Seattle

Kasa Capitol Hill Seattle

4 out of 5
1208 Pine Street Seattle WA
Stay at this aparthotel in Seattle. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Pike Place Market and Seattle Waterfront ...
Kasa Capitol Hill Seattle
See all 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 rocky breakwater with a lighthouse, calm water, and sailboats in the background.
Photo by Tim Piland
Open Photo by Tim Piland

Des Moines Marina

8.4/10 (160 reviews)
Explore the waterfront in Des Moines with a trip to Des Moines Marina. Stroll along the area's seaside, or simply savor its top-notch restaurants.
See properties

Things to do

Sky View Observatory General Admission

Sky View Observatory Tickets

$28
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Sky View Observatory Tickets
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

$78
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket
Whale & Wildlife Watching Tour from Seattle

Only Whale Watching Tour Departing from Seattle Waterfront

$117
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Only Whale Watching Tour Departing from Seattle Waterfront
Luggage Storage near Lumen Field Seattle

Luggage Storage near Lumen Field Seattle

$11
per adult
Luggage Storage near Lumen Field Seattle
Picture 1 for Activity Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour

Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour

$75
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Seattle: Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour
Seattle C3® by CityPASS®- Save on admission to top attractions

Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

$108
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Seattle C3® by CityPASS®
See all activities in Des Moines

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Moines worth visiting?
Des Moines is worth visiting for its diverse dining scene, offering delicious Latin American dishes like tacos and empanadas, alongside classic Italian favorites such as pasta and pizza. Travelers can also enjoy exploring local attractions like the scenic Des Moines Marina and the campus of Highline Community College.
When is the best time to visit Des Moines?
The best time to visit Des Moines is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the cooler months of December through March are a good option, offering a different perspective on the city with potentially lower rates.
What is Des Moines known for?
Des Moines is known for its Des Moines Marina and Highline Community College. Travelers can also enjoy Saltwater State Park, a natural highlight of the area. The city also offers a Latin American food culture, providing a range of culinary options.
What is a good itinerary length for Des Moines?
A good itinerary length for Des Moines is one to two days to explore the Des Moines Marina and enjoy the natural beauty of Saltwater State Park. An extended stay of three to four days gives travelers more time to discover the local area and savor diverse dining, including Latin American, Italian, and North American cuisines.
What are the top things to do in and around Des Moines?
Des Moines offers coastal views, natural parks, and educational centers to explore:


How do I plan a trip to Des Moines?
To plan your trip to Des Moines, search for places to stay on Expedia and book your flights and rental car in advance. Consider exploring attractions like Des Moines Marina or Saltwater State Park. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.
What cuisines can you find in Des Moines?
In Des Moines you can find New American cuisine, featuring gourmet burgers, farm-to-table entrees, and creative small plates. Travelers can also enjoy Latin American options like tacos and burritos, along with Italian pasta dishes, and various Asian cuisines including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese. European and Southern soul food choices are also available.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Des Moines?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Des Moines by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Des Moines with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Des Moines trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Des Moines?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Des Moines can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Des Moines trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Des Moines trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Des Moines trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Des Moines trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Des Moines?
If it's your first trip to Des Moines, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Des Moines hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Des Moines hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Des Moines

A cityscape with a prominent historic building with a green roof, surrounded by lush green trees and a wide street.

Auburn

A calm lake surrounded by dense forest, with a wooden dock on the left and a clear reflection of the sky and clouds on the water.

Federal Way

A calm lake with a wooden dock, a picnic table, and a covered seating area.

Kent

A city skyline with the Space Needle and a mountain in the background.

SeaTac

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