Des Plaines, IL

Travel Guide

A city skyline with a prominent skyscraper and a river in the foreground.
A park with a pond, a wooden bridge, and autumn-colored trees.
A calm lake reflecting autumn trees and a clear sky.
A calm lake reflecting a park with autumn-colored trees, a wooden bridge, and a house.
A frozen river with bare trees on both sides.

Spend time in Des Plaines to enjoy parks, family-friendly venues, and nearby attractions for a well-rounded getaway.

Des Plaines is an ideal destination for family and city travelers. You can explore Lake Park, which offers a scenic setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. For recreation, visit Arndt Park, where families can enjoy various recreational facilities. Additionally, nearby attractions like the Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District provide entertainment options, while venues such as the Allstate Arena and Rosemont Theatre are nearby for sports and theater enthusiasts.

Spend some time exploring the different neighborhoods of Des Plaines and nearby areas, each offering unique experiences. Nearby Rosemont is known for family-friendly activities, with Impact Field and The Dome at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex catering to sports fans and recreational seekers. Elk Grove Village also offers family experiences, featuring Pirates Cove Children's Theme Park and Rainbow Falls Waterpark. Similarly, Niles is recognized for outdoor activities and has attractions like Sky High Sports Niles and Golf Mill Shopping Center.

The best time to visit Des Plaines is from June to September, when conditions are mild and mostly dry, making it suitable for outdoor activities. The area experiences steady visitor demand throughout the year, with a slight increase in April and June to July, while November to January tends to be quieter. Visiting during the milder months allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings and local attractions with fewer crowds.

Where to stay in Des Plaines

Find the best Des Plaines areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Des Plaines
Learn more about Des Plaines

Downtown Des Plaines

Downtown Des Plaines might not have many top sights, but Oakton Driving Range and Allstate Arena are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Outdoor wooden tables and chairs with a view of the sea.

Oakton

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travelers visit Oakton. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighborhood, you can visit Lake Park and Allstate Arena, a few notable attractions nearby.

Norma

Norma is well-liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Lake Park and Allstate Arena are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport by IHG

3 out of 5
3001 South Mannheim Road Des Plaines IL
$122 nightly
The price is $144 total per night from Nov 29 to Nov 30
$144 total
Nov 29 - Nov 30
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Plaines. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,089 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2026

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport by IHG
Congress Plaza Hotel

Congress Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
520 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL
$107 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$127 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
Congress Plaza Hotel
The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast

The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast

4 out of 5
1301 N State Pkwy Chicago IL
$116 nightly
The price is $138 total per night from Nov 15 to Nov 16
$138 total
Nov 15 - Nov 16
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
The Chicago Hotel Collection Ambassador Gold Coast
See all 4,819 properties in Des Plaines
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.
King Bed Non-Smoking

King Bed Non-Smoking

Chicago IL
Stay at this apartment in Des Plaines. Enjoy cable/satellite TV service and air conditioning. Popular attractions Allstate Arena and Rosemont Theatre are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (289 reviews)
"Very dirty, old room. If it wasn’t that close to the airport and quiet I would have left. And even the low price was far too much for what it was."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2026

King Bed Non-Smoking
Sentral Michigan Avenue

Sentral Michigan Avenue

4 out of 5
808 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE Chicago IL
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy a 24-hour fitness center, valet parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,414 reviews)
"Awesome location, front desk staff were excellent, allowed us to check in early For small fee and provided local insights tips. Apartment was close to soldier field and other nice local travel Locations. Room was very clean."

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2026

Sentral Michigan Avenue
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago

4 out of 5
One Superior Place Chicago IL
Stay at this aparthotel in Chicago. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Kasa Magnificent Mile Chicago
See all properties in Des Plaines
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 Plaines attractions

Rivers Casino

8.0/10 (559 reviews)
Why not roll the dice with a visit to Rivers Casino during your travels in Des Plaines? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
See properties

Things to do

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck

$24
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour

$41
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Wendella's 90-min Chicago River Architecture Tour
Color Factory Chicago Ticket

Color Factory Chicago Ticket

$34
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Color Factory Chicago Ticket
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago

$26
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago
Museum of Illusions Chicago Admission Ticket

Museum of Illusions Chicago Admission Ticket

$43
per adult
Museum of Illusions Chicago Admission Ticket
Spirit of Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan

$86
per adult
City Cruises Chicago: Signature Lunch Cruise on Lake Michigan
See all activities in Des Plaines

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Plaines worth visiting?
Des Plaines is worth visiting for its diverse dining scene, where travelers can enjoy a range of Asian and Latin American cuisine, from flavorful stir-fries and sushi to tacos and empanadas. It also offers practical transit access via train, making it easy to explore the area.
When is the best time to visit Des Plaines?
The best time to visit Des Plaines is from May through September, when the weather is generally pleasant for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of December through March are a good bet, offering a cooler, potentially snowy, experience.
What is Des Plaines known for?
Des Plaines is known for its inviting green spaces, including Lake Park, Apache Park, and Arndt Park, which offer travelers places for recreation. The city also features a strong Asian food culture, providing diverse dining options for visitors.
What is a good itinerary length for Des Plaines?
A good itinerary length for Des Plaines is one to two days to enjoy its parks, such as Lake Park and Apache Park. An extended stay of three to four days lets travelers explore all the parks, like Arndt Park, and savor the local dining scene, which includes Asian, Latin American, and Italian cuisine.
How do you get around Des Plaines?
Des Plaines offers train service for travelers to get around. You can access the area via stations like Des Plaines Station and Des Plaines Cumberland Station. For other destinations or more flexibility, rideshare services are also available.
What are the top things to do in and around Des Plaines?
In Des Plaines, travelers can enjoy outdoor spaces and a local driving range:

  • Stroll through Lake Park.
  • Explore Apache Park.
  • Relax at Arndt Park.
  • Practice your swing at Harry H. Semrow Driving Range.

How do I plan a trip to Des Plaines?
To plan your trip to Des Plaines, search for places to stay on Expedia and book flights in advance. You can explore nature spots like Lake Park, Apache Park, and Arndt Park. Consider public transit via train, or rent a car for more flexibility. For outdoor activities, always have indoor backup plans for weather changes.
What cuisines can you find in Des Plaines?
In Des Plaines you can find Eastern European cuisine, with dishes like pierogi, borscht, and goulash. Travelers can also enjoy Asian options such as Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Korean food. Other available cuisines include Latin American, Italian, Mediterranean, and North American dishes.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Des Plaines?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Des Plaines 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 Plaines with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Des Plaines 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 Plaines?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Des Plaines 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 Plaines trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Des Plaines 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 Plaines trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Des Plaines 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 Plaines?
If it's your first trip to Des Plaines, 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 Plaines 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 Plaines 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 Plaines

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