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Your Des Moines Vacation

From its progressive thinking to its friendly locals and rural countryside, there are countless reasons to stay in the riverfront city of Des Moines. Discover these highlights and more when you lock in your vacation package to Des Moines. Eager to start exploring your surroundings? Iowa State Fairgrounds, Iowa State Capitol Building and Blank Park Zoo are just three of the best places to visit during your trip to Des Moines. Your perfect Des Moines vacation is a couple of clicks away. Explore hotels, flights and more on Expedia for an adventure that's tailored to suit your style.

The Latest Des Moines vacation packages

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Hyatt Place West Des Moines Jordan Creek
Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
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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

Discover the most popular places to visit in Des Moines

Des Moines Hotel Deals

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston

2.5 out of 5
5291 Stoney Creek Court Johnston IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$83 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Jan 13 to Jan 14
$93 total
Jan 13 - Jan 14
Total with taxes and fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,815 reviews)
Excellent stay!!!

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2026

Stoney Creek Hotel Des Moines - Johnston
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
$143 nightly
The price is $160 total per night from Jan 18 to Jan 19
$160 total
Jan 18 - Jan 19
Total with taxes and fees
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,070 reviews)
Clean hotel from top to bottom, friendly staff, and great food!

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West

2.5 out of 5
7225 Vista Dr West Des Moines IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$83 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Jan 21 to Jan 22
$93 total
Jan 21 - Jan 22
Total with taxes and fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
Clean and convenient

Reviewed on Jan 5, 2026

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
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.

Find the Best Des Moines Vacation Packages

Things to do in Des Moines

Des Moines is an ideal destination for family vacations, outdoor adventures, and business trips. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including shopping at local malls and centers, attending lively summer festivals, and exploring the fairgrounds. Additionally, the city offers an amusement park and a comprehensive activity guide to ensure a memorable experience for everyone. Whether you're seeking entertainment or relaxation, Des Moines has something for everyone.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center, a vibrant mall with entertainment and family-friendly activities. Don't miss the Downtown Farmers' Market for local produce and unique gifts. The Outlets of Des Moines also offer great deals on popular brands in a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

At Principal Park, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events while enjoying healthy concessions. Hoyt Sherman Place offers a cultural escape with captivating performances, perfect for a delightful evening out. For music lovers, Val Air Ballroom presents an entertaining vibe with live concerts that rejuvenate the spirit.

Adventure

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park offers a thrilling experience with wall-to-wall trampolines for bouncing fun and exciting arcade games. For outdoor adventure, explore the scenic Greenbelt Trail, perfect for hiking amidst nature. Don’t miss the Sky Glider East for a unique aerial view of the area.

Nightlife

Des Moines boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, perfect for any visitor. Check out the trendy High Life Lounge for classic cocktails and a retro vibe. For live music, head to the Gas Lamp, where local bands play regularly, creating an energetic atmosphere that keeps the night alive.

*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 vacations, outdoor adventures, and business trips. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including urban parks, event venues, and modern colleges. With its blend of outdoor activities and vibrant city experiences, Des Moines caters to travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement, making it a perfect spot for a memorable getaway.

  • Adventureland: Experience the thrill of Adventureland, an amusement park filled with rides and attractions for the entire family. Enjoy outdoor adventures, from roller coasters to water rides, all set in a vibrant atmosphere that promises fun and excitement.
  • Iowa State Fairgrounds: Visit the Iowa State Fairgrounds, a hub of outdoor family activities. Known for its annual state fair, this venue hosts numerous events throughout the year, showcasing local culture, delicious food, and entertainment that brings people together.
  • Drake University: Explore Drake University, a modern college campus with stunning architecture and a lively atmosphere. Located in the city, it offers a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural events, and beautiful green spaces for relaxation and exploration.

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 during the off-peak season (typically November to January) for more affordable package holidays to Des Moines.
  • 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.

Des Moines Essential Information

Language
English
Currency
U.S dollars
Closest Airport
Des Moines Intl. Airport (DSM)
Population
210,300
Max Temp Winter
30ºF
Max Temp Summer
80ºF
Top Sights
Adventureland, Blank Park Zoo and Des Moines Art Center

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Des Moines vacation package cost?
You'll find cheap prices from $524 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 vacation to Des Moines costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Des Moines?
November, December and January are the best times to search for cheap Des Moines vacation packages. Traveling in quieter months means you'll typically find lower prices on accommodations and flights.
How many days is enough for Des Moines?
Des Moines vacations can be short or long, but to get a real feel for this destination, we'd say 2 days is about right. This will mean you can fit in major attractions like Des Moines Art Center and Science Center of Iowa and track down some lesser-known gems. Don't miss out on cool areas such as Downtown Des Moines and Greater South Side either. If you plan wisely, you can even schedule a day trip from Des Moines too.
Is it worth booking a vacation package to Des Moines?
It's easy to see why a Des Moines vacation is on the to-do list of many travelers. Major attractions like Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden are just the beginning of things to keep you busy here.
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 vacation package as early as possible.
Is it cheaper to book a Des Moines vacation as a package?
An Expedia vacation package could land you great savings when compared to arranging accommodations and flights separately. Better still, you can personalize 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 vacation package to Des Moines?
If you have your Des Moines vacation 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 go: Check your schedule and get packing. Your favorite time of year and the activities on offer will also help you decide when to escape to Des Moines.
  2. Plan your budget wisely: In addition to the cost of your accommodations, you should consider other expenses too. These include flights, food and transportation. Also, set aside a little extra for unexpected expenses that may come up during your trip to Des Moines.
  3. Organize your Des Moines escape with our trip planning tool: Look for and book accommodations and things to do all in one place. You can also collaborate with family and friends to plan an unforgettable trip to Des Moines together.
  4. Decide how long to go for: Now that you're up to speed on Des Moines, you can figure out the perfect length of your break. Put together a draft plan and allocate enough time for all the things you want to do.
  5. Combine your flights and hotel: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. Now all that's left is to find a Des Moines vacation package that brings all your bookings together.
  6. Book experiences or activities in advance: Whether it's a ticket to a major attraction or a day trip in nature, you won't have to worry about missing out on Des Moines's highlights. Find all the exciting things to do in Des Moines with our dedicated activity guide.

Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Des Moines vacation packages?
If you're like us, you love going away but are not a fan of the big price tag that can come with it. That's why we've created Book Now, Pay Later vacations. With the help of online lender Affirm, you can break down the total cost of your Des Moines trip over 3, 6 or 12 months. There are also no late payment fees or hidden costs, so you can snap up great vacation packages with payment plans as soon as you see them.

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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.