Find hotels in Johnston, IA from $55

These Johnston insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 16, 2026.

Top reasons to visit Johnston

• Outdoor Activities: Enjoy beautiful parks and recreational facilities, perfect for families and nature lovers, including Jester Park.
• Unique Shopping Experiences: Discover local shops and the unique offerings at Stockton for a delightful retail adventure.
• Vibrant Town Center: Explore the charming town center with cozy hotels and local amenities, enhancing your stay.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: Engage in a variety of activities suitable for all ages, ensuring fun for the whole family.
• Welcoming Community: Experience the warmth and friendliness of Johnston's residents, making your visit memorable.

Find great hotels near Johnston

Explore a variety of hotel accommodations in Johnston, Iowa, perfect for both leisure and business travelers. With options ranging from cozy motels to welcoming hotels, you'll find pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-inclusive environments that cater to diverse needs. Whether you're looking for a comfortable stay at Stoney Creek Hotels or a luxurious experience at star-rated inns, Johnston offers a hospitable atmosphere to make your visit enjoyable.

• WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines: A budget-friendly option located 7 miles from Johnston, WoodSpring Suites Ankeny Des Moines caters to travelers seeking practical accommodations without compromising comfort. Ideal for business trips and pet-friendly stays, this hotel offers essential amenities such as pet-friendly policies for dogs and cats, ensuring that your furry companions can join you on your journey. Guests can enjoy spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, making it easy to prepare meals during their stay, while the welcoming atmosphere allows for a relaxing experience after a busy day.
• Wildwood Lodge: Located 6 miles from Johnston, Wildwood Lodge is a charming 3-star property with an impressive guest rating of 9.6. This lodge embraces a rustic theme, providing a cozy retreat for travelers seeking a pet-friendly vacation. With amenities that cater to dog owners, including specific pet policies, Wildwood Lodge ensures that your pets are welcomed. Guests appreciate the inviting lodge-style decor, comfortable accommodations, and friendly service, making it an ideal spot for families and couples looking to unwind in a tranquil setting.
• Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines / Clive: Situated 6 miles from Johnston, Days Inn by Wyndham West Des Moines / Clive offers a budget-conscious stay with a focus on convenience for both business and leisure travelers. This pet-friendly hotel features essential amenities, including accommodations that permit pets in smoking rooms and a pet deposit option. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, ensuring a great start to their day, while the friendly staff is dedicated to providing a comfortable experience. This hotel is perfect for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality.

Where to stay in Johnston

Johnston, Iowa, offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. Explore the vibrant town center, where local amenities and cozy hotels welcome visitors. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere as you partake in recreational activities or unwind at nearby parks. For those seeking nightlife, Johnston has charming options to relax after a day of exploration. Don’t miss the chance to experience the warmth of this welcoming community during your vacation.

• Des Moines: As the capital city of Iowa, Des Moines is a vibrant metropolis that offers a dynamic mix of cultural attractions and outdoor activities. Situated adjacent to Johnston, it serves as a hub for family-friendly experiences, business events, and exciting outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore a variety of shopping centers and take part in local fairs. Notable landmarks include modern universities and picturesque lakes, providing ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Peak travel seasons typically occur from June to August, making summer a lively time to experience the city’s offerings.
• West Des Moines: Just 6 miles from Johnston, West Des Moines is an inviting city known for its blend of urban experiences and family-oriented activities. The city sees its highest visitor numbers in April and during the summer months, making it a bustling destination. West Des Moines is home to popular shopping malls and fairgrounds, where events and shows are commonplace. With its scenic lakes and charming neighborhoods, this city provides a welcoming atmosphere for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation in a city setting.
• Urbandale: Located a mere 3 miles from Johnston, Urbandale is a thriving city that offers a perfect mix of entertainment and family-friendly activities. The city experiences peak visitor traffic in the spring and summer months, featuring various shopping centers and an arena for entertainment. Urbandale is also known for its exciting attractions, including a theme park and waterpark, making it a great destination for families. With event venues and lively neighborhoods, Urbandale presents a lively atmosphere that complements your vacation plans.

Things to do in Johnston

Johnston, Iowa, is perfect for a family vacation with its outdoor activities and city charm. Visitors can enjoy shopping at local malls and centers, explore the fairgrounds, and visit Jester Park for a taste of nature. Don’t miss the local attractions, including Stockton, which offers a unique shopping experience. Whether you're looking for leisure or adventure, Johnston has something for everyone.

Shopping

In Johnston, explore local shops like the Johnston Town Center for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, check out the Merle Hay Mall, which offers a variety of stores and dining options to enhance your shopping experience.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at the Wellness Retreat Center, where you can enjoy yoga classes and holistic therapies. For outdoor fun, explore the scenic trails at the Johnston Greenbelt Park, perfect for hiking or biking while soaking in nature’s beauty.

Adventure

Explore the scenic trails at the Johnston Greenbelt, perfect for hiking and biking. Visit the Adventure Park for thrilling zip-lining and obstacle courses, providing an adrenaline rush amidst nature. Don't miss the kayaking experience on the nearby lakes for a fun water adventure.

Nightlife

Experience lively nights at the Wine Experience on Merle Hay Road, where you can enjoy tastings and a cozy atmosphere. For a fun time, visit the Johnston Tap on 86th Street for great pub fare and a welcoming vibe with friends and locals alike.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Johnston

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Johnston are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Johnston is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Johnston is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Johnston with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near Johnston

Johnston, Iowa, is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a city-themed vacation. Visitors can explore popular attractions like urban parks, art museums, and botanical gardens, offering a delightful mix of nature and culture. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or family-friendly activities, Johnston's points of interest cater to all types of travelers, ensuring a memorable experience in this charming city.

• Saylorville Lake: Located only 4 miles from Johnston, Saylorville Lake offers beautiful outdoor scenery perfect for a relaxing day. Enjoy the beach vibes, take a romantic stroll, or engage in various water activities while soaking in the natural beauty.
• Living History Farms: Just 5 miles away, this interactive farm experience showcases Iowa's agricultural history. Meet friendly staff, explore historic buildings, and participate in hands-on activities that are perfect for a fun and educational outing.
• Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: Situated 7 miles from Johnston, this stunning botanical garden is ideal for families and couples alike. Wander through diverse plant collections, enjoy peaceful outdoor spaces, and create lasting memories in a romantic setting.

Best time to go to Johnston

The best time to visit Johnston 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 average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	21.4°F (-5.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	23.7°F (-4.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	39.2°F (4.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	71.6°F (22.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
July	74.7°F (23.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	73.2°F (22.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	66.7°F (19.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	40.3°F (4.6°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	28.9°F (-1.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Johnston

For your trip to Johnston, Iowa, the primary airport is Des Moines International Airport (DSM), situated 10 miles away. Nearby hotels include the 4.5-star Hotel Fort Des Moines, located 4 miles from the airport, and two other options, Hotel Renovo Des Moines Urbandale and Revel Hotel Des Moines Urbandale, both also rated 4.5 stars and 9 miles away. Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) is 91 miles from Johnston, with good hotel choices like the 3.5-star Black Hawk Hotel, 3 miles away, and the Isle Casino Hotel, 8 miles away. Fort Dodge Regional Airport (FOD), located 65 miles away, has the Cobblestone Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express, both within 4 miles.