Des Moines Vacation Packages

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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.

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
A cityscape with various buildings, including a tall skyscraper and several mid-rise structures.

Downtown Des Moines

4 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

Downtown Des Moines boasts corporate campuses, fine dining, and unique retail destinations. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and enjoy easy access to DART transit and skywalk connections.

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A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.

Court District

Court District is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while in the area.

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A street lined with brick buildings, parked cars, and hanging flower baskets.

Historic East Village

Directly east of Downtown Des Moines, this nationally recognized historic district boasts the Iowa State Capitol complex, State of Iowa Historical Museum, and Des Moines Botanical Gardens. Explore eateries, boutique shops, and loft-style housing in its charming structures.

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The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.

Drake

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

If you're spending some time in Drake, Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse are top sights worth seeing.

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A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.

Greater South Side

While Greater South Side might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.

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Things to do in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa, is a fantastic destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The city offers a range of activities, including shopping at vibrant malls and exploring local fairgrounds. It's perfect for weekend getaways, thrilling outdoor adventures, and discovering unique attractions. Whether you're looking for relaxation or excitement, Des Moines has something for everyone to enjoy during their visit.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience, visit Jordan Creek Town Center, where you'll find a variety of stores and entertainment options. Don't miss the Downtown Farmers' Market for local goods and unique gifts. Hawthorne Plaza offers a selection of shops in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families.

Recreation

Experience the excitement at Principal Park, where sports enthusiasts gather for thrilling games. Enjoy the cultural atmosphere at Hoyt Sherman Place, perfect for a romantic night out or family entertainment. Dance the night away at Val Air Ballroom, a vibrant venue for live music and unforgettable memories.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park, where you can bounce around and enjoy arcade games in a vibrant atmosphere. For outdoor adventure, explore the scenic Greenbelt Trail, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature's beauty in the heart of Des Moines.

Nightlife

Des Moines boasts a vibrant nightlife scene. Check out the trendy Hessen Haus for a lively German beer hall experience, or head to the iconic Wooly's for live music and a dynamic atmosphere. For a relaxed vibe, the East Village features laid-back bars and charming patios.

*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 enjoy a diverse range of attractions, including urban parks, event venues, and modern colleges. The city's offerings cater to those seeking a blend of outdoor experiences, family-friendly activities, and vibrant city life, making it a perfect getaway for all types of travellers.

  • Adventureland: Experience thrill and excitement at Adventureland, an amusement park nestled in Des Moines. With a variety of rides and attractions, it’s perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. From roller coasters to water slides, there's something for everyone in a vibrant outdoor setting.
  • Wells Fargo Arena: This dynamic entertainment venue hosts a range of events, from concerts to sports. The family-friendly atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities ensure an unforgettable experience. Enjoy thrilling performances and events in a lively environment that brings the community together.
  • Iowa State Capitol Building: A stunning example of architectural beauty, the Iowa State Capitol Building offers a glimpse into the state’s rich history and culture. Take a guided tour to explore its magnificent dome, intricate artwork, and learn about Iowa’s governmental heritage.

Best time to go to Des Moines

The best time to visit Des Moines can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Des Moines falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Des Moines falls in January, 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.

Ready to book your vacation to Des Moines?

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Stay near popular Des Moines attractions

A colorful salad with various vegetables and cheese.
Photo by Lana Garmon

Jordan Creek Town Center

9.2/10 (1,624 reviews)
You can enjoy retail therapy at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.
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An aerial view of a bustling fairground with various stalls, rides, and a Ferris wheel.

Iowa State Fairgrounds

8.8/10 (945 reviews)
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
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A bridge over a river with a clear blue sky.
Photo by Analyn Suan

Principal Park

8.6/10 (133 reviews)
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and lively festivals.
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A city skyline with a river and a bridge.

Iowa Events Center

8.8/10 (573 reviews)
Learn about the events happening at Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.
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A large government building with a golden dome, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

Iowa State Capitol Building

9.0/10 (354 reviews)
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
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Casey's Center

8.8/10 (976 reviews)
Catch an event at Casey's Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
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Outlets of Des Moines

8.6/10 (439 reviews)
You can do some window-shopping at Outlets of Des Moines during your trip to Altoona. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
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EMC Expo Center

8.4/10 (188 reviews)
Learn about the events happening at EMC Expo Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Des Moines vacation package cost?
You can pick up a vacation package to this destination on Expedia. But how much your vacation to Des Moines costs will depend on factors like your hotel choice, length of stay and season.
What are the cheapest months to go to Des Moines?
November, December and January are great times to look for cheap Des Moines vacation packages. Opting to travel in less busy months means you'll typically find reduced prices on flights and accommodations.
How many days is enough for Des Moines?
Des Moines vacations come in all shapes and sizes, but to get a true feel for this destination, we'd say 2 days is a good ballpark. In this timeframe, you can visit headline attractions like Wells Fargo Arena and Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and seek out some underrated gems. Don't forget to explore cool neighbourhoods such as Downtown Des Moines and Greater South Side either. If you're smart with your time, you can even take a day trip or two from Des Moines too.
How to find the best Des Moines package deals?
Use Expedia's filter tool to find some fabulous Des Moines package deals. When you begin your search, just set your maximum budget and then sort the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your escape for midweek, or search for Des Moines package deals in the low season. Switch up your travel dates and you may score even bigger discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's typically best to lock in your vacation package well in advance.
Is it cheaper to book a Des Moines vacation as a package?
You can enjoy significant savings on your Des Moines escape by booking a personalized vacation package. Check the "Package" heading, then enter your destination and travel dates to view the best hotel prices and airfares. Bundle everything into a great-value package and you can save hundreds of dollars. Consider adding a car rental and you may score a better deal.
When to book a vacation package to Des Moines?
If you've got your Des Moines travel dates locked in, book as soon as you can to grab some awesome deals. With Expedia, you can often reserve some flights up to a year in advance. Prefer spur-of-the-moment getaways? Our last-minute deals are great for quick escapes.
How to plan a trip to Des Moines?
  1. Choose when to travel: Check your calendar and get packing. Your favourite time of year and the activities on offer will also help you decide when to escape to Des Moines.
  2. Budget wisely: In addition to the cost of your hotel, you'll need to factor in other expenses too. These include food, flights and transportation. Also, put aside some extra funds for unexpected expenses that may crop up during your trip to Des Moines.
  3. Decide how long to go away for: Now that you know more about Des Moines, you can figure out the ideal length of your vacation. Put together a rough itinerary and give yourself enough time to cover everything you want to see.
  4. Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your flights, hotels, car rental and more into a tailored Des Moines vacation package.

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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.