Sightseeing
Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand AveBeautiful Statehouse with high outlook on downtown
Great place for families and groups to visit. Admission does cost a bit. Beautiful outdoor gardens and courtyard in the summers with live music on Thursdays!
53 locals recommend
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray DrGreat place for families and groups to visit. Admission does cost a bit. Beautiful outdoor gardens and courtyard in the summers with live music on Thursdays!
Food scene
Our favorite coffee shop and bakery, only a couple minutes from home
19 locals recommend
Scenic Route Bakery
350 E Locust StOur favorite coffee shop and bakery, only a couple minutes from home
Dairy Zone
2219 E University AveEast Des Moines' favorite ice cream shop, supplied by our local Anderson Erickson Dairy
Rustic and world-class, award-winning brewery just a couple minutes away
14 locals recommend
Peace Tree Brewing Company - Des Moines Branch
317 E Court AveRustic and world-class, award-winning brewery just a couple minutes away
Great spot to look out on the river and sit on the patio during warm months. Only 2-3 minutes walking distance.
Captain Roy's
1900 Saylor RdGreat spot to look out on the river and sit on the patio during warm months. Only 2-3 minutes walking distance.
Delicious coffee and food items, rustic/Minnesota vibe with fireplace, a job training extension of Freedom for Youth Ministries (Google it!) My out-of-town friends always love checking in here when visiting DSM.
Freedom Blend Coffee
2329 Hickman RdDelicious coffee and food items, rustic/Minnesota vibe with fireplace, a job training extension of Freedom for Youth Ministries (Google it!) My out-of-town friends always love checking in here when visiting DSM.
Authentic French bakery, full breakfast/meal menu, a Des Moines classic
46 locals recommend
La Mie Bakery
841 42nd StAuthentic French bakery, full breakfast/meal menu, a Des Moines classic
A local FAVORITE in May - Aug. Opens at 7am and closes at noon. The earlier you go, the less busy!
16 locals recommend
Farmers Market
231-299 Water StA local FAVORITE in May - Aug. Opens at 7am and closes at noon. The earlier you go, the less busy!
Neighborhoods
Historic, scenic and warm, Union Park neighbors love the Heritage Carousel and Rocket Slide at the park as well as the nearby bike trail and marina.
6 locals recommend
Union Park
Historic, scenic and warm, Union Park neighbors love the Heritage Carousel and Rocket Slide at the park as well as the nearby bike trail and marina.
This district is the go-to for siteseeing, good eats and drinks, local shopping and night life. Plus - it's only a couple minutes away, either driving or walking! Be sure to pay your meters if you're parking in the area.
64 locals recommend
East Village
This district is the go-to for siteseeing, good eats and drinks, local shopping and night life. Plus - it's only a couple minutes away, either driving or walking! Be sure to pay your meters if you're parking in the area.
Traveler advice
Ways to save
Iowa State Historical Museum has free admission!
Be sure to check business hours before visiting.
Getting around
Parking meters are live 9am-9pm Mon-Sat downtown
Sundays are free! Also consider walking or Ubering to the East Village - it's super close.
Ways to save
Downtown parking is FREE after 5pm and on weekends at...
...the parking lot just south of the Courthouse (near Court Avenue and HyVee downtown. The gate sign says FULL, but it's just the default setting for the sign. Take advantage of it!
Customs and culture
Midwesterners are generally and genuinely friendly...
...wave back! : )
Ways to save
Parking is free on...
the Grand, Walnut, Locust and Court Avenue bridges, most times of the day, most times of the year. The earlier you go out, the better chances you have of getting a spot!