Outdoor
Large swimming beach, playground, and a shaded 3.1 mile trail loop that is perfect for a run/walk! Flat terrain.
16 locals recommend
Raccoon River Park
2500 Grand AveLarge swimming beach, playground, and a shaded 3.1 mile trail loop that is perfect for a run/walk! Flat terrain.
Another large swimming beach with a surrounding trail and kayak rentals available!
28 locals recommend
Gray's Lake Park
2101 Fleur DrAnother large swimming beach with a surrounding trail and kayak rentals available!
Sightseeing
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand AveFree entrance :)
Drinking
Half price martinis on Wednesday nights and rotating displays of local artwork!
11 locals recommend
The Lift
222 4th StHalf price martinis on Wednesday nights and rotating displays of local artwork!
Rooftop setting with skyline views, places to sit and conversate but will get increasingly busy after 10pm on weekends.
7 locals recommend
300 Craft & Rooftop
300 W Martin Luther King Jr PkwyRooftop setting with skyline views, places to sit and conversate but will get increasingly busy after 10pm on weekends.
One of my favorite drinking spots in the east village! It’s a bit of a hole in the wall but not too divey where you’d ever feel unwelcome or out of place :)
13 locals recommend
Locust Tap
434 E Locust StOne of my favorite drinking spots in the east village! It’s a bit of a hole in the wall but not too divey where you’d ever feel unwelcome or out of place :)
One of the best breweries in Des Moines in the always charming historic Sherman Hill neighborhood. Food is served till 10 and excellent drink selection for beer snobs.
13 locals recommend
Lua Brewing
1525 High StreetOne of the best breweries in Des Moines in the always charming historic Sherman Hill neighborhood. Food is served till 10 and excellent drink selection for beer snobs.
Another “dive bar” that stays friendly and approachable! The best staff in town and cheap drinks!
10 locals recommend
Carl's Place
1620 Woodland AveAnother “dive bar” that stays friendly and approachable! The best staff in town and cheap drinks!
Shopping
Outlets of Des Moines
801 Bass Pro Dr NWJordan Creek Town Center
101 Jordan Creek PkwyFood scene
An amazing unlimited brunch and mimosa/bloody buffet! Make a reservation beforehand. You can walk through the sculpture park afterwards that is across the street.
19 locals recommend
Americana
1312 Locust StAn amazing unlimited brunch and mimosa/bloody buffet! Make a reservation beforehand. You can walk through the sculpture park afterwards that is across the street.
Incredible place if you want something to eat that’s light and refreshing and enjoy fruit! Their bowls are to die for and I am a weekly patron :)
Big Acai Bowl - West Des Moines
117 5th StreetIncredible place if you want something to eat that’s light and refreshing and enjoy fruit! Their bowls are to die for and I am a weekly patron :)
Persis Biryani Indian Grill
6925 Mills Civic Parkway