Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Des Moines Des Moines combines a walkable downtown, impressive public art, and warm Midwest hospitality. Guests can dine in farm-to-table restaurants, tour breweries, or browse local shops in the East Village. With its active calendar of events and relaxed pace, the city makes visitors feel at home. Its balance of activity and friendliness appeals to travelers of all ages. Where to look for an Airbnb in Des Moines Downtown Des Moines Downtown Des Moines is the heart of the city’s business, entertainment, and nightlife scene. Visitors can find loft-style apartments, chic condos, and walkable rentals near restaurants, concert venues, and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The area is vibrant with events and street life year-round. East Village East Village is one of Des Moines’ trendiest neighborhoods, known for its independent boutiques, art galleries, and historic architecture. Airbnb options here include restored row houses, creative lofts, and cozy modern apartments. Guests can enjoy local coffee shops, nightlife, and cultural events all within a few blocks. Sherman Hill Sherman Hill is a charming historic district featuring 19th-century Victorian homes and peaceful tree-lined streets. Accommodations in this area often include character-filled bungalows, guesthouses, and tastefully updated heritage properties. Guests can walk to nearby restaurants and enjoy a quiet residential vibe near the city center. Drake Neighborhood Located near Drake University, this neighborhood has a youthful, energetic feel with access to eateries, parks, and campus events. Vacation rentals range from affordable apartments to spacious family homes and modern studios. Visitors can enjoy nearby local bars, coffee shops, and public art installations. Beaverdale Beaverdale is a popular residential area with a strong community feel, leafy streets, and a mix of Tudor-style homes and newer developments. Airbnb listings here include cozy houses, private basement suites, and family-friendly stays. The neighborhood hosts seasonal events and offers easy access to grocery stores, trails, and local pubs. Must-visit places and attractions in Des Moines Pappajohn Sculpture Park This open-air park in downtown Des Moines features more than 30 sculptures by world-renowned artists. Visitors can walk among the pieces, take photos, and enjoy the surrounding green space and skyline views. It’s a central part of the city’s public art scene and great for a leisurely afternoon. Iowa State Capitol The Iowa State Capitol is an architectural gem, known for its gold dome, historic chambers, and sweeping city views. Guests can take guided or self-guided tours of the grand halls, art displays, and legislative spaces. The surrounding grounds are beautifully landscaped and perfect for strolling or picnics. Des Moines Art Center The Des Moines Art Center features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art in a stunning architectural setting. Visitors can explore works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Francis Bacon while enjoying natural light-filled galleries. The center also includes a sculpture garden and on-site café. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden This urban oasis showcases tropical plants, themed gardens, and scenic riverfront trails. Guests can wander through the geodesic dome, enjoy seasonal blooms, or attend gardening workshops and yoga sessions. The garden is a peaceful escape with excellent photography opportunities. Science Center of Iowa The Science Center of Iowa offers hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and interactive STEM displays for all ages. Visitors can explore topics from physics and biology to outer space, with live demonstrations and special events throughout the year. It’s both fun and educational, especially for kids. Blank Park Zoo Blank Park Zoo features a diverse range of animals in well-maintained, interactive habitats. Guests can see lions, penguins, giraffes, and more while learning about conservation efforts. The zoo also hosts seasonal events and children’s programs. Water Works Park As one of the largest urban parks in the country, Water Works Park offers trails, gardens, and river views across more than 1,500 acres. Visitors can bike, jog, picnic, or attend music festivals and outdoor events. The park is also connected to Gray’s Lake Park by pedestrian trails. Hoyt Sherman Place This historic performing arts venue hosts concerts, theater productions, and art exhibits in a beautifully restored 1920s building. Guests can enjoy performances ranging from classical music to contemporary comedy acts. The venue also includes an elegant art gallery and intimate ambiance. Where to find a vacation rental near Des Moines Ankeny, Iowa Located about 20 minutes north of downtown Des Moines, Ankeny is a fast-growing suburb with family-friendly amenities. Vacation rentals include townhomes, modern condos, and spacious houses near parks and shopping centers. Booking a vacation rental in Ankeny puts you close to breweries, bike trails, and convenient shopping options. The area also has breweries, bike trails, and golf courses. West Des Moines, Iowa West Des Moines offers upscale accommodations, shopping districts, and easy access to both urban attractions and outdoor areas. Airbnb listings include luxury apartments, cozy suburban homes, and extended-stay suites. Staying in an airbnb in West Des Moines gives visitors a base near Jordan Creek and the Valley Junction district. Visitors can explore Jordan Creek Town Center or enjoy dining in Valley Junction. Iowa City, Iowa Just under two hours east of Des Moines, Iowa City is a vibrant college town with a rich literary and artistic culture. Visitors can explore the University of Iowa campus, tour the Old Capitol Museum, or attend performances at Hancher Auditorium. Staying in a loft in Iowa City puts guests close to campus cafés, bookstores, and performing arts venues. Vacation rentals range from stylish downtown lofts to peaceful homes near parks and trails. Iowa City’s creative energy and historic charm make it an ideal companion destination to Des Moines. Omaha, Nebraska Around two hours west of Des Moines, Omaha is a bustling city that offers a mix of cultural attractions and family-friendly fun. Guests can visit the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo, explore the Old Market district, or stroll along the Missouri River waterfront. Booking an airbnb in Omaha offers access to lively neighborhoods, riverside walks, and top-tier restaurants. Vacation homes and Airbnbs in Omaha include everything from trendy urban apartments to charming historic houses. Ames, Iowa Just 45 minutes north, Ames is home to Iowa State University and features a mix of academic, cultural, and recreational offerings. Visitors can explore Reiman Gardens, attend Cyclone sporting events, or check out local art at the Octagon Center. Choosing a vacation rental in Ames gives guests a comfortable base near campus and garden-lined neighborhoods. Vacation rentals in Ames include cozy homes, college-town apartments, and scenic stays near green spaces. Ames offers a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere that complements a visit to Des Moines. Explore North American cultural heritage and urban adventures Des Moines offers a vivid tapestry of cultural heritage with its rich historical sites and museums. Journey further and discover airbnb Durango in Colorado, where the spirit of the Old West lives on with its historic railroads and captivating landscapes. Over in the Northeast, New Haven vacation rentals in Connecticut offer access to the renowned Yale University Art Gallery and a plethora of charming 19th-century architecture. Meanwhile, short stays Lexington in Kentucky beckon with the vibrant legacy of horse racing and the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail. For urban adventures, this region is just the beginning. Head north to experience the unique blend of European flair and cosmopolitan flair by booking airbnb in Montreal in Canada, where the city's streets are alive with art and music, and the stunning Old Port offers a historical charm. Discover the Great Lakes region with rental homes in Appleton in Wisconsin, perfect for those seeking charming local festivals and lush, scenic parks. If the West Coast calls, stay in Palo Alto in California, where innovation meets culture, enriched by the artistic scenes and bustling markets of Silicon Valley.