Greater South Side Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Greater South Side
Popular places to visit
Gray’s Lake Park
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.
Jordan Creek Town Center
You can do some window-shopping at Jordan Creek Town Center during your visit to West Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa State Fairgrounds
Enjoy an outing to Iowa State Fairgrounds during your stay in Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
Top hotels in Greater South Side
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
"The room was so quiet! I didn’t hear other guests or the airport across the street."
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
"Major water leak in the ceiling bathroom. Called the front desk. They said they’d be up, after 15 minutes later I went down to see what the deal was. They said it’s been hectic and moved us to another room. No apology, nothing."
Reviewed on 19 Jun 2026
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
"Close and convenient to the airport"
Reviewed on 15 Jun 2026
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
"very good"
Reviewed on 12 Jun 2026
Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott Des Moines West
"The room smelled musty. The hotel needs updating."
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Greater South Side
Downtown Des Moines
The abundant dining options and live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Des Moines. A stop by 801 Grand or Des Moines Civic Center might round out your trip.
Historic East Village
Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.
Drake
While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.
Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater.
