What to do in Des Moines, WA

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Tim Piland
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
Photo by Veronika Patrashko
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most fun & popular experiences in Des Moines

Tours & day trips

See all 17 activities
Mt. Rainier Full-Day Tour

Mt. Rainier Full-Day Tour

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 269 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿6,116 per adult
Mt. Rainier Full-Day TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 4 activities
7-Day Tour from Seattle to Egypt

7-Day Tour from Seattle to Egypt

Activity duration is 7 days
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿381,872 per adult
7-Day Tour from Seattle to EgyptOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 3 activities
Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

Seattle C3® by CityPASS®

Activity duration is 9 days
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿3,301 per adult
Seattle C3® by CityPASS®Opens in new tab

What to do in Des Moines

Popular places to visit

Seattle Waterfront which includes cbd, boating and a marina

Seattle Waterfront

4/5(85 reviews)

A wonderful place to stroll and dine, this ever-changing attraction is more than just a place where land meets sea.

Seattle Waterfront
Puget Sound which includes modern architecture

Space Needle

4.5/5(85 reviews)

Seattle’s skyline is instantly recognizable when you see this soaring slender structure, built as a showpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair.

Space Needle
Lumen Field

Lumen Field

4/5(14 reviews)

Catch an event at Lumen Field during your trip to Seattle. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Lumen Field
Seattle Center featuring modern architecture

Seattle Center

4.5/5(58 reviews)

A product of the 1962 World Fair, this cultural precinct is where sports, theater, film and fine dining come together in Seattle.

Seattle Center
Pike Place Market showing night scenes, a city and signage

Pike Place Market

4.5/5(103 reviews)

Climb the steps from the waterfront to discover Seattle’s fresh food hub, the oldest farmers’ market in the U.S.

Pike Place Market
University of Washington

University of Washington

4.5/5(6 reviews)

Walk around the campus of University of Washington, a top university in Seattle. Experience the acclaimed theatre scene and entertainment choices in this walkable area.

University of Washington
T-Mobile Park

T-Mobile Park

4/5(9 reviews)

Catch an event at T-Mobile Park during your trip to Seattle. Experience the great live music and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.

T-Mobile Park
Washington State Convention Center featuring a city

Seattle Convention Center Arch Building

4/5(9 reviews)

Thanks to its wood paneling, ancient fir tables and locally produced food, this conference center lets you experience the beauty of Seattle even when you’re inside.

Seattle Convention Center Arch Building
Bellevue Square featuring street scenes and a square or plaza

Bellevue Square

4.5/5(17 reviews)

The buzzing heart of Bellevue, this multistory shopping complex houses brand stores, upscale dining establishments and entertainment for the whole family.

Bellevue Square

Explore areas of Des Moines

Default Image

Grandview

While Grandview isn't home to many top sights, Silver Dollar Casino and Des Moines Marina are some notable places to visit nearby.

Grandview

Day trip destinations from Des Moines

Federal Way

Federal Way

Kent

Kent

SeaTac

SeaTac

Seattle

Seattle

Tacoma showing a city, a bay or harbour and a marina

Tacoma

Frequently asked questions

Is Des Moines worth visiting?
Whether you're here to discover the local charm and cultural hotspots or sample unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of things to do in Des Moines.
How do I spend a day in Des Moines?
Start your adventures with a visit to Des Moines Beach. Then, explore different areas of Des Moines for tasty eats and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Des Moines?
Des Moines Beach is rated the top tourist attraction near Des Moines, so don't leave without checking it out.
Is three days enough to stay in Des Moines?
You'll have enough time to tick off Des Moines Beach, Angle Lake Park and other key attractions in the area when you book a three-day break in Des Moines.
Is Des Moines a walkable neighbourhood?
With the centre of Des Moines as your starting off point, several key sights like Des Moines Beach are within walking distance. If you want to stroll some more, the neighbourhood of Normandy Park is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Des Moines with kids?
Planning what to do in Des Moines with kids is easier than ever. Whether you're getting away with little ones or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Des Moines for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in Des Moines for adults.
Are there free things to do in Des Moines?
You won't have to hunt high and low for free things to do in Des Moines. Simply ask a local tour guide and they'll point you toward attractions you can visit for nothing. A good free option for your trip itinerary is Des Moines Beach.