Greater South Side Travel Guide

Des Moines

A nighttime pedestrian bridge with illuminated railings and a rainbow-colored light projection on the floor.
A calm lake with mist rising from the water, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
A calm lake surrounded by trees and a stone bridge.
A park with a curved walking path, surrounded by grass and trees.
A river with a forested area and several buildings in the background.

Stay near popular Greater South Side attractions

Gray’s Lake Park

8.4/10 (8 reviews)
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.
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Top hotels in Greater South Side

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

2 out of 5
1901 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
The price is ฿2,200 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
฿2,200
฿2,464 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport

Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport

2.5 out of 5
5001 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,395 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
฿3,395
฿3,803 total
23 Oct - 24 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport

3 out of 5
1920 Hackley Ave Des Moines IA
The price is ฿2,143 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿2,143
฿2,400 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very good! (1,006 reviews)
"Several items in the bathroom need attention. The chair in our room almost put my husband on the floor. The pool is being "upgraded", so okay. When we returned from dinner there were no lights on outside - not in the entry, not the sign. And no coffee for breakfast!"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2026

AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport

Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport

2.5 out of 5
5231 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA
The price is ฿2,147 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
฿2,147
฿2,405 total
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG

Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG

3 out of 5
6111 Fleur Dr Des Moines IA
The price is ฿3,840 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
฿3,840
฿4,300 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the room service in their ...
8.4/10 Very good! (728 reviews)
"I love this hotel! It was excellent, as always. Also, we paid a small fee to leave our car at the hotel during the trip. The wonderful gentlemen who drives the shuttle bus dropped us off at the door to check our luggage, and picked us up almost immediately after we claimed our luggage. So quick and ..."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2026

Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1000 Walnut St Des Moines IA
The price is ฿4,438 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
฿4,438
฿4,971 total
6 Nov - 7 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Des Moines. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,367 reviews)
"Very cool"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2026

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
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Where to stay in Greater South Side

Find the best Greater South Side areas for the activities you enjoy most.
The entrance to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden with a large dome structure in the background.

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.

A sign reading "Historic East Village" with a clear blue sky and clouds in the background.

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.

A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower.
Photo by Ryan Brohm
Open Photo by Ryan Brohm

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.

The exterior and interior of Mars Cafe, featuring a brick facade, large windows, and a red interior with hanging lights and artwork.
Photo by Eric Mondres
Open Photo by Eric Mondres

Drake

While visiting Drake, you might make a stop by sights like Knapp Center and Des Moines Community Playhouse.

A paved road flanked by trees and bushes, leading into the distance.
Photo by Emily Ruschill
Open Photo by Emily Ruschill

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.

Greater South Side Travel Guide