What to do in Des Moines, WA

Activities, attractions and tours

A marina with various boats docked, calm water, and a wooden pier.
A pier extending into a calm body of water with a clear sky above.
A lighthouse with a red roof and a white building, surrounded by driftwood and debris on a beach with a clear blue sky and calm water in the background.
A concrete bridge over a pebbled beach with a clear sky.
A rocky breakwater with a lighthouse, calm water, and sailboats in the background.

Things to do

Seattle CityPASS: Admission to Top 5 Seattle Attractions

Seattle CityPASS®: Admission to Top 5 Attractions

฿4,641
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Seattle CityPASS®: Admission to Top 5 Attractions
Sky View Observatory General Admission

Sky View Observatory Tickets

฿947
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Sky View Observatory Tickets
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket

฿2,600
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass Combination Ticket
Whale & Wildlife Watching Tour from Seattle

Only Whale Watching Tour Departing from Seattle Waterfront

฿3,899
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Only Whale Watching Tour Departing from Seattle Waterfront
Luggage Storage near Lumen Field Seattle

Luggage Storage near Lumen Field Seattle

฿364
per adult
Luggage Storage near Lumen Field Seattle
The Escape Game in Downtown Seattle

The Escape Game in Downtown Seattle

฿1,733
per adult
The Escape Game in Downtown Seattle
Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket

Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket

฿769
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Skip the Line: Daily Admission at Woodland Park Zoo Ticket
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What to do in Des Moines

Stay near popular Des Moines attractions

A seagull standing on a moss-covered rock by the water.
Photo by Tony Hjaltalin
Open Photo by Tony Hjaltalin

Saltwater State Park

8.4/10 (68 reviews)
Saltwater State Park combines forest trails with Puget Sound beaches and an artificial reef popular among divers. Discover tide pools at low tide or hike woodland paths for a natural retreat between Seattle and Tacoma.
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Where to stay in Des Moines

Find the best Des Moines areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Grandview

While Grandview isn't home to many top sights, Des Moines Marina and Kent Valley Ice Center are some notable places to visit nearby.

A city skyline with the Space Needle and a mountain in the background.

Redondo

When in Redondo, you can plan a visit to Saltwater State Park and The Commons at Federal Way, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Day trip destinations from Des Moines

A calm lake surrounded by dense forest, with a wooden dock on the left and a clear reflection of the sky and clouds on the water.

Federal Way

A calm lake with a wooden dock, a picnic table, and a covered seating area.

Kent

A city skyline with the Space Needle and a mountain in the background.

SeaTac

A city skyline with the Space Needle prominently in the center.

Seattle

A marina with boats, a distinctive modern building, and a city skyline in the background.

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.