Des Moines is a friendly Midwestern capital with a walkable downtown, a nationally recognized art museum, and a food scene that punches well above its weight. This 3-day guide covers the Des Moines Art Center, the river trails, the East Village, and the best local restaurants and breweries.
At-a-glance, here are the best things to see and do in Des Moines:
- Best Landmark: Iowa State Capitol
- Best City Park: Gray's Lake Park
- Best District: East Village
- Best Museum: Des Moines Art Center
- Best Activity: Walk or bike the Principal Riverwalk
Des Moines has a population of about 215,000 and serves as Iowa's political and cultural capital. It is known for hosting the Iowa caucuses, a booming financial sector, and a surprisingly vibrant arts and food scene. The Des Moines River runs through the city, anchoring parks and trails throughout the metro.
What's the best time to visit Des Moines?
May through September is when Des Moines truly comes alive—parks explode with activity, outdoor dining takes over, and the brewery patio scene pulses with energy. The Iowa State Fair in late August is an absolute institution—massive, exuberant, and deeply rooted in local culture. Spring and fall deliver pleasant weather perfect for wandering, while winter brings quieter vibes and dramatically lower hotel rates.
What transportation options does Des Moines have?
Des Moines is best explored by car, though downtown and the East Village are walkable. The city has a bikeshare program and is expanding its trail network. Rideshares are readily available.
What should I bring on a trip to Des Moines?
Pack layers — Midwestern weather in Des Moines can be genuinely unpredictable, with warm sunny afternoons quickly giving way to cool evenings in spring and fall. Comfortable walking shoes are ideal for the East Village's brick streets and the riverwalk trails. A light rain jacket is a wise addition given Iowa's tendency toward sudden afternoon showers, especially from May through July.
City flexible? Explore more Great Plains weekend travel guides.
We know a short weekend trip means there's not a lot to pack in. That's why we've created a list of the can't-miss sights and activities to experience in Des Moines.
No weekend getaway is complete without incredible local food options. Check out our curated list of the best food and drinks that Des Moines, IA has to offer.
Best breakfast or brunch in Des Moines
Drake Diner
1111 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311
A Des Moines landmark since 1987 serving classic diner fare all day near the Drake University campus. Order the Santa Fe Grits, which combines grits with sausage, cheddar cheese, and green chilies, grilled and served with eggs and toast. The old-school diner ambiance with wood booths and vintage decor keeps locals coming back for decades.
The Breakfast Club
212 E 3rd St, Des Moines, IA 50309
A casual East Village brunch spot serving creative breakfast fare with craft cocktails and mimosa flights. Order the breakfast corn dogs made with sausage, maple butter batter, maple syrup, and strawberry glaze for a signature sweet-savory combo. The energetic, bustling atmosphere draws a mix of locals and weekend brunchers.
Mullets
1300 SE 1st St, Des Moines, IA 50315
A boisterous breakfast spot known for generous portions and an extensive Bloody Mary selection. Try the loaded hash browns or any egg dish paired with their famous Bloody Marys, which showcase the bar's creativity. The casual, sports-bar vibe with cheerful energy and a riverside patio makes it reliably fun.
Best lunch in Des Moines
Eatery A
2932 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced cuisine from house-made doughs and simple preparations. Order the Greek salad with steak or choose from their grain bowls, toasts, and sandwiches made with quality ingredients. The modern, casual setting reflects the neighborhood's walkable vibe with a focus on ingredient quality.
Bubba
200 10th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
A Southern-focused restaurant serving regional comfort classics in a stylish, patio-friendly downtown setting. Order the certified organic fried chicken with bread-and-butter pickles and garlic-buttermilk mashed potatoes, or try the shrimp and grits. The relaxed elegance with a casual vibe makes lunch feel effortless and satisfying.
Lucca
420 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
An Italian restaurant in the East Village offering lunch specials with fresh pastas and seasonal risottos at mid-range prices. Order the risotto with sausage or mahi-rigatoni to experience simple, well-executed Italian preparations. The intimate East Village setting with warm service feels neighborhood-focused and welcoming.
Best dinner in Des Moines
Proudfoot & Bird
1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
A fine dining restaurant in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal preparations. Order the wild Alaskan halibut topped with sweet corn butter sauce, served with crispy Anson Mills grits and smoked trout roe. The elegant dining room has marble tables, gold ceiling inlay, and warm lighting that feels special.
801 Chophouse
801 Grand Ave, Suite 200, Des Moines, IA 50309
An upscale steakhouse featuring USDA Prime beef in a 1920s New York City-style setting with leather booths and cherry wood. Order a Prime ribeye or filet mignon with their hash browns and finish with the Grand Marnier soufflé. The refined, Rat Pack-inspired atmosphere with attentive service delivers classic steakhouse polish.
Splash Seafood Bar & Grill
303 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Des Moines' premier seafood destination in the iconic Homestead building, serving jet-fresh fish flown in daily from coasts nationwide. Order the char-grilled salmon or pan-seared Chilean sea bass, prepared in styles like Meuniere or Cajun blackened. The elegant, comfortable setting with an award-winning wine list creates a refined dinner experience.
Best bars or breweries in Des Moines
Confluence Brewing Company
1235 Thomas Beck Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315
Iowa's largest brewery releasing a new experimental beer every week alongside seasonal and year-round favorites. Order the Des Moines IPA, an American IPA with citrusy and piney Pacific Northwest hops balanced with two-row malt. The warehouse-like taproom overlooks brewing equipment and draws beer enthusiasts of all levels.
Lua Brewing
1525 High St, Des Moines, IA 50309
USA Today's 2025 #1 Brewpub in America, located in historic Sherman Hill with an ambitious beer program. Order one of their fruited sours like the Imperial Fruited Sour with pineapple, mango, and grapefruit, or their German-style pilsner for balance. The Sherman Hill setting feels contemporary and focused, with serious intent around the beer.
Iowa Taproom
215 E 3rd St, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50309
A historic craft beer hall in a 19th-century downtown building featuring 99+ beers from over 30 Iowa breweries. Order a pour of Iowa beers and let staff guide your selection through regional styles and hidden gems. The industrial, beer-centric atmosphere in a 100-year-old space keeps the focus on the beer.
Ready for a weekend in Des Moines?
Des Moines is one of America's most cheerfully underestimated cities—a Midwestern capital with a world-class art museum, thriving independent restaurants, gorgeous parks, and creative neighborhoods. Spending 3 days here delivers the satisfying feeling of discovering something genuinely excellent that most people haven't discovered yet. It's the kind of trip you'll enthusiastically recommend to everyone who asks.
On Skyweekend, you could find weekend flights to Des Moines (DSM) for as low as $89. Our flights are roundtrip and perfectly-timed for a weekend getaway. Explore flights.
