Ultimate 3-Day Des Moines Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See

Start your Des Moines adventure at the Iowa State Capitol. Explore the grand architecture, stunning golden dome, and enjoy sweeping views of the city from its grounds.

Iowa State Capitol

Head to the heart of downtown to experience the Des Moines Art Center, featuring an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art in a striking architectural setting.

Des Moines Art Center

For lunch, savor fresh, seasonal fare at HoQ, a farm-to-table restaurant in the Historic East Village with a creative menu and a focus on local ingredients.

HoQ

Stroll through the magical Pappajohn Sculpture Park at sunset, where world-class sculptures dot the green space and city lights begin to twinkle.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Wrap up your evening with creative cocktails and small plates at Hello Marjorie, a retro-inspired downtown bar beloved by locals.

Hello Marjorie

Begin your day immersed in nature at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, where tropical and native plant collections bloom year-round along the Des Moines River.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Fuel up with lunch at Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in the East Village, known for its wildly imaginative burgers and quirky zombie-themed decor.

Zombie Burger + Drink Lab

After lunch, explore the interactive wonders of the Science Center of Iowa, perfect for curious minds of all ages with hands-on exhibits and a planetarium.

Science Center of Iowa

Enjoy dinner at Centro, an upscale Italian eatery in a historic downtown building, beloved for its wood-fired pizzas and modern cuisine.

Centro

Cap off your night with a craft pint at Exile Brewing Company, a local favorite with lively ambiance and inventive beers brewed on site.

Exile Brewing Company

Begin with a hearty breakfast and locally roasted coffee at Ritual Cafe, a cozy and artsy downtown coffeehouse featuring vegan-friendly options and live music.

Ritual Cafe

Step back in time at the Salisbury House & Gardens, a 1920s estate inspired by an English manor, filled with fascinating art, antiques, and lush gardens.

Salisbury House & Gardens

For lunch, enjoy down-to-earth comfort food at Smokey Row Coffee Co., housed in a historic building and loved for its sandwiches, soups, and vintage soda fountain.

Smokey Row Coffee Co.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Historic East Village, a vibrant district packed with eclectic boutiques, local galleries, and indie shops.

Historic East Village

Experience authentic Iowa fare for dinner at Iowa Taproom, which features dozens of local brews on tap and a menu of classic Midwest favorites in a historic warehouse space.

Iowa Taproom

Finish your trip with a show at the historic Hoyt Sherman Place, an elegant theater hosting concerts, comedy acts, and local performances in a beautifully restored mansion.

Hoyt Sherman Place