Des Moines vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Des Moines
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Popular amenities for Des Moines vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Des Moines
Guest suite in Des Moines
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 580 reviewsSouth of Grand Delight! Greenwood/Ashworth Park
Home in Des Moines
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 113 reviewsThe Metal House
Guest suite in Des Moines
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 241 reviewsExecutive Guest Suite w/ Laundry
Home in Winterset
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 206 reviewsThe Legacy Stone House
Home in Des Moines
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 150 reviewsWhole House Near I-80/35, Downtown, Fairgrounds
Home in Winterset
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 196 reviewsDebbie’s Komfy Diggs Winterset
Home in Des Moines
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 144 reviewsPeaceful Setting & Modern Style
Bungalow in Des Moines
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 178 reviewsCozy bungalow steps away from IA State Fairgrounds
Other great vacation rentals in Des Moines
Apartment in Indianola
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 296 reviewsIndianola Apartment Near The Square and College
Guest suite in Des Moines
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 167 reviewsComfy & Entertaining, short walk to Fairgrounds
Bungalow in Des Moines
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 179 reviews1947’s Bungalow in the Historic Highland Park Area
Bungalow in Des Moines
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 321 reviewsUnique Spanish Bungalow!
Loft in Downtown Des Moines
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 417 reviewsSpacious Loft in Historic Sherman Hill
Home in Des Moines
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 213 reviewsCozy, Quiet & Spacious Home Minutes from Downtown
Home in Windsor Heights
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 301 reviews• Iconic Lustron home with 2 king beds •
Home in Des Moines
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 152 reviewsCharming Des Moines Home with a GREAT location!
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Des Moines
Total rentals
710 properties
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
430 properties have a dedicated workspace
Rentals with a pool
20 properties have a pool
Pet-friendly rentals
270 properties allow pets
Family-friendly rentals
370 properties are a good fit for families
Total number of reviews
34K reviews
Your guide to Des Moines
All About Des Moines
Des Moines is a thriving Midwestern hub where the streets are peppered with green spaces, an urban pocket in an otherwise agriculture-dominated state. Iowa’s capital is home to 76 city parks, including Greenwood Park, where you can meander through Pappajohn Sculpture Park’s outdoor gallery. There are more than 800 miles of walking, cycling, and hiking trails to explore here too. Water Works Park, directly across from Gray’s Lake in the city center, has 1,500 acres of wooded space where you can cast a line for shortnose gar or go horseback riding.
Des Moines’s arts scene includes massive public installations — such as the downtown Art Route, comprising 87 pieces extending across more than six miles — as well as numerous live entertainment venues, from small dive bars to the Riverfront Amphitheater. West Des Moines’ historic Valley Junction is a renovated railroad district with fashion boutiques, galleries, antique shops, and restaurants in red brick buildings.
Much of the food here centers around the vast farmlands surrounding the city. Des Moines’ eclectic mix of farm-to-table restaurants and food trucks put local produce in the spotlight. You can get a taste of the city staple Steak de Burgo, which has been a favorite here since the 1930s, alongside craft beers and speakeasy cocktails in the dining corridor between Grand Avenue and East Court Avenue, which spans the river.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Des Moines
Des Moines has typical Midwest weather — hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring can bring frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but the skies generally clear up quickly. In spring and summer, you can spend a Saturday morning perusing local produce and handmade art from hundreds of vendors at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market. Don’t let the humidity in summer keep you away from the annual Des Moines Arts Festival, which hosts over 180 national artists, held in June.
Crisp fall days are perfect for enjoying the annual Oktoberfest held in late September — two days filled with polka music, German food, beer tents, and dancing. Temperatures drop come winter, and the accompanying snow makes this the perfect time for skiers and snowboarders to secure their vacation rentals in Des Moines and hit the slopes.
Top things to do in Des Moines
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
The John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Western Gateway Park houses more than two dozen works by artists from around the world. You can wander around the 4.4-acre grounds, admiring the life-size sculptures and thoughtful landscape design. Sculpture Park Exploration Guides are available from the Des Moines Art Center to promote an interactive experience for people of all ages. The park is open from sunrise to midnight, and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic.
Saylorville Lake
Located on the Des Moines River just north of the city, Saylorville Lake contains over 26,000 acres of beautiful woodland, wetlands, and prairie habitats. The lake has several beaches and multiple boat launches you can take advantage of too. For a leisurely afternoon hike, stretch your legs along the Saylorville Lake Shore Trail.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Nestled behind the John Pat Dorrian Trail on the eastern bank of the Des Moines River, this seven-acre garden includes a historically significant bonsai tree collection, a tranquil water garden with more than 100 water lilies, and an 80-foot geodesic dome where you’ll find towering palms, delicate orchids, and diverse cacti in a tropical environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I stay in Des Moines?
Make yourself at home in Des Moines by choosing from our most frequently booked neighborhoods. We have over 400 vacation rentals in Downtown Des Moines, over 400 vacation rentals in Sherman Hill, and over 690 vacation rentals in Beaverdale.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Des Moines?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 430 vacation rentals in Des Moines featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Des Moines?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Des Moines. Choose from more than 270 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
Are there Des Moines vacation rentals on Airbnb with pools?
Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 20 vacation homes with pools in Des Moines, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!
How much does it cost to stay in townhouse rentals in Des Moines?
Experience the best of Des Moines with our townhouse rentals, starting at about $20 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do house rentals in Des Moines have a bbq area?
Absolutely! We offer over 70 house rentals with a bbq area in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do apartment rentals in Des Moines have a gym?
Absolutely! We offer over 110 apartment rentals with a gym in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do apartment rentals in Des Moines have wifi?
Absolutely! We offer over 230 apartment rentals with wifi in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Do house rentals in Des Moines have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 100 house rentals with self check-in in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Are there family-friendly house rentals in Des Moines?
Des Moines has more than 250 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
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