Vacation rentals in Des Moines
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Des Moines
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Popular amenities for Des Moines vacation rentals
Family friendly vacation rentals in Des Moines
Garden Retreat Near Downtown, Botanical Immersion
This space is an oasis. It was perfect for my needs. It’s private and gorgeous. The backyard was more intimate than expected and loved the secret pathway to the gazebo/fire pit area. You can tell so much year round effort is put in for this home. It goes the extra mile! The house provided everything for us and was very clean. I love the space so much I wish I could buy it! The host is clear and committed to providing great communication. The neighborhood was quiet, safe and clean with a grocery store just 3 mins away.
Welcoming, very spacious, safe area
What a great place! Clean and spacious. All bedrooms are upstairs but not many to contend with. Side note- the bed in the yellow bedroom was a dream! Had a great sleep….
Gorgeous Home With Sauna Sleeps 7
Jackie was very attentive and wanted to make sure that we had a great stay. Very good location to go downtown.
Acquaint bed and bath
My daughter and I visited the Pella Tulip festival and wanted to extend our trip so we came here to see/hike the high trestle bridge & visit the arboretum. Renee’s place was great for our visit! Easy to find & get in, the place was super cozy and comfortable! Private outdoor space with the balcony was nice. The bathroom was clean and functional. The kitchen has everything we needed - a stove/oven with plenty of cookware, fridge & microwave, coffee maker, plenty of dishes. Beds were comfortable with good blankets and pillows. The only negative I found was that the keys were a little difficult to lock/unlock door. I would recommend and return!
Spacious Loft in Historic Sherman Hill
Above and beyond our expectations! Everything was clean and the hosts even provided snacks and other various kitchen amenities. We had a great trip!
Beautiful comfy five bedroom home sleeps 11
We had a great stay! Timothy is extremely responsive and helpful. Fantastic place for a big group!
2 King Bed, East Village Loft, Perfectly Located
Great place to stay. Good walking distance to varied places.
Christy Jean's
Great place to stay with family.
Other great vacation rentals in Des Moines
Unique "Little Italy" Apartment
This place was a hidden gem! Close to everything we wanted to do on our night in Des Moines. Greg was a wonderful host. Had the chance to talk for a few minutes and he was extremely welcoming. Would definitely stay here again if we travel through Des Moines.
Charming Waterfront Tiny House & Sauna
We were so delighted to stay at this sweet spot again! We visited in November and had a great experience and it was just as great this time. The location is just lovely and absolutely peaceful. A very secluded spot where we enjoyed a nice bonfire and listened to the birds + bullfrogs. We hope to visit again soon!
Guest Suite Retreat
It was indeed a great place away from home! Very peaceful and nice place. All resources were made available and nice host!
Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines
Great location, super easy access on our own time. Couldn’t use the freezer but that’s about it. The place was very cute and clean and had everything we needed.
Designer Downtown Condo Suite - Splendid View
Crystal clear instructions on how to get into the building and once you get in, it’s easier the next time. Had a small hiccup with parking, because of a race that had all the streets around the building closed, but Kyle gave us an alternative suggestion that worked out just fine. Everything was clean and exactly as described and shown. One of the most comfortable bed/pillow combos we’ve had!! Great location and walkable to everything we were in town for.
Tranquility in the Heart of Des Moines
Had everything we needed!! Very large and private space. Husband and I stayed one night while on the road to visit our daughter. The bed was very comfortable and we rested better than we probably would in a hotel. We took a walk around the quiet neighborhood in the evening and the large, historic homes were interesting. Deb was quick to get the setup and instructions to us. We did not need to reach out to her beyond that since everything was smooth. We enjoyed the unique, tranquil vibe and would stay here again!
Effortless Landing near Airport!
Debbie and Cole were very kind and accommodating. Everything about the stay was easy, clean and peaceful! Would stay again :-)
Elegant Home that's Fully Fenced and Pet Friendly
Anthony’s house is really nice and clean. Darn near spotless. He was very responsive when I messaged him. He said he was actively working to deal with the only issue I experienced regarding noise from a nearby property. It was a positive stay overall for me.
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Des Moines
Total rentals
760 properties
Total number of reviews
40K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
390 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
280 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
20 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
440 properties have a dedicated workspace
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 770 vacation rentals in Beaverdale, over 430 vacation rentals in Downtown Des Moines, and over 430 vacation rentals in Sherman Hill.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Des Moines?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 440 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 280 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
How much does it cost to stay in condo rentals in Des Moines?
Experience the best of Des Moines with our condo rentals, starting at about $40 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do loft rentals in Des Moines have air conditioning?
Absolutely! We offer over 10 loft rentals with air conditioning in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
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!
Do apartment rentals in Des Moines have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 40 apartment 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 280 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
Destinations to explore
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