Vacation rentals in Des Moines

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Popular amenities for Des Moines vacation rentals

Stay near Des Moines's top sights

Iowa State Fairgrounds27 locals recommend
Wells Fargo Arena28 locals recommend
Blank Park Zoo47 locals recommend
Merle Hay Mall7 locals recommend
Pappajohn Sculpture Park78 locals recommend
Iowa Events Center4 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Des Moines

Guest favorite
Apartment in Des Moines
Unique "Little Italy" Apartment
Jun 30 – Jul 7
$73 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 769 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Des Moines
Cozy Historic Escape
Oct 3 – 10
$122 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 173 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Windsor Heights
• Iconic Lustron home with 2 king beds •
Jan 14 – 21
$114 per night
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 280 reviews
Superhost
Bungalow in Des Moines
Cozy bungalow steps away from IA State Fairgrounds
Jul 24 – 31
$60 per night
4.85 out of 5 average rating, 164 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Des Moines
Quiet Hideaway Retreat/1 King/2 Queen beds
Apr 17 – 24
$105 per night
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 320 reviews
Guest favorite
Guest suite in Pleasant Hill
Cozy 2 bedroom place with outdoor oasis.
Apr 11 – 18
$92 per night
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 130 reviews
Guest favorite
Home in Des Moines
Cozy Home in the Heart of Des Moines
Jan 27 – Feb 3
$93 per night
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 305 reviews
Superhost
Home in Des Moines
Whole House Near I-80/35, Downtown, Fairgrounds
Apr 14 – 21
$62 per night
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 146 reviews

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Des Moines

Total rentals

740 properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

440 properties have a dedicated workspace

Rentals with a pool

20 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

280 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

370 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

33K 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 710 vacation rentals in Beaverdale, over 420 vacation rentals in Sherman Hill, and over 420 vacation rentals in Downtown Des Moines.

  • Do apartment rentals in Des Moines have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 20 apartment rentals with a bbq area in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do condo rentals in Des Moines have wireless internet?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 condo rentals with wireless internet in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there pet-friendly apartment rentals in Des Moines?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Des Moines. Choose from more than 100 apartment rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • Do apartment rentals in Des Moines have a gym?

    Absolutely! We offer over 120 apartment rentals with a gym in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • How much does it cost to stay in private suite rentals in Des Moines?

    Experience the best of Des Moines with our private suite 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.

  • Are there family-friendly townhouse rentals in Des Moines?

    Des Moines has more than 10 family-friendly townhouse rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

  • Do apartment rentals in Des Moines have self check-in?

    Absolutely! We offer over 50 apartment rentals with self check-in in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there apartment rentals with a dedicated workspace in Des Moines?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 150 apartment rentals in Des Moines featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • 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!

Destinations to explore

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