Des Moines is the capital city of Iowa. I love the downtown area, it is just a beautiful and fun place to walk around. The streets, buildings, and sidewalks are kept so clean. So, if you are planning a mid-west road trip, this is a great place to stop over for couple of hours, and stretch your legs, and enjoy some restaurants around the downtown area. That’s what I did, and here are some places that I found interesting in Des Moines, Iowa:
Nearby Attractions
Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo has been a part of the Des Moines metro community since 1963. Learn more.
Des Moines Art Center
The Des Moines Art Center is an art museum with an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture, modern art and mixed media. Learn more.
Salisbury House & Gardens
Salisbury House in Des Moines, Iowa is a Tudor, Gothic and Carolean style manor home. Learn more.
Eating & Sleeping
Alba Restaurant
This local-sourcing staple with Mason Althiede at the helm in the East Village changes its menu to offer the best produce and proteins of the season.
Location: 524 E Sixth St., Des Moines
Hours: Monday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.; closed Sundays.
Bubba
For elevated Southern comfort food classics like chicken and waffles, fried okra and Kentucky hot brown open-faced sandwiches, Bubba is your best bet.
Location: 200 10th St., Des Moines
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Simon’s
Simon’s, also known as J. Benjamin’s is that highly revered, well kept secret of a restaurant you’ve been looking for.
Location: 5800 Franklin Ave, Des Moines, Iowa, 50322
Hours: Open Monday-Thursday 5-9pm/ Friday-Saturday 5-10pm
Best Hotels in Des Moines
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Location: 435 Park Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Des Moines Marriott Downtown
Location: 700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Des Lux Hotel
Location: 800 Locust Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
