Some of my favorite things to do while in Des Moines. Des Moines has that perfect small city charm with plenty to explore. Stroll through the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, grab coffee downtown, check out the local boutiques in the East Village, and enjoy...
Cool outdoor sculpture park right in downtown. Perfect for walks after catching lunch at one of the restaurants in the area. Don't forget a pic in the famous LOVE sculpture!
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
My favorite place to walk my pup! Walk the track, rent a kayak, or go for a run if you're up to it!
Gray's Lake Park
Korean bakery with cloud cakes, macarons, and my favorite…sausage ppang!
Tous les Jours
The perfect place for a peaceful stroll! Tropical plants, koi ponds, and pretty views!
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Small but super cute zoo! fun for families or dates.
Blank Park Zoo
Rooftop bar with city views, perfect for sunset drinks!
The Republic on Grand
Amazing off leash dog park! Includes indoor area, outside area with pools in the summer, and a large area with a trail for them to roam! For the parents: a bar, a restaurant (the patio is pup friendly and has a dog menu), and comfy chairs to watch yo...
Paws & Pints
Just a short drive from Des Moines. A great place to ride your bike with cool lit-up bridge views at night!
High Trestle Trail Bridge
A mall that is not empty! Iowa's best shopping mall with all the usual mall brands, but more life than the others! A great place to reminice about the glory days of malls!
Jordan Creek Town Center
Nothing compares! Fair food, concerts, and everything fried!
Iowa State Fair
Your place to catch a Broadway show in Iowa!
Des Moines Civic Center
Catch a Cubs game and grab a hot dog on a summer day!
Principal Park
Fun donuts that are totally worth the calories!
Hurts Donut Co.
A cute ice cream shop with fun paletas in every flavor you can think off!
Monarca Gourmet Paletas
Small but cozy restaurant with amazing birria tacos! and pizza! and everything else!
Tacos La Familia
Trendy shops, cute cafés, and murals everywhere! A great place to walk around and window shop!
