Just a quick 2-hour drive from Omaha, Des Moines is the perfect mix of small city charm and big city energy that can offer you a weekend getaway or a fun day trip!
WHERE WE STAYED
We stayed at the beautiful Surety Hotel located Downtown, which is just steps away from a variety of restaurants, bars, and even the Farmers’ Market! They have convenient parking, a hotel gym, an onsite restaurant and bar, plus gorgeous rooms with views of downtown.
WHAT WE DID
We started our trip exploring the East Village. We went shopping at Porchlight and The Dust Collective, and grabbed coffee at Daisy Chain Coffee. Downtown Des Moines was full of treasures too! We browsed West End Salvage for antiques and local finds and had to check out the Downtown Farmers’ Market which is worth every bit of hype! And of course we had to check out the two newly opened stores, Shelf Love DSM and The Boho Vase!
For outdoor fun, we spent time boating at Gray’s Lake, strolling through Pappajohn Sculpture Park and even squeezed in an Iowa Cubs game which is a must if you haven’t been. They end each Friday night game with a firework show over the city!
COFFEE SHOPS
Our mornings were fueled by different coffee shops around the city! On our first day, we stopped by Chain & Spoke, a cyclist-friendly cafe perfect for a quick caffeine boost or a bike tune-up. Later, we tried Daisy Chain Coffee for their delicious honey lattes which were a necessary pick-me-up to keep us energized while exploring all the shops in the East Village.
WHERE WE ATE
Brunch at The Breakfast Club was a must for over-the-top breakfast dishes and mimosa flights. Dinner at St. Kilda Collective was a highlight with beautifully presented plates and a stylish atmosphere. We also enjoyed fresh rolls and sushi at W-Tao Sushi and tropical-inspired dishes at Palms in downtown Des Moines.
BARS & BREWERIES
Des Moines has an incredible brewery scene to explore with favorites like Lua Brewing, Big Grove Brewery and Confluence Brewing Co. We stopped at Confluence to relax and enjoy their live music on Friday night. It was the ideal way to settle into Des Moines. If you prefer a craft cocktail, In Confidence, a hidden speakeasy is a must-visit spot! We met up with some friends and enjoyed a night out at Bellhop Tiki which brought the island vibes, and Up-Down a retro arcade and bar that’s just down the street.
DESSERTS
We wrapped up our nights on a sweet note. Waukee Ice Cream Shoppe and Black Cat Ice Cream offered a variety of rotating ice cream flavors. And if you’re looking for the perfect late night dessert, Crème is known for their delicious cupcakes!
If you’re headed to Des Moines and looking for some more ideas, check out our Des Moines Places account for all the latest recommendations!