Des Moines vacation rentals
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Top-rated vacation rentals in Des Moines
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Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Des Moines vacation rentals
Other great vacation rentals in Des Moines
Home in Des Moines
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 105 reviewsThe Metal House
Jul 17 – 24
Guest suite in Pleasant Hill
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 138 reviewsCozy 2 bedroom place with outdoor oasis.
Sep 28 – Oct 5
Place to stay in Des Moines
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 192 reviewsHistoric 1-bedroom carriage house apartment
Oct 25 – Nov 1
Guest suite in Pleasant Hill
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviewsWindy Pines Suite
Oct 4 – 11
Home in Winterset
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 189 reviewsDebbie’s Komfy Diggs Winterset
Dec 6 – 13
Apartment in Des Moines
4.87 out of 5 average rating, 303 reviewsNewly Renovated Aloha Apt.
Jul 24 – 31
Guest suite in Des Moines
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 167 reviewsComfy & Entertaining, short walk to Fairgrounds
Jun 24 – Jul 1
Home in Des Moines
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 141 reviewsPeaceful Setting & Modern Style
Sep 10 – 17
Other great vacation rentals in Des Moines
Condo in West Des Moines
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 63 reviewsCozy West Des Moines Two Bedroom Condo with Deck
Oct 10 – 17
Bungalow in Des Moines
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 55 reviews“The Treehouse” A-Frame Bungalow on 1.25 acres
Jul 25 – Aug 1
Home in Urbandale
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 70 reviewsPrivate Pool (May-Sept) | Dog Friendly | 2bd 1ba
Apartment in Des Moines
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 37 reviewsBoho | Walk East Village | Downtown |Social Clubb
Sep 12 – 19
Bungalow in Des Moines
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 97 reviewsCharming Bungalow
Sep 9 – 16
Home in Des Moines
5.0 out of 5 average rating, 17 reviewsAshby Park Rental with beautiful view
Nov 9 – 16
Home in Des Moines
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 93 reviewsCozy Bungalow Home-Central Des Moines
Apr 24 – May 1
Home in Des Moines
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 81 reviewsMidCentury, technicolor Ranch w/yard, w+d, parking
Oct 13 – 20
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Des Moines
Total rentals
710 properties
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
430 properties have a dedicated workspace
Rentals with a pool
20 properties have a pool
Pet-friendly rentals
270 properties allow pets
Family-friendly rentals
370 properties are a good fit for families
Total number of reviews
34K 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 400 vacation rentals in Downtown Des Moines, over 400 vacation rentals in Sherman Hill, and over 690 vacation rentals in Beaverdale.
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.
Are there pet-friendly apartment rentals in Des Moines?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Des Moines. Choose from more than 90 apartment rentals for guests traveling with pets.
Do house rentals in Des Moines have a gym?
Absolutely! We offer over 30 house 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 bungalow rentals in Des Moines?
Experience the best of Des Moines with our bungalow rentals, starting at about $50 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Do bungalow rentals in Des Moines have wifi?
Absolutely! We offer over 10 bungalow rentals with wifi in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Are there family-friendly apartment rentals in Des Moines?
Des Moines has more than 70 family-friendly apartment rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
Do house rentals in Des Moines have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 100 house rentals with self check-in in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Are there townhouse rentals with a dedicated workspace in Des Moines?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 10 townhouse 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!
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