Vacation rentals in Des Moines
Book unique vacation rentals, houses, and more on Airbnb
Top-rated vacation rentals in Des Moines
Guests agree: these vacation rentals are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.
Vacation rentals for every style
Get the amount of space that is right for you
Popular amenities for Des Moines vacation rentals
Family friendly vacation rentals in Des Moines
Garden Retreat Near Downtown, Botanical Immersion
This space is an oasis. It was perfect for my needs. It’s private and gorgeous. The backyard was more intimate than expected and loved the secret pathway to the gazebo/fire pit area. You can tell so much year round effort is put in for this home. It goes the extra mile! The house provided everything for us and was very clean. I love the space so much I wish I could buy it! The host is clear and committed to providing great communication. The neighborhood was quiet, safe and clean with a grocery store just 3 mins away.
Welcoming, very spacious, safe area
What a great place! Clean and spacious. All bedrooms are upstairs but not many to contend with. Side note- the bed in the yellow bedroom was a dream! Had a great sleep….
Gorgeous Home With Sauna Sleeps 7
Jackie was very attentive and wanted to make sure that we had a great stay. Very good location to go downtown.
Acquaint bed and bath
My daughter and I visited the Pella Tulip festival and wanted to extend our trip so we came here to see/hike the high trestle bridge & visit the arboretum. Renee’s place was great for our visit! Easy to find & get in, the place was super cozy and comfortable! Private outdoor space with the balcony was nice. The bathroom was clean and functional. The kitchen has everything we needed - a stove/oven with plenty of cookware, fridge & microwave, coffee maker, plenty of dishes. Beds were comfortable with good blankets and pillows. The only negative I found was that the keys were a little difficult to lock/unlock door. I would recommend and return!
Spacious Loft in Historic Sherman Hill
Above and beyond our expectations! Everything was clean and the hosts even provided snacks and other various kitchen amenities. We had a great trip!
Beautiful comfy five bedroom home sleeps 11
We had a great stay! Timothy is extremely responsive and helpful. Fantastic place for a big group!
2 King Bed, East Village Loft, Perfectly Located
We stayed here for my brother’s wedding and absolutely loved it! The location was perfect, walking distance to the venue and everything else we needed. The hosts were incredibly friendly and welcoming. The space was clean, SO comfortable, and had everything we needed. Highly recommend!
The Corn Crib Bed and Breakfast
Charming place with a lovely setting indoors and out. It has a great feeling of peace and rest throughout. As described and then some.
Other great vacation rentals in Des Moines
Unique "Little Italy" Apartment
This is the second year that l have stayed at Greg's place. I appreciate his accommodating my little dog and being able to stay one night on my trip north. It's a nice bonus to having my car in his garage. My possessions are safe and then, I only have to unpack what I need. The back deck is lovely and leads into a pretty, highly decorated backyard. There are steps, but I am 67 and managed quite well. I recommend Greg as a host and his place as a good place to stay.
Charming Waterfront Tiny House & Sauna
We were so delighted to stay at this sweet spot again! We visited in November and had a great experience and it was just as great this time. The location is just lovely and absolutely peaceful. A very secluded spot where we enjoyed a nice bonfire and listened to the birds + bullfrogs. We hope to visit again soon!
Guest Suite Retreat
It was indeed a great place away from home! Very peaceful and nice place. All resources were made available and nice host!
Effortless Landing near Airport!
Great place to stay & wonderful host! Thanks again:)
High-rise Oasis
Space was consistent with listing. Convenient location and very responsive host. Definitely recommend.
White Oak Hillside Oasis
This home was perfect for our family to celebrate our daughter’s graduation from Drake University. Her sisters and partners were able to stay with us with room to spread out. The spacious, well appointed kitchen was perfect for food prep. The porch area was a great place to hang out and chat. We loved the color choices, decor, and fun furniture. We would stay here again in a minute and recommend Brandy’s place wholeheartedly!
Sassy, Fun, Adult Getaway! Gameroom!
Everyone needs to stay in the Cheetah a house! Not only is it fun, fabulous and cool it is perfectly clean and maintained. Thank you!!’
Downtown Penthouse Condo
Central location, very clean and bright loft, perfect for a 1-2 night stay!
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Des Moines
Total rentals
760 properties
Total number of reviews
40K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
390 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
280 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
20 properties have a pool
Rentals with dedicated workspaces
440 properties have a dedicated workspace
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 770 vacation rentals in Beaverdale, over 430 vacation rentals in Downtown Des Moines, and over 430 vacation rentals in Sherman Hill.
Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Des Moines?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 440 vacation rentals in Des Moines featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Des Moines?
Four-legged friends are welcome in Des Moines. Choose from more than 280 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.
How much does it cost to stay in condo rentals in Des Moines?
Experience the best of Des Moines with our condo 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.
Do loft rentals in Des Moines have air conditioning?
Absolutely! We offer over 10 loft rentals with air conditioning in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
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!
Do apartment rentals in Des Moines have self check-in?
Absolutely! We offer over 40 apartment rentals with self check-in in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.
Are there family-friendly house rentals in Des Moines?
Des Moines has more than 280 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.
Destinations to explore
- Rentals with pools Des Moines
- Apartment rentals Des Moines
- Fitness-friendly rentals Des Moines
- House rentals Des Moines
- Rentals with a washer and dryer Des Moines
- Rentals with breakfast Des Moines
- Rentals with outdoor seating Des Moines
- Condo rentals Des Moines
- Rentals with a hot tub Des Moines
- Kid-friendly rentals Des Moines
- Rentals with a fire pit Des Moines
- Rentals with a patio Des Moines
- Rentals with a fireplace Des Moines
- Pet-friendly rentals Des Moines
- Yurt Rentals United States
- Yurt Rentals United Kingdom
- Castle Rentals United States
- Houseboats United States
- Holiday Caravans United Kingdom
- Private Island Rentals United States
- Farm Houses United States
- Farm Cottages United Kingdom
- Cabin Rentals Australia
- Luxury Cabins United Kingdom
- Luxury Cabins United States
- Holiday Chalets United Kingdom
- Cottage Rentals United States
- Holiday Cottages United Kingdom
- Mansion Rentals United States
- Villa Rentals United Kingdom
- Holiday Bungalows United Kingdom
- Bungalow Rentals United States
- Condo Rentals United States
- Holiday Apartments Australia
- Holiday Houses United States
- Holiday Houses United Kingdom
- Private Holiday Rentals United Kingdom
- Big House Rentals United States
- Big Cottages Australia
- Large Villas United Kingdom
- House Rentals with a Pool United States
- Cabin Rentals with a Pool United States
- Villas with a Pool United Kingdom
- Apartments with a Hot Tub United States
- Holiday Cottages with a Hot Tub United Kingdom
- Beach Cabins United States
- Beach Condos United States
- Beachfront Rentals United States
- Beach Houses United Kingdom
- Beach Villas United Kingdom
- Coastal Cottages United Kingdom
- Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Beach Rentals United States
- Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals United States
- Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom
- Luxury Dog-Friendly Cottages United Kingdom