Where to Stay in Des Moines, IA: Best Fitness Hotels

Welcome to Des Moines, IA—a vibrant city that seamlessly blends Midwestern charm with a dynamic arts scene and rich history. Known for its diverse culinary offerings, bustling farmers' markets, and lively festivals, this capital city offers something for every traveler, whether you're exploring its historic districts or enjoying the nightlife in the downtown area.

If you're looking to maintain your fitness routine while traveling, choosing the right fitness hotel is essential. The perfect accommodation can enhance your experience, providing you with the amenities you need to stay active and refreshed. Dive into our guide to discover the best places to stay, nearby neighborhoods, top attractions, and helpful travel tips to make the most of your visit to Des Moines.

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Category Recommended accommodation
4 star hotels
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn Des Moines Airport

Find Hotels, Resorts, and Rentals Nearby in these Cities & Neighborhoods

Recommended accommodation

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection By Hilton
Hotel
Des Moines, IA, USA

Luxury, Cheap, Accommodations, Parking, Gites, 4-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Accessible hotels

Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive
Hampton Inn West Des Moines Lake Drive
Hotel
West Des Moines, IA, USA

Cheap, Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Gites, Pet-friendly, 3-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Hot tubs, Places to stay, Accessible hotels

Hyatt Place West Des Moines/Jordan Creek
Hyatt Place West Des Moines/Jordan Creek
Hotel
West Des Moines, IA, USA

Cheap, Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Romantic, Gites, Pet-friendly, 3-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Family

West Des Moines Marriott
West Des Moines Marriott
Hotel
West Des Moines, IA, USA

Cheap, Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Gites, Marriott , 3-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Family, Accessible hotels

Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Hotel
Des Moines, IA, USA

Accommodations, Pools, Parking, Gites, Hilton , 4-star, Gostinicies, Rooms, Alberghi, Lodgings, Places to stay, Accessible hotels

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Things to do and Activities in Des Moines

🎫 Local Experiences & Attractions in Des Moines, USA

✨ Things to Do

Downtown Farmers' Market: Explore the vibrant Downtown Farmers' Market in Des Moines, USA, featuring local produce, handmade goods, and live music. Enjoy fresh food while interacting with friendly vendors.

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Des Moines Sculpture Park Tour: Take a self-guided tour of the Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Des Moines, USA. Discover impressive artworks amid beautiful landscaping, perfect for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

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Brewery Tour: Join a brewery tour in Des Moines, USA, where you can sample local craft beers and learn about brewing processes from knowledgeable guides at various popular breweries.

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📍 Top Attractions

Iowa State Capitol: Visit the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, USA, to see its stunning gold dome and intricate architecture. Visitor Tip: Free guided tours are available on weekdays.

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Des Moines Art Center: The Des Moines Art Center offers an extensive collection of modern art, sculptures, and photography, attracting art lovers of all ages. It’s a great place to spend a rainy afternoon.

🔗 Book Entry Tickets

Science Center of Iowa: Engage with interactive exhibits at the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines, USA, designed for family-friendly fun. Don’t miss the planetarium shows for an extra treat.

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Travel Tips for Des Moines

💡 Essential Logistics & Insider Tips for Des Moines, USA

🚆 Getting Around

The Core Tip: Visitors typically rely on personal vehicles or rideshare services for getting around Des Moines, with limited public transit options available.

The Pro Move: To avoid traffic congestion, especially during rush hours, consider visiting popular attractions in the early morning or late afternoon.

📅 Timing Your Trip

The Core Tip: The summer months see a surge in tourism due to pleasant weather and local festivals, making it one of the busiest seasons.

The Pro Move: Weekdays are often less crowded at major attractions like the Blank Park Zoo, allowing for a more enjoyable experience.

🚶 Getting Around Safely

The Core Tip: Downtown Des Moines is quite walkable, with many attractions, restaurants, and parks within easy reach of each other.

The Pro Move: For nighttime outings, stick to well-lit areas and use main streets to ensure safety while walking.

💳 Money & Payments

The Core Tip: Most establishments in Des Moines accept credit cards, but some small vendors and markets may prefer cash transactions.

The Pro Move: It’s wise to carry small bills for minor purchases at local farmers' markets or food stands.

✈️ Airport / Arrival Tips

The Core Tip: From the airport, travelers can access rideshare services, taxis, and shuttles offering direct transport to downtown Des Moines.

The Pro Move: Follow airport signage to quickly locate designated rideshare pickup areas, which can save time for first-time visitors.

Where to Stay in Des Moines, IA: Best Fitness Hotels properties on the Map