Des Moines · neighborhood
Things to do in Downtown Des Moines
Scout has 0 verified spots mapped in Downtown Des Moines, 23 with full Scout intelligence.
Scouted spots
0
Typical spend
$45
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Easy parking
9%
Outings that start here
Downtown Des Moines Sculpture & Coffee Morning
Start your day with a refreshing walk through Des Moines' iconic Pappajohn Sculpture Park, soaking in the public art in the calm of the morning. Then, head to a local favorite for a budget-friendly breakfast and coffee, ensuring a delightful and affordable start to your day.
Botanical Garden Evening & Jazz in Downtown
Spend a magical evening exploring the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, especially enchanting as daylight fades. Afterwards, treat yourself to a dinner showcasing local flavors in Downtown Des Moines. Cap off your night with sophisticated cocktails and live jazz for a memorable local experience.
Des Moines Science & Playground Fun
Start your day with a quick coffee before heading to the Science Center of Iowa for hours of interactive exploration. After working up an appetite, enjoy a casual and family-friendly lunch. Conclude your day with some outdoor play at a nearby park, ensuring a full day of fun and learning for the whole family.
Downtown Science & Playground Fun
Dive into the wonders of science with interactive exhibits perfect for all ages at the Science Center of Iowa. Afterward, enjoy a casual and family-friendly meal, and then let the kids burn off some energy at a nearby park.
Sherman Hill Art & Elegant Dinner
Begin your date night with an aperitif at a chic lounge before immersing yourselves in the arts at Hoyt Sherman Place, an exquisite 19th-century manor. Conclude the evening with an upscale American dining experience, perfect for conversation and connection.
Afternoon Blooms & Southern Comfort in Des Moines
Spend a delightful afternoon immersing yourself in the beauty of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Afterward, savor creative Southern dishes at a highly-rated local spot, then unwind with a stroll along the water's edge at Robert D. Ray Asian Garden.
Best spots in Downtown Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines
the LiFT
This is a good spot for evening drinks, particularly specialty martinis and craft beer, in a dimly lit setting with local art. Expect to spend 1.5-3 hours and $15-35 per person.
Downtown Des Moines
Tipsy Crow Tavern
Tipsy Crow Tavern is a casual bar & grill serving American fare and drinks, often bustling, particularly on its patio. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for food and drinks, costing around $20-$50 per person.
Downtown Des Moines
Cowles Commons
Cowles Commons is a good spot for a free, relaxed outdoor break, potentially featuring public art. It works as a quick stop to pair with downtown activities, typically lasting an hour with no cost.
Downtown Des Moines
Hello, Marjorie
Hello, Marjorie is a '70s-themed cocktail bar, ideal for an evening drink after dinner or as a standalone social outing. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $30-70 per person on drinks and maybe a snack.
Downtown Des Moines
Bubba
Bubba is suitable for a dinner outing, particularly for southern food and whiskey enthusiasts. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $30-75 per person for food and drinks, with potential for patio seating in good weather.
Downtown Des Moines
801 Chophouse
This fine dining chophouse is ideal for a celebratory dinner or a formal date night, typically lasting 1.5-2 hours. Expect to spend $100-$250 per person for a full meal and drinks.
Downtown Des Moines
Horizon Line Coffee
This is a good spot for a quick coffee break or a quiet solo work session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and about $5-15 on a drink and perhaps a small bite.
Downtown Des Moines
The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a casual British pub, good for a relaxed meal or drinks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $20-45 per person on pub fare and beverages.
Downtown Des Moines
Northern Vessel
This coffee shop is suitable for a quick stop to grab a drink and a light bite, or a relaxed solo session. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.
Downtown Des Moines
Buzzard Billy’s
Buzzard Billy's is a casual spot for Louisiana-style food, ideal for a family meal or watching a game. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $15-$35 per person for food and a drink.
Downtown Des Moines
Hessen Haus
Hessen Haus is a lively German beer hall offering a vast selection of beers and comfort food, ideal for a social evening out. Expect to spend $20-50 per person for drinks and food over a couple of hours.
Downtown Des Moines
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Tupelo Honey is suitable for a meal any time of day, offering Southern comfort food. Expect to spend $20-50 per person for an experience lasting about 90 minutes.
Downtown Des Moines
The Stuffed Olive Des Moines
This is a great spot for an upscale evening out focused on cocktails and small plates, or a full dinner. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with costs around $30-75 per person depending on drinks and food choices.
Downtown Des Moines
Proudfoot & Bird
Proudfoot & Bird is an upscale American restaurant suitable for a celebratory dinner or a formal date night, typically lasting 1.5 to 2 hours with a high per-person cost.
Downtown Des Moines
300 Craft & Rooftop
This rooftop bar is suitable for an evening drink, offering a relaxed setting with city views. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $10-30 per person on drinks.
Downtown Des Moines
Pappajohn Sculpture Park
This is a great spot for a free, leisurely outdoor walk to view art, possibly combined with a picnic. Allow 1-2 hours for a comfortable visit.
Downtown Des Moines
Mainframe Studios
Mainframe Studios is an art studio complex often open to the public for browsing and purchases. Plan for 1-2 hours to explore the studios, and expect to spend little to nothing unless you buy art.
Downtown Des Moines
Temple Theater
Temple Theater is good for an evening out to see a show or concert. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $30-$100 per person.
Downtown Des Moines
Noce
Noce is a chic bar for an evening of specialty cocktails and jazz cabaret, suitable for a special occasion or date night. Plan for 2-3 hours and a spend of $30-80 per person.
Downtown Des Moines
Science Center of Iowa
The Science Center of Iowa is a great indoor destination for families, offering interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX cinema. Expect to spend 3-4 hours here, with costs around $15-30 per person for admission.
Downtown Des Moines
Des Moines Civic Center
The Des Moines Civic Center is ideal for an evening out to see a show, often paired with dinner beforehand. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and tickets typically range from $50 to $150 per person.
Downtown Des Moines
Ricochet
Ricochet is a great spot for a casual evening out, perfect for grabbing drinks and playing some games. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $15-40 per person on drinks and maybe a snack.
Downtown Des Moines
The High Life Lounge
This is a good spot for a casual evening meal or drinks, offering comfort food in a relaxed, offbeat setting. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-35 per person for food and drinks.
Nearby areas in Des Moines
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Where to stay
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