Afternoon Blooms & Southern Comfort in Des Moines

The story

Overview

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.

1. 1

   1h 15m

   Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

   Food & Drink · Downtown Des Moines

   An all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.

   What to do — Savor creative Southern comfort food with a twist for a satisfying lunch before your garden visit.

   0.9 mi · 18 min walk or 5 min drive

   Then Take a short drive to the Botanical Garden, just across the river.

2. 2

   1h 30m

   Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

   Outdoors · Capitol Park

   Seasonal blooms showcased outdoors & in a geodesic dome, plus educational programs & art shows.

   What to do — Explore the diverse collection of plants and flowers in the geodesic dome and outdoor gardens, appreciating the seasonal displays.

   Scout Side Quest

   Wander until you each find a plant with big main-character energy. Show each other your picks and explain why.

   0.3 mi · 6 min walk or 4 min drive

   Then Walk a short distance along the river to the tranquil Asian Garden.

3. 3

   Optional 45 min

   Robert D. Ray Asian Garden

   Outdoors · East Village

   Garden park featuring an Asian pavilion, stone pagodas, a pond, a series of waterfalls & more.

   What to do — Enjoy the serene atmosphere of stone pagodas, waterfalls, and an Asian pavilion for a relaxing end to your afternoon.

   Scout Side Quest

   Find your favorite vantage point in the garden and agree on a title for the postcard version of this view.

The route

On the map

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Des Moines itinerary for solo?

Yes. It's built for solo, friends, and couples and runs about 4 hrs across 3 stops, starting at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar.

How long does this outing take?

Plan on 4 hrs door to door, including time between stops.

How much does this Des Moines itinerary cost?

Roughly $25–$55 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.

Is this itinerary walkable?

Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 1.2 miles of walking in total.

Do I need reservations?

No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.