Experience · Des Moines

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.

A 3.5-hour Des Moines evening plan for couples — Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, 801 Chophouse, Noce.

Duration: 3h 30m
Cost: $70–$120
Stops: 3 stops
Area: Capitol Park + 1 more
Walking: Moderate walking · Total 1.4-mile driving route
Best time: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Ideal for: Couples · Friends · Solo

Start Plan

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The plan

1Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden(1 hr 30 min)→
2801 Chophouse(1 hr 30 min)→
3Noce(30 min)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 1.4 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Des Moines instead of crossing town between them. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Noce — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, and solo who want a planned Des Moines outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
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 dome and outdoor gardens. Check for any special evening events or exhibits that might be running. Take your time to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the plants.
Scout Side Quest
Each secretly pick the most dramatic plant in the dome. Reveal your choices and debate the true winner.
1 mi · 20 min walk or 5 min drive
Then A short drive across the river will bring you to the heart of Downtown Des Moines for dinner.
2
1h 30m
801 Chophouse
Food & Drink · Downtown Des Moines
Prime cuts of beef, seafood & a large wine selection offered in an elegant, clubby setting.
What to do — Indulge in a sophisticated dinner at 801 Chophouse. Reserve a table in advance to ensure a perfect evening. Enjoy their expertly prepared steaks and extensive wine list.
Scout Side Quest
Before opening the menu, try to guess the exact dish or side the other person will order.
0.4 mi · 8 min walk or 4 min drive
Then A short walk will take you to a chic jazz venue for a nightcap.
3
Optional 30 min
Noce
Nightlife · Downtown Des Moines
Chic venue known for its jazz cabaret events & specialty cocktails in an expansive, modern setting.
What to do — Optional nightcap for those who drink — skip it and the plan still works. Enjoy sophisticated cocktails and live jazz in a chic, modern setting at Noce.

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The route

On the map

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Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good Des Moines itinerary for couples?: Yes. It's built for couples, friends, and solo and runs about 3 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 3 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this Des Moines itinerary cost?: Roughly $70–$120 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 1.4 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.

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