New to Des Moines? Native that’s moved back after awhile? WELCOME. We asked our community over on Instagram what their top two must-dos in Des Moines are and we compiled them for you below.
Featured Photography: Drew Dau, Unsplash
As submitted by our amazing Instagram community see below for a range of submissions answering the question, “If you were new to Des Moines, what are your two top must do things you’d recommend?” Here are the answers that we give our stamp of approval listed out quickly with a few tips sprinkled in. This list can and should be updated. Tag us in your adventures and slide into our DMs letting us know what you think, or what we should add. ❤️
Poke around other parts of our website for more tips, guides, and itineraries as you settle into Des Moines.
Without further ado, in no particular order…
Things to Do
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Shop / Explore Valley Junction
- Hinge
- The Vinyl Studio
- Memory Lane
- Mint L.A.
- Cooper’s on 5th – Coopers is an absolute favorite date spot and it’s perfect to stop and grab a drink in. An absolute Des Moines gem!
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Explore Beaverdale
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Shop Hopping in East Village
- Porch Light
- Indie House
- She
- Allspice Culinarium
- Marv’s Record Shop
- Peace Tree Brewing Co.
- After that shopping, I’ll stop for a beer at one of my favorite breweries. In the East Village, I love Peace Tree. If you’re a brewery fan too, definitely check out Pub Pass. It’s the best way to check out all DSM breweries, and you get a free beer at each one. I have two – one to go with my family, and one with friends.
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Picnic in Pappajohn Sculpture Park or Rose Garden
- We love a good picnic moment and there are a couple great spots around Des Moines for them including the sculpture park and rose garden. Check out our Instagram stories for regular shout outs to some of our favorite local charcuterie makers to add to your picnic.
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Gray’s Lake (#ClubGray’sLake)
- Walk By Day: We want to bring RMWs (rich mom walks) to Des Moines at Club Gray’s Lake. Bring your pup, bring a friend, go alone. It’s a perfect reset to any day to walk around the2 mile loop!
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- Bridge At Night: For a cool photo op, stop by at night to see the bridges over the lake. It’s colorful and a perfect reflection moment to appreciate your new city.
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Des Moines Botanical Garden
- A great outing for a day that’s super cold when the weather is just blegh, go indoors and wander through the plants in a warm, humid environment. When the weather is better, there are amazing public gardens as well! Check out our weekend guides for any special events happening here. Full calendar of events: https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/calendar/list/.
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Farmers’ Market Season
- The Downtown Farmers’ Market connects urban and rural communities while supporting nearly 300 local entrepreneurs, including farmers, producers, bakers and artists that represent 50 counties across the state of Iowa. It’s just the best. There are several others that we cover around Des Moines: Valley Junction, Beaverdale, Heart of Des Moines, and Waukee – to name a few!
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Up Down Arcade Bar
- Another fun idea for when the weather isn’t ideal! Drinks, lots of old arcade games, lots of fun. Great date spot!
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Concert at Hoyt Sherman Place
- A beautiful and historic entertainment venue in the Sherman Hill neighborhood!
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Cooking with Alessandra Class
- Try purchasing a “cooking class to go” from Chef Alessandra, the ever-popular owner behind “Cooking with Alessandra” in the East Village. Her in-person classes book up FAST so if you can’t get in this winter, try taking home an authentic Italian recipe with Alessandra’s at home kits. You can choose from Biscotti, Focaccia or Tomato Sauce.
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Overlook at MacRae Park
- A cool spot to stop on a bike ride or to take cute pictures! Just take a look at the hashtags on Instagram to get a sense of the view!
Eat
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Fong’s Pizza
- A Des Moines comfort food institution. Crab Rangoon Pizza. General Tso’s Pizza. Honey and Garlic Pizza. You don’t have to understand it, but you do have to try it. Only one location left downtown!
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Drake Diner
- Ahh, the place we spent more time than not in high school! Drake Diner is truly a Des Moines landmark since its opening in 1987. The 50’s diner ambience is just *chef’s kiss* and the food always hits the spot. If you’re looking for perfect casual diner vibes, you have to go to Drake Diner. No question.
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Bubba
- We LOVE Bubba, from the bourbon drinks to the shrimp and grits. Perfect for a date night, girl’s night, or any fancy night out.
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La Mie
- It’s hard to overstate just how good this bakery is, so if you haven’t had any of their pastries, do so within the next week. Along with the amazing selection of baked goods, La Mie has a breakfast menu that’s hard to beat, including quiche florentine, tartines, and above-standard omelettes.
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Waveland Cafe
- The perfect breakfast place and the best all around breakfast shop. It’s classic, it’s cute, it’s hearty. It’s everything Iowa does best. Most of the wait staff have been here since 1992. And Khal Drogo loves it. Need we go on?
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Royal Mile for British Pub vibes
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A Dong for Vietnamese
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Chu Chu Donuts
- Perfectly situated not too far from Gray’s Lake park. the sour cream, old fashioned donuts from Chu-Chu Donuts. Seriously amazing and how proper Iowans do breakfast.
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Lucca and Aposto for Italian
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Top 10 Taco Trucks
- Bookmark this taco trucks guide for spring and summer!
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Happy Hour at Eatery A
- It’s a right of passage. Don’t ask questions. All the details here. 😉
Drink
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Seeking Caffeine?
- Check out our full Favorite Coffee Shops in Des Moines list ☕
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Breweries? Start with Confluence or Iowa Tap Room.
- There’s a lot. Check out our Bikes and Brew itinerary here. Confluence is a great brewery to start with. At Iowa Taproom, you can sample all the beers first and have the bartenders tell you where to go!
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Cocktail Lounges: Republic on Grand (rooftop with outdoor fireplace) or Hello Marjorie (cozy)
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Bars: El Bait Shop, Carl’s Place, Shorty’s
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