Food Scene
Just down the road on 86th! Wonderful curry and other thai dishes. Great sushi. They also offer gluten free options.
8 locals recommend
Cool Basil
1250 86th StJust down the road on 86th! Wonderful curry and other thai dishes. Great sushi. They also offer gluten free options.
VIVA Mexican Restaurant
4531 86th StGreat happy hour specials. They have gluten free options.
Asian inspired tacos. They have gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options. We recommend the masa fries with bacon chorizo.
Tacopocalypse
407 E 5th StAsian inspired tacos. They have gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options. We recommend the masa fries with bacon chorizo.
Malo
900 Mulberry StHappy hour weekdays 4pm-6pm: 1/2 price tacos and appetizers.
Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market
300 Court AveSaturdays in the summer/early fall 7am-noon.
Drinks & Nightlife
21+ Barcade. There are pinball machines, retro video games, skee ball, and more! We enjoy the ambiance. This happens to be right next to Tacopocalypse.
30 locals recommend
Up-Down
500 E Locust St21+ Barcade. There are pinball machines, retro video games, skee ball, and more! We enjoy the ambiance. This happens to be right next to Tacopocalypse.
Della Viti
425 E Grand AveSelf-serve wine bar.
Wonderful local winery, stop by Gray's Lake while you're over there!
15 locals recommend
Jasper Winery
2400 George Flagg PkwyWonderful local winery, stop by Gray's Lake while you're over there!
Arts & Culture
The first Friday of every month is a Mixology night (21+), see the Science Center, order a drink, and enjoy that month's theme. During the day it's a great family-friendly place.
43 locals recommend
Science Center of Iowa
401 W Martin Luther King Jr PkwyThe first Friday of every month is a Mixology night (21+), see the Science Center, order a drink, and enjoy that month's theme. During the day it's a great family-friendly place.
Step into the past at Living History Farms. There's a 1895 town and visit a 1700s, `850s, and 1900s farm.
20 locals recommend
Living History Farms
11121 Hickman RdStep into the past at Living History Farms. There's a 1895 town and visit a 1700s, `850s, and 1900s farm.
This is a smaller zoo, you can see everything in less than 2 hours.
47 locals recommend
Blank Park Zoo
7401 SW 9th StThis is a smaller zoo, you can see everything in less than 2 hours.
Des Moines Art Center
4700 Grand AveSightseeing
Iowa State Capitol
1007 E Grand AveTour the Iowa State Capitol.
Parks & Nature
Walk around Gray's Lake. There's a beach and a place to rent boats, canoes, and other equipment.
28 locals recommend
Gray's Lake Park
2101 Fleur DrWalk around Gray's Lake. There's a beach and a place to rent boats, canoes, and other equipment.
Coronado Park
Sandler DrivePlayground, grills, basketball court, walking/biking trail. AND it's right next door!
Walker Johnston Park
9000 Douglas AveSkateboard park, 5 unique playgrounds, pond, lots of walking trails
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
909 Robert D. Ray DrOpen until 8pm on Thursdays
Shopping
Valley West Mall station