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Vacation rentals in Des Moines

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Family friendly vacation rentals in Des Moines

Top guest favorite
Home in Des Moines
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 415 reviews

Garden Retreat Near Downtown, Botanical Immersion

SidRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
This space is an oasis. It was perfect for my needs. It’s private and gorgeous. The backyard was more intimate than expected and loved the secret pathway to the gazebo/fire pit area. You can tell so much year round effort is put in for this home. It goes the extra mile! The house provided everything for us and was very clean. I love the space so much I wish I could buy it! The host is clear and committed to providing great communication. The neighborhood was quiet, safe and clean with a grocery store just 3 mins away.
Guest favorite
Home in Ankeny
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 223 reviews

Welcoming, very spacious, safe area

KandiceRating, 5 stars5 days ago
What a great place! Clean and spacious. All bedrooms are upstairs but not many to contend with. Side note- the bed in the yellow bedroom was a dream! Had a great sleep….
Superhost
Home in Des Moines
4.78 out of 5 average rating, 207 reviews

Gorgeous Home With Sauna Sleeps 7

MattRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Jackie was very attentive and wanted to make sure that we had a great stay. Very good location to go downtown.
Top guest favorite
Apartment in Madrid
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 140 reviews

Acquaint bed and bath

TeresaRating, 5 stars1 month ago
My daughter and I visited the Pella Tulip festival and wanted to extend our trip so we came here to see/hike the high trestle bridge & visit the arboretum. Renee’s place was great for our visit! Easy to find & get in, the place was super cozy and comfortable! Private outdoor space with the balcony was nice. The bathroom was clean and functional. The kitchen has everything we needed - a stove/oven with plenty of cookware, fridge & microwave, coffee maker, plenty of dishes. Beds were comfortable with good blankets and pillows. The only negative I found was that the keys were a little difficult to lock/unlock door. I would recommend and return!
Top guest favorite
Loft in Sherman Hill
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 485 reviews

Spacious Loft in Historic Sherman Hill

NikolasRating, 5 stars5 days ago
We had a great stay at Mike's place. We walked to Gateway Market, and the location was great for all the adventures we had planned.
Superhost
Home in Urbandale
4.75 out of 5 average rating, 81 reviews

Beautiful comfy five bedroom home sleeps 11

DavidRating, 5 stars6 months ago
We had a great stay! Timothy is extremely responsive and helpful. Fantastic place for a big group!
Guest favorite
Guesthouse in Indianola
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 136 reviews

The Corn Crib Bed and Breakfast

DanielRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
Charming place with a lovely setting indoors and out. It has a great feeling of peace and rest throughout. As described and then some.
Guest favorite
Home in Des Moines
4.7 out of 5 average rating, 264 reviews

Christy Jean's

AndreaRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
Great place to stay with family.

Pet-friendly vacation rentals in Des Moines

Superhost
Home in Des Moines
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 292 reviews

Cozy Spa Home Close to Downtown

KeriannRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We had a great stay. It had everything we needed to be comfortable. Checking in and out was easy. We’d love to stay again sometime!
Guest favorite
Home in Des Moines
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 101 reviews

La Casita Blanca (The White House)

AnoopRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Excellent house. Easy to walk to local coffee shops and several breweries and restaurants. Very modern, clean and stylish house. Plenty of space. Great lighting and so many great picture windows. Safe neighborhood with friendly neighbors. We enjoyed it and will stay again. Thank you!!
Superhost
Loft in West Des Moines
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 141 reviews

Brilliant Penthouse Loft Tall Ceilings & Elevator

HakeemRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Came to Des Moines for a UFC event in May. Couldn’t have picked a better place to stay.
Top guest favorite
Home in Winterset
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 259 reviews

The Legacy Stone House

JanetRating, 5 stars4 days ago
We really enjoyed our stay. What a beautiful place. The historical background made it even more interesting. Highly recommend.
Top guest favorite
Home in Drake
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 199 reviews

Gateway House

DanielleRating, 5 stars1 week ago
We loved staying at the Gateway House! Angela was very kind and responsive. The location was incredible- close to lots of things in Des Moines, but didn’t feel busy or unsafe. This was also the most baby-friendly place I’ve stayed! It was so wonderful to be able to leave toys, cribs, and high chairs at home. It was a relief to know it had everything we needed for our little one, even outdoor toys! We loved our stay and will definitely be back!
Superhost
Home in Waterbury
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 206 reviews

Gardens on Grand

CodyRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Seth was a great host we travel for work made us feel at home, don't be worried about his staying on the property he keeps to himself unless you need something! Thanks again and the house is great!
Guest favorite
Condo in Downtown Des Moines
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviews

Luxe Penthouse Suite, Des Moines Historic Building

Jana D.Rating, 5 stars1 week ago
This is a great downtown location! It's right in the middle of everything! we enjoyed the farmers market just steps away, the garage was great, and a great set-up inside. The host gave detailed instructions, we missed a step on which side to enter, so pay attention. With it being downtown, do expect music and events. Great views, we loved it!
Top guest favorite
Home in Dallas Center
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 319 reviews

Maple Street Hideaway

MikaelaRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Our 2nd time staying, and it was just as great and clean as the 1st time! Absolutely awesome place to stay for us and our pets!

Other great vacation rentals in Des Moines

Guest favorite
Loft in Des Moines
4.95 out of 5 average rating, 188 reviews

Historic Oscar Lofquist House Heart of Des Moines

DanaRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Great location, super easy access on our own time. Couldn’t use the freezer but that’s about it. The place was very cute and clean and had everything we needed.
Superhost
Condo in Downtown Des Moines
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 194 reviews

Designer Downtown Condo Suite - Splendid View

ChristineRating, 5 stars4 days ago
Crystal clear instructions on how to get into the building and once you get in, it’s easier the next time. Had a small hiccup with parking, because of a race that had all the streets around the building closed, but Kyle gave us an alternative suggestion that worked out just fine. Everything was clean and exactly as described and shown. One of the most comfortable bed/pillow combos we’ve had!! Great location and walkable to everything we were in town for.
Guest favorite
Apartment in Valley Junction
4.9 out of 5 average rating, 125 reviews

Historic Valley Junction Loft

TreytonRating, 5 stars1 week ago
It was a great stay! Abby was able to help us out instantly when we had some trouble getting in & the place was so cute and was in a great location!
Guest favorite
Home in Highland Park
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 104 reviews

Elegant Home that's Fully Fenced and Pet Friendly

GregRating, 5 stars1 week ago
Anthony’s house is really nice and clean. Darn near spotless. He was very responsive when I messaged him. He said he was actively working to deal with the only issue I experienced regarding noise from a nearby property. It was a positive stay overall for me.
Top guest favorite
Home in Des Moines
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 103 reviews

White Oak Hillside Oasis

KamiRating, 5 stars4 days ago
In town with family for a show at Wells Fargo Arena and loved our stay here. Clean, cute and peaceful home with a gorgeous little sunroom and plenty of amenities. Quick drive to downtown. Would absolutely stay here again.
Superhost
Bungalow in Des Moines
4.84 out of 5 average rating, 217 reviews

Cozy bungalow steps away from IA State Fairgrounds

JamesRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
We stay there each time we come to Iowa close to our daughter and granddaughter very convient for us smallold house but for us it is clean and in good location
Guest favorite
Home in Drake
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 293 reviews

Cozy Historic Escape

MarkRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Great neighborhood with numerous beautifully maintained Craftsman style homes, including the rental. You are not going to find many neighborhoods like this one. It feels as if you are transported back to the 1940’s.
Guest favorite
Home in Drake
4.86 out of 5 average rating, 284 reviews

Cozy House close to Drake/Downtown w Patio+Yard!

JoshRating, 5 stars4 days ago
Stayed at Danielle's after another place canceled on me a week before my stay. Location is great for Drake college events. Easy to find. Beds were comfortable. Place was very clean.

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Des Moines

  • Total rentals

    760 properties

  • Total number of reviews

    40K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    390 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    280 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    20 properties have a pool

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    440 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to Des Moines

All About Des Moines

Des Moines is a thriving Midwestern hub where the streets are peppered with green spaces, an urban pocket in an otherwise agriculture-dominated state. Iowa’s capital is home to 76 city parks, including Greenwood Park, where you can meander through Pappajohn Sculpture Park’s outdoor gallery. There are more than 800 miles of walking, cycling, and hiking trails to explore here too. Water Works Park, directly across from Gray’s Lake in the city center, has 1,500 acres of wooded space where you can cast a line for shortnose gar or go horseback riding.

Des Moines’s arts scene includes massive public installations — such as the downtown Art Route, comprising 87 pieces extending across more than six miles — as well as numerous live entertainment venues, from small dive bars to the Riverfront Amphitheater. West Des Moines’ historic Valley Junction is a renovated railroad district with fashion boutiques, galleries, antique shops, and restaurants in red brick buildings.

Much of the food here centers around the vast farmlands surrounding the city. Des Moines’ eclectic mix of farm-to-table restaurants and food trucks put local produce in the spotlight. You can get a taste of the city staple Steak de Burgo, which has been a favorite here since the 1930s, alongside craft beers and speakeasy cocktails in the dining corridor between Grand Avenue and East Court Avenue, which spans the river.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Des Moines

Des Moines has typical Midwest weather — hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring can bring frequent afternoon thunderstorms, but the skies generally clear up quickly. In spring and summer, you can spend a Saturday morning perusing local produce and handmade art from hundreds of vendors at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market. Don’t let the humidity in summer keep you away from the annual Des Moines Arts Festival, which hosts over 180 national artists, held in June.

Crisp fall days are perfect for enjoying the annual Oktoberfest held in late September — two days filled with polka music, German food, beer tents, and dancing. Temperatures drop come winter, and the accompanying snow makes this the perfect time for skiers and snowboarders to secure their vacation rentals in Des Moines and hit the slopes.


Top things to do in Des Moines

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

The John & Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Western Gateway Park houses more than two dozen works by artists from around the world. You can wander around the 4.4-acre grounds, admiring the life-size sculptures and thoughtful landscape design. Sculpture Park Exploration Guides are available from the Des Moines Art Center to promote an interactive experience for people of all ages. The park is open from sunrise to midnight, and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic.

Saylorville Lake

Located on the Des Moines River just north of the city, Saylorville Lake contains over 26,000 acres of beautiful woodland, wetlands, and prairie habitats. The lake has several beaches and multiple boat launches you can take advantage of too. For a leisurely afternoon hike, stretch your legs along the Saylorville Lake Shore Trail.

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Nestled behind the John Pat Dorrian Trail on the eastern bank of the Des Moines River, this seven-acre garden includes a historically significant bonsai tree collection, a tranquil water garden with more than 100 water lilies, and an 80-foot geodesic dome where you’ll find towering palms, delicate orchids, and diverse cacti in a tropical environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where should I stay in Des Moines?

    Make yourself at home in Des Moines by choosing from our most frequently booked neighborhoods. We have over 770 vacation rentals in Beaverdale, over 430 vacation rentals in Downtown Des Moines, and over 430 vacation rentals in Sherman Hill.

  • Are there vacation rentals with a dedicated workspace in Des Moines?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 440 vacation rentals in Des Moines featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Des Moines?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in Des Moines. Choose from more than 280 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • How much does it cost to stay in condo rentals in Des Moines?

    Experience the best of Des Moines with our condo rentals, starting at about $40 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Do loft rentals in Des Moines have air conditioning?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 loft rentals with air conditioning in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there Des Moines vacation rentals on Airbnb with pools?

    Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 20 vacation homes with pools in Des Moines, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!

  • Do apartment rentals in Des Moines have self check-in?

    Absolutely! We offer over 40 apartment rentals with self check-in in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there family-friendly house rentals in Des Moines?

    Des Moines has more than 280 family-friendly house rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

Destinations to explore

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