Vacation rentals in Des Moines

Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in Des Moines

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

%{current} / %{total}1 / 1
Top guest favorite
Home in Beaverdale
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 232 reviews

MidCentury, technicolor Ranch w/yard, w+d, parking

- Ranch home in Des Moines' friendly Beaverdale neighborhood - Steps from grocery store, ice cream shop+dining - Blocks to more dining+shops - Less than 5 minutes from Drake University - Around 10 minutes from downtown, Des Moines, Arts Center, parks - Easy access within 15 minutes to suburbs - 1000+ feet with open living, dining and kitchen, 2 beds, 1 bath, laundry and on-site parking - Outdoor front porch, back patio+fire pit - Perfect for a family or two couples ***Send your special requests!

Guest favorite
Townhouse in Des Moines
4.92 out of 5 average rating, 119 reviews

This is the best Des Moines has to offer!

Welcome to a beautiful 3 story townhome in the heart of Des Moines. If an upscale modern home with an incredible view is your thing, you will be in heaven. Inside you’ll find a clean, bright and well decorated home with all the amenities you'll need to kick back, relax and enjoy your stay. Minutes from shopping, dining and nightlife. The bike trail is across the street where you can ride to Gray’s Lake or stroll to downtown DSM and enjoy the Farmer's Market, Civic Center and Principal Park.

Top guest favorite
Home in Windsor Heights
5 out of 5 average rating, 120 reviews

Sassy, Fun, Adult Getaway! Gameroom!

Prof. designed w/feminine sass, this space has so many details to make you smile! From the cuss word coffee bar to the game room, to the aromatic scent bar to the adult themed card/board games, to the choice of soft cheetah print robes & luxurious throw blankets, no detail has been left out. Walking dist. to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, grocery stores, a spa/nail place & easy access to the bike trails & I235. 10 mins to downtown DSM or the nightlife of West Glen. Super safe, quiet nbrhood.

Top guest favorite
Tiny home in Norwalk
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 123 reviews

Private *Fall Oasis* Waterfront Tiny House & Sauna

The true definition of rest & relaxation, this unique tiny house is situated on a three-acre pond suitable for catch and release fishing, kayaking, or stand up paddle boarding. Bring your gear and leave your worries behind. Built with special touches and details including stained glass windows and intricate woodwork, this tiny home boasts warmth throughout. Wake up to bird songs and coffee with the sunrise. After a day of fun, take a soak in the wood-burning sauna and relax by the campfire.

Top guest favorite
Place to stay in Sherman Hill
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 331 reviews

Historic 1-bedroom carriage house apartment

Located in the heart of the Sherman Hill Historic District, this charming one bedroom carriage house has everything you need whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure. It features a plush king bed that guests rave about, a 50” television, massage chair, fully stocked kitchen, large shower, high end linens and beautiful courtyard. The property is within walking distance to downtown, historic Hoyt Sherman Place Theater, restaurants, a world class sculpture park and live entertainment.

Guest favorite
Barn in Highland Park
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 294 reviews

“The Miles Barn” Gorgeous Industrial Loft

Welcome to our beautiful open concept industrial loft. Upon entering our cozy abode, you'll find a clean, bright, well decorated home with many great amenities where you can kick back, relax and enjoy your stay. If high ceilings and beautiful polished concrete floors are your thing, you will be in heaven. Steel railings give it a true industrial feel. Everything needed for your stay is well thought out and ready to be used. We hope you love our loft as much as we do! ***Pet Fee is $125***

Top guest favorite
Home in Drake
4.99 out of 5 average rating, 206 reviews

Peaceful Setting & Modern Style

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to your own private oasis with this charming 2 Bedroom Airbnb. The house provides present-day amenities while still honoring the original 1930s character. You’ll enjoy a new and sparkling clean kitchen, complete with all the appliances and utensils you need. The bathroom, laundry, dining room, reading nook and living room have all been beautifully updated as well, ensuring that you'll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

Top guest favorite
Barn in Des Moines
5 out of 5 average rating, 118 reviews

Luxury Barndominium perfect for larger groups

Welcome to The Lodge on 3rd - a massive 8000 sq ft Barndominum. Nestled in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, this stunning retreat offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. With 3 spacious bedrooms and a large loft, there is plenty of room for you and your guests to unwind in style. This property is next door to Luxury Living on Third. airbnb.com/h/luxurylivingonthird These combined properties are ideal for family reunions, etc. ***$200 Pet Fee***

Top guest favorite
Guest suite in Waveland Park
4.96 out of 5 average rating, 364 reviews

Quite, 2-Bedroom Vacation Home Close to downtown

Lower level of the house. 1 bedroom with a king size bed and the 2nd bedroom has a queen bed. Queen sofa sleeper couch in the living room. The four season porch walks out to a patio with firepit and gas grill. Walking distance to Waveland Golf Course & Tennis Courts, Neighborhood Diner Waveland Cafe and La Mie Bakery. Minutes away from Ingersoll Avenue, downtown Des Moines, and Court Avenue. 20 minutes from Adventureland amusement park and Prairie Meadows Casino.

Guest favorite
Home in Des Moines
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 171 reviews

Woodland Heights hist. district house on the hill.

Beautiful historic duplex house in the heart of woodland heights. Walking distance to downtown and next to Ingersoll avenue which is full of shops, bars, restaurants and more. Our place allows 2 parking spots on site with a side entrance to your upstairs Airbnb. The 800+ sq ft space includes a private kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, and balcony with views of downtown. Picnic table and grassy area below balcony can be used on those nice Iowa days.

Top guest favorite
Apartment in Downtown Des Moines
5 out of 5 average rating, 218 reviews

Luxury Hotel Condo in Downtown Des Moines

Relax in this 1920s historical Liberty Mutual building condo. Bask in the abundant light from the large windows atop this ninth floor condo in the Hyatt Place Hotel. View the sunset over the State Capital and the iconic Travelers sign. Pick out some vinyl to play on the stereo. Enjoy our collection of original artwork or read a book from our eclectic biography library. For a video walkthrough go to: YouTube: search 418 Liberty Luxury Hotel Condo

Top guest favorite
Bungalow in Des Moines
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 497 reviews

Etta’s Place - private 1b/1b - MidCentury Modern

We love our neighborhood and are excited to share it with you! We have partnered with local restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, & tea shops to offer exclusive discounts to guests of “Etta’s Place.” It’s our hope that this Airbnb allows you to enjoy the wonderful Ingersoll District. Des Moines is a great place to visit, lots of outdoor activities, amazing food, and unique experiences around every corner!

Popular amenities for Des Moines vacation rentals

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Des Moines

  • Total rentals

    770 properties

  • Nightly prices starting at

    $20 before taxes and fees

  • Total number of reviews

    44K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    410 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    290 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    30 properties have a pool

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 450 vacation rentals in Sherman Hill, over 800 vacation rentals in Beaverdale, and over 450 vacation rentals in Downtown Des Moines.

  • 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 290 vacation rentals for guests traveling with pets.

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

    Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 30 vacation homes with pools in Des Moines, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!

  • 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 $60 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Do house rentals in Des Moines have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 60 house rentals with a bbq area in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do condo rentals in Des Moines have a gym?

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

  • Do house rentals in Des Moines have wifi?

    Absolutely! We offer over 390 house rentals with wifi in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

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

    Absolutely! We offer over 70 house rentals with self check-in in Des Moines. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

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

    Des Moines has more than 80 family-friendly apartment rentals. Amenities on the property may include high chairs, travel cribs, or strollers.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. United States
  3. Iowa
  4. Polk County
  5. Des Moines