Experience otherworldly theme parks or enjoy the down to earth vibes in this Central Florida city that’s the perfect steppingstone for once in a lifetime day trips.
Set down smack-dab in the middle of Iowa, Des Moines offers visitors a chance to see what the Midwest is all about. Rich in history while a burgeoning tourism hot spot, Iowa’s fast-growing capital city is a perfect destination for a long weekend or longer stays. After all, it’s quite cozy there—you might find you want to linger a while after your arrival in the Hawkeye State.
While its name might translate to “of the Monks,” the Des Moines of today is no place for quiet retreat. This urban oasis in the Great Plains is a bustling city of hundreds of thousands of Iowans and home to an array of natural, cultural, and culinary delights. The city’s centerpiece is the stunning State Capitol building, the only five-domed capitol in the United States. This stately 19th-century structure is not only home to the state’s legislature, but also the annual World Food Prize ceremony that draws visitors from all over the world.
It’s a fitting site for the award to be given out: The city possesses one of the highest counts of restaurants per capita in the entire country. Just blocks from the State Capitol is the booming East Village neighborhood, the epicenter of the local food scene where foodies of all persuasions can find something (or many things) to whet their appetites.
When travelers aren’t busy indulging in the flavors of the city, there’s no shortage of other enticing activities. Art buffs will find much to enjoy in the Des Moines Art Center, which features an impressive collection of modern American masterworks. Meanwhile, nature lovers will have plenty to take in both along the riverfront and beneath the gigantic geodesic dome of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
This heartland destination is bursting with attractions to enjoy. Get there easily by booking a flight to Des Moines with Southwest®. Southwest Airlines offers regular flights to Des Moines International Airport, so that you can make your way to this Midwestern metropolis whenever it strikes your fancy. Book with confidence and enjoy a straightforward process from start to finish, from flight selection to checkout. Once your trip to Des Moines is booked, learn more about the Southwest® Experience and see everything that goes into making your trip a memorable one.
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Cities with daily nonstop flights Monday through Friday to DSM
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Cities with daily nonstop flights Saturday through Sunday to DSM
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*Weekly flights based on DOT published scheduled average flights Monday through Sunday between 4/1/2025 and 4/30/2025. Note: route may not operate every day of the week.
†Nonstop flights based on DOT published scheduled average flights Monday through Friday between 4/1/2025 and 4/30/2025.
‡Nonstop flights based on DOT published scheduled average flights Saturday through Sunday between 4/1/2025 and 4/30/2025.
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