Breakfast: The Breakfast Club
If you’re looking for the freshest and tastiest breakfast around, head to the Breakfast Club in Des Moines’ historic East Village.
Need a quick fix? Scenic Route Bakery
Seek Adventure In... Des Moines
Morning: Gray’s Lake Park
Spend the rest of your morning taking a hike around the two-mile trail for great views of nature and downtown Des Moines.
Need to rent a bike? Check out B Cycle.
Lunch: Iowa Tap Room
The Iowa Tap Room supports the growing tradition of diversity, creativity and excellence in Iowa beer. Pair your beer with their hand-breaded tenderloin sandwich or bulgogi tacos for an amazing mid-day meal.
Want something out of the ordinary? Zombie Burger
Afternoon: Lauridsen Skatepark
Admire the sights and skills at the largest skatepark in the country, which happens to be located along the Des Moines River and Principal Riverwalk.
More climber, less skater? Check out Climb Iowa.
Evening: Secret Admirer
Located inside a historic 1900 boiler house, Secret Admirer is one of the best speakeasy-style cocktail bars in Des Moines.
Ready to keep the fun going? Hello, Marjorie
Stay: AC Hotel by Marriot
Spend a night in luxury at this modern hotel in the East Village. Don’t forget to enjoy a drink on the rooftop bar!
Breakfast: Americana
This elegant restaurant offers some of the best brunch around with its All-You-Can-Eat/Drink breakfast and Bloody Mary and Mimosa bar.
Want Day 2?
Our experts curated this overnight trip that will leave you hyped for more. Enter your email address and we will share all the trip details for both days with our downloadable PDF so you can focus on the important stuff, what to pack and road trip snacks!
Explore more about Des Moines
For more fun, explore history and the arts at the State Historical Museum or the Des Moines Art Museum and Mainframe Studios. Spend a night full of laughter at Teehee’s Comedy Club, go on a shopping spree in the historic Valley Junction, sample Iowa wines at Jasper Winery or explore the agrihood of Middlebrook Farm.
Visit Des Moines