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Des Moines - Low Key

Relax In... Des Moines

The Drake Diner

Breakfast: Drake Diner

Since it opened in 1987, the Drake Diner has maintained its legacy as a local landmark that serves homemade comfort food. Grab an old-style diner booth or a seat at the bar and enjoy a delicious, classic meal.

  • Menu
  • Hours
  • Directions
  • Reviews

Looking for a more eclectic dining experience? Try Waveland Café.

Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Morning: Pappajohn Sculpture Park

Located in the heart of downtown, the park is home to over 30 sculptures created by 25 internationally renowned artists.

  • Park Guide
  • Audio Tour
  • Directions

Enjoy the great outdoors? Head to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.

Lua Brewing

Lunch: Lua Brewing

Located in the Historic Sherman Hill area, Lua quickly earned a place as one of the top 50 breweries in the world alongside the award for City View’s Best of Des Moines for Best Restaurant.

  • Menu
  • Hours
  • Directions
  • Reviews

Want more brews? Try Big Grove Brewery & Taproom.

West End Salvage

Afternoon: West End Architectural Salvage

Spend the afternoon exploring the four stories of antiques at West End Architectural Salvage.

  • Hours
  • Directions
  • Reviews
El Bait Shop

Evening: El Bait Shop

The classic American menu includes all your favorites, from wings, appetizers and Mexican favorites to burgers and comfort food classics. Pair your meal with a selection from one of the hundreds of beer choices.

  • Menu
  • Hours
  • Directions
  • Reviews

Want to keep the fun going? Head to Peace Tree Brewing.

The Surety

Stay: The Surety

Recognized as Des Moines’ premier four-star hotel, The Surety has everything you’re looking for in a relaxing stay. Grab a drink from the onsite Mulberry Street Tavern or admire the view from the large outdoor courtyard.

  • Reservations
  • Directions
  • Reviews
Homegrown Kitchen

Breakfast: Homegrown Kitchen

Check out this unique daytime eatery with a passion for building community with generosity and a shared love for culinary creativity – plus really good food.

  • Menu & Hours
  • Directions
  • Reviews

Want Day 2?

Our experts curated this overnight trip that will leave you recharged. 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!

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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

Want more of the unexpected?

Don’t worry, we have you covered. These pre-planned trips will you help you see Iowa from a whole new perspective and discover all the stuff you can’t see when you’re flying over.

Decorah Indianola Okoboji

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