Date Day in Des Moines 

When it comes to romance, Des Moines is pretty much the Paris of the Midwest. Don’t believe us? Why else would Raygun tell us that “Des Moines is French for The Moines"? Is that love in the air? Or just the smell of Steak de Burgo? (Same thing if you ask us.)  Des Moines has quietly evolved into one of the Midwest’s most surprisingly fun date-day cities. This updated itinerary blends classics with newer energy, so your day feels fresh, not predictable.

OPTION 1: FOR BIG CITY VIBES

Hotel: Des Lux

Nestled in the heart of downtown, Des Lux is the perfect place to call home when exploring the city. With rich woods, elegant brick, and some of the largest rooms in the city featuring whirlpools and fireplaces, all the elements for romance are there. Now it's up to you to seal the deal.   

Hold off on that continental breakfast this morning because you're going to want to save room to sample from the 300+ vendors across the street at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market. Taking place every Saturday morning from May-October, it's the perfect place for holding hands and strolling along 25,000 of your closest friends. Sip on a cold brew latte from Northern Vessel’s iconic green tent and pick up a bouquet of sunflowers, making for a perfect selfie accessory when you pose in front of the mural wall near RoCA.   

When you've had your fill of pupusas and performers, head across the river to Historic East Village, which has both "effortless cool" and "quaint charm" in spades. Get a couple's massage at East Village Spa and then wander and explore over 200 shops, bars, and restaurants. Explore artsy shops like Sticks , the always fashion-forward Marne, Fontenelle Supply Co. for him, and the newly opened DSM Flea for vintage/thrift finds.

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Pop up into The Republic on Grand for a midday drink and some snacks, paired with some of the best skyline views of the city. Order a flatbread or two to share and check out their seasonal drink menu for hand-crafted specials. Once the sun begins to go down, it’s time to check out some of the nightlife offerings in downtown Des Moines. See a touring Broadway show or orchestral performance at the Des Moines Civic Center.  If live shows aren’t your thing, then check out the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden during the summer for their extended daytime hours, or their Dome After Dark events during the winter months. 

Dinner can come in all kinds of cuisines and flavors in downtown Des Moines. If you’re looking for an excuse to dress to the nines and get an experience you won’t forget for months, we’d recommend James Beard semifinalist, Oak Park for Des Moines’ premier fine dining spot. For something a little more laid back, yet still has ultimate class, Harbinger on Ingersoll has plated dishes and tasting menus that are pure art. For something more casual, Eatery A serves up Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian twist while Lua Brewing has all the lowkey brewery vibes with excellent food to match. 

On your way back to the hotel, make sure to stop for a nightcap at Hello, Marjorie. The only thing more famous than its craft cocktails is its neon "All the Prettiest Girls in the World Are From Des Moines" sign (it's a Jack Kerouac quote, but even if you didn't know that, it's true). Or jump back over to the East Village for an inventive cocktail from another 2026 James Beard semifinalist, The Contrary, in what’s probably the coolest place in the metro. Rotating DJs spin bumping tracks every single night for a cozy, yet hip atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else. Find a dark corner to enjoy your cocktail and plan your next night out in Des Moines.

 

 

 

 

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OPTION 2 – FOR ART AFICIONADOS  

Hotel: Surety Hotel

The newest and arguably coolest addition to the downtown Des Moines hotel scene is the Surety Hotel. Not only is it a gorgeous space, but it celebrates local art and artisans at every touchpoint, from décor to events. Whether it's the art in the guestrooms or the pottery in the hotel restaurant (Mulberry Street Tavern), the Surety is as unique as it is beautiful.

Des Moines is one of the artsiest cities in the Midwest (promise!), so you'd be well served to begin your day exploring the Des Moines Art Center. With an interesting assortment of rotating exhibits and a permanent collection featuring pieces from artists including Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe, you're guaranteed to come away feeling both enlightened and inspired. (Plus, it's free. Free is always good.)

For lunch, head over to HoQ, which specializes in sustainable farm-to-table food (90% local ingredients, to be exact). With a rotating menu depending on what's in season, you can't go wrong with any of their options, from grass-fed burgers to salmon on a sweet bun.

After lunch, take a stroll through the iconic Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the crown jewel of downtown. With 4.4 acres containing over 30 works of art, it's impossible not to find the perfect selfie spot for what will indeed become a "framer." Then, explore Mainframe Studios, which is the largest non-profit art studio building in the nation and home to over 75 artists and galleries and where you'll find everything from jewelry and clothes to paintings and photography.

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At this point, you'll probably be feeling inspired to do a little redecorating, so you can head over to West End Architectural Salvage. Featured on HGTV's "West End Salvage," where there are four floors of unique art and furniture custom created and curated from New York, Chicago, England, and the Middle East. Not to mention a cute coffee shop on the first floor.   

For entertainment, there is no shortage of performing arts to choose from. An award-winning play at Des Moines Playhouse. A concert or comedy show at the historic and beautiful Hoyt Sherman Place (built in 1877). Or class it up at Noce, the premier home for jazz and cabaret in Des Moines hosting local and national acts, with a world-class cocktail bar.   

Dinner can be art, in more ways than one. Head over to Highland Park for a true DIY feast of fondue at the Highland Underground. Not into the contained messiness of fondue that is reminiscent of a Jackson Pollock? Get a more contemporary approach to your dinner with Masao, named James Beard semifinalist in 2026. Their French-Asian cuisine is meticulously handcrafted for an experience you’re unlike to find anywhere else in the Greater Des Moines area. Your nightcap? A cocktail at Bartender’s Handshake, where the spirits are experimental and the bar is dimly lit for that perfect underground “I know a place” atmosphere.

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OPTION 3 – FOR ACTIVE LOVERS

Hotel: Hotel Patee    

Located about 40 miles north of the hustle and bustle of downtown is Hotel Pattee, one of the most historic hotels in the state. Built in 1913, it's known as one of the finest historic boutique hotels in the world. It has 40 individually themed guestrooms, a state-of-the-art bowling alley, a charming café, spa, and a library. It's the perfect getaway in and of itself, and the drive to and from Perry is a scenic one.     

The couple that plays together stays together! Start your day reconnecting with nature (and each other) by taking a bike ride on the High Trestle Trail. Throughout 25 miles, you'll wind through gorgeous Iowa farmland and five charming small towns, with plenty of stops for a bite or brew, including the popular Flat Tire Lounge in Madrid, Nitehawk Bar and Grill in Slater, and Firetrucker Brewery in Ankeny.   

Of course, no bike ride on the HTT is complete without the requisite selfie on the spectacular High Trestle Bridge. One of the tallest trail bridges in the world and adorned with 43 steel cribbing that arch over the bridge and glow blue at night, it's a breathtaking bucket list spot.

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Date days don't have to be stuffy; sometimes, it can be fun and games. So, check out Ironside Axe Club in West Des Moines because nothing says romance like channeling your inner Viking spirit. If your throwing game needs some work before going public, then check out Spare Time for bowling and laser tag or Dave & Buster’s for a night of arcade entertainment. If you haven't exercised all your competitive juices yet, try your hand at bocce ball, cornhole, shuffleboard, giant connect four, or interactive batting cages at Smash Park. Chill outside by the firepit and enjoy a pre-dinner drink to celebrate your day of activities, because no one likes a sore loser. 

Your dinner options in Greater Des Moines can be just as playful as you are. Basic Bird in the Beaverdale neighborhood brings Korean fried chicken to our metro with shareable options and a melt-in-your-mouth crunch. Either/Or is also a fun, lively yet cozy space with a firepit laden patio and dishes that are just as vibrant as they are.

Make Your Date Day, Des Best 

Along with this curated itinerary, we’ve put together an extensive guide to Des Best Date Spots in Greater Des Moines. Crowd-sourced and voted on by our locals, this covers restaurants and bars to attractions and experiences. Check out the list for more inspiration on how you can make your date day “des best”. 

Need more travel inspiration? Check out the rest of The Catch List itineraries, It's a Trip video, and Des Best lists to make Des Moines your next destination.