Stick around the marina after dinner for dancing and live music at the local bars and clubs. While you stroll the streets, you can also enjoy spectacular views of the water or watch countless small crafts cruise on the water, bob on the waves, or moored at the docks.
The city of Des Moines has capitalized on its waterfront views and beautiful landscape by investing in an excellent trail system. The moderately challenging Des Moines Creek Trail offers the perfect escape from the suburbs and the city, enveloped in a lush canopy of trees overhead. It's also fully paved, so you can push a stroller, bring your wheelchair, ride your bike, or bring your dog so everyone can access and enjoy the area's natural beauty.
Pick up the Des Moines Creek Trail at Des Moines Beach Park and walk all the way to South 200 Street and back if you wish. It's 2 miles one way, making 4 miles round trip. Luckily there are plenty of benches along the way offering a place to catch your breath if needed.
You can get to Des Moines by car via Highway 509, the Pacific Highway, or Interstate 5. You can also take the RapidRide bus, the light rail, or take a flight to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which lies just 2 miles north of Des Moines. You can even moor your boat in Des Moines at the large city-operated recreational marina, which can accommodate hundreds of small crafts.
Many residents rely on these diverse transportation options to commute into Seattle or other regional communities every day. Others reside in the city while pursuing higher education at Highline College or CWU-Des Moines, a regional branch of Central Washington University.
All these transit options make Des Moines a highly connected community and a practical hub for business travelers and tourists. Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, you're sure to enjoy your visit to Des Moines.
What is the best time to visit Des Moines, WA?
Just like neighboring Seattle, Des Moines certainly has its rainy season. Come December, the chance of rain jumps over 50%, and that chance of rain lingers in the fortieth percentile from January through March. Even the late spring and late fall months can offer a 20-30% chance of rain or more. Your best bet for beach days is in July when the chance of rain drops to 9%.
The good news is that Des Moines' weather is relatively mild. Winter lows rarely dip below the upper 40s. Summer highs tend to be in the upper 70s, which makes for perfect hiking weather. Since Des Moines is so close to Seattle, there isn't a peak season per se, but hotel rates will likely be lowest during the rainy winter season.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Des Moines, WA:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Des Moines, WA. Analyze these illustrations to evaluate the most cost effective months to book a room in Des Moines throughout the year.
What are the best hotels in Des Moines, WA for luxury lovers?
4 Star Average Prices: $179.50
If you're looking for an elegant luxury property with classic style, head to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel just 15 minutes from Des Moines. Though the property is posh, the hotel staff gain high marks for their friendly and approachable service. You can pamper yourself at the full-service spa with indulgent treatments from massages to facials and body treatments. Visit the health club or indoor pool if you'd like to burn some calories, then wind down with a dip in the spa tub.
Call the concierge if you need to arrange tickets and limo service for a special night out, and if you have any children, you can take advantage of the hotel's convenient babysitting and childcare services for a surcharge. You don't even have to leave the hotel to enjoy an elegant evening.
Dine on French cuisine at The Georgian, one of two on-site restaurants. The hotel's coffee shop and cafe is the place for casual bites, and for days that you just want to take your time getting ready, enjoy a leisurely breakfast courtesy of room service. You can also host your own elegant events in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel's meeting rooms.
On the other side of the spectrum, cozy yet luxurious Cedarbrook Lodge offers comfort and charm in an upscale lodge-like setting. Though the property feels worlds away, it's located extremely close to the airport. The property offers a tranquil spa, beautiful grounds with terrace, a restaurant and bar, and ample event space and conference center. A 24-hour round-trip airport shuttle is also available, free of charge.
What options are in Des Moines, WA for the most affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $137.34
Clean, cool, and contemporary, the Hampton Inn Seattle Airport in SeaTac puts you close to the airport in a cool, yet affordable property. Guest rooms feature energizing pops of blue, orange, and crisp white that reinforce the fact that this property is clean and well-maintained. You can stay connected with complimentary wireless internet access while staying entertained thanks to the cable programming and flat-screen television. You can brew your own pot of coffee in the room, but instead, head downstairs for the free daily continental breakfast.
2 Star Average Prices: $87.49
Which hotels in Des Moines, WA offer the best discounts?
Best Western Seattle Airport Hotel is packed with style and amenities that can be yours at a great discount if you're a AAA member, military and government member, or senior.
During your stay, be sure to visit the indoor pool and spa tub, which is housed in a gorgeous, light-filled atrium, ringed in lounge chairs. The indoor tub leads to an outdoor terrace with umbrellas and more lounge chairs. It's the perfect place to retreat away from a large group or your family to read the news and enjoy a cup of coffee. There's also a fitness center, arcade and game room, complimentary area shuttle, and free daily breakfast service. You'll also enjoy complimentary wireless internet service and cable programming throughout your stay.
What hotels in Des Moines, WA have the best value?
Sleep Inn - SeaTac reflects the attributes that make Des Moines so desirable because it's located near the airport and the ocean. You can also easily get around to key sites like the Westfield Southcenter Mall and The Boeing Company. Guest rooms are stylishly appointed with contemporary design and welcome amenities like a flat-screen television, cable programming, complimentary wireless internet, a pillowtop bed, and free toiletries. You can enjoy the free breakfast service each morning, but if you crave late-night pancakes, you can also head to IHOP right downstairs.
How do you enjoy the waters in Des Moines, WA?
Des Moines is one of the few smaller communities in the Seattle area that offers direct access to the shoreline. Boating and fishing enthusiasts travel to Des Moines from near and far to access the city's public marina. Des Moines Beach Park is a favorite local hangout near the marina, where you can get in the water, enjoy a pleasant hike, or relax and enjoy a picnic while watching kids play at the playground. Parking is available on-site for a small fee by the hour or by the day.
Nearby, Saltwater State Park offers just what its name implies: endless saltwater vistas — 1,445 feet of beachfront, to be exact. The park's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities attract over 750,000 visitors per year. On one side of the beach, you'll find stretches of sandy beach that are perfect for swimming. The western side offers rocky tide flats and a submerged artificial reef that attracts more than just diverse underwater creatures. It's a popular scuba diving spot as well.
While the beachfront is the main attraction at Saltwater State Park, don't overlook McSorley Creek, which winds its way through a steep ravine. Salmon spawn here, and many other fish species live in the waterway and its tributaries. Explore the network of trails which take you from the ravine bottom, next to the creeks, and up through the woodland to plateaus, ridges, and cliff sides above.
Nearby Angle Lake Park in SeaTac offers all-around amenities for a full day of outdoor fun. Parents and kids will love the splash park and playground, while anglers and boaters can spend the day on the water using the park's boat launch. Come early to stake out a barbecue station for an outdoor cookout near the water.
In Redondo, the free MaST Center Aquarium will fascinate anyone who loves creatures of the sea. The aquarium operated by Highline College houses over 250 native species. Visitors get the chance to feed or touch some animals. You can also watch the volunteers on a "live dive," which is simulcast to televisions in the aquarium.
Come for the convenience and stay for the natural beauty and recreational options. Whatever you do during your stay in Des Moines, be sure to enjoy the water views, whether aboard a boat or by land.
FAQs about hotels in Des Moines
How much does a cheap hotel in Des Moines cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Des Moines can be as cheap as $87.49 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Des Moines cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Des Moines has been $137.34 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a luxury hotel in Des Moines cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Des Moines has been $179.50 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
Verified reviews of the city: Des Moines, WA
Below are reviews of the city of Des Moines, WA from an actual visitor's perspective.
"I truly liked that the city is looking updated"
Score
5.0 / 5
I truly liked that the city is looking updated & good! Good job Des Moines!
Lynette J., from 22-Sep-2026
"Event theater was wonderful"
Score
5.0 / 5
Desiree V., from 10-Mar-2026
"Beautiful "
Score
5.0 / 5
Beautiful. Close to the ocean. Being able to walk everywhere was a bonus. Excellent Restaurants and food.
Robert G., from 18-Jun-2025
"Love the proximity to the ocean!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Love the proximity to the ocean!
Jose D., from 13-May-2025
"Amazimg!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Quiet, friendly, and gorgeous!
Kevin M., from 05-May-2025
"Great location"
Score
5.0 / 5
The waterfront, and many restaurants to dinner and many personal services nearby
Fred O., from 27-Dec-2024
"Close to Airport"
Score
5.0 / 5
The closeness to the airport.
Madison W., from 15-Jul-2024
"Close to Marina & Park"
Score
4.0 / 5
It's an easy walk to a park by the marina. We saw a sea lion, six seals and a couple otters.
Jeremy J., from 24-Sep-2023
"A Cruise"
Score
4.0 / 5
Went on a cruise so didn't see city
Jackie M., from 14-Aug-2023
"Cruise "
Score
5.0 / 5
Went on cruise so didn't see city.
Jackie M., from 14-Aug-2023
"Clean!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Clean!
Duane S., from 07-Aug-2023
"Great Restaurants on Waterfront!"
Score
5.0 / 5
Always enjoy the waterfront. The restaurants and pubs we visited had great food and friendly staff.
Susan M., from 14-Sep-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Des Moines, WA shown above is
4.7 out of 5 based on 12 reviews