Des Moines, Iowa, is the capital and most populous city of Iowa, located in the central part of the state. Known as a hub for insurance, finance, and politics, it hosts several Fortune 500 companies and serves as a key location for presidential caucuses. The city offers attractions like the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and the Iowa State Capitol, showcasing a mix of cultural, artistic, and historical landmarks. It also has a growing food scene, vibrant downtown, and numerous parks and trails for outdoor activities.
If you're a local and looking to escape for a weekend, keep reading. With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Des Moines, Iowa area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends on what you want to do at your destination.
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 3 Hour 29 Minute Flight
Why go?
Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Las Vegas
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from DSM - See flight deals
Allegiant from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $71+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2 Hour 8 Minute Flight
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Denver
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
United from DSM - See flight deals
Frontier from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $34+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 3 Hour 42 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Los Angeles
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $85+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
San Diego, California (SAN) - 3 Hour 37 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in San Diego
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $103+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 2 Hour 49 Minute Flight
Why go?
History and cool summertime temps!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Boston
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $99+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 1 Hour 35 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Chicago
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
American from DSM - See flight deals
United from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $189+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
It might not be the same city it was before, but it'll always make for a great weekend getaway.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in New York
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but you’ll pay peak rates for solid hotels.
Winter for Christmas festivities!
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from DSM - See flight deals
Delta from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $89+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 2 Hour 34 MinuteFlight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Washington DC
When to go?
Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
American from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $180+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 3 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Miami
When to go?
Any time of the year, but best is October - February for perfect weather. Avoid the spring break crowd in late Feb/early March the best you can.
Who can fly you there?
American from DSM- See flight deals
Allegiant from DSM- See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $59+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 2 Hour 21 Minute Flight
Why go?
Brew pubs, art, nightlife, Mexican food.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Atlanta
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $170+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 2 Hour 56 Minute Flight
Why go?
Theme parks. Disney & Universal. Bring bug spray and an umbrella if you go during the summer. It's not my favorite city, but there's a reason why it's the #1 tourism city year after year in the US.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Orlando
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from DSM - See flight deals
Frontier from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $67+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 1 Hour 37 Minute Flight
Why go?
Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Nashville
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $39+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 2 Hour 31 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Austin
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from DSM - See flight deal
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $46+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Portland, Oregon (PDX) - 3 Hour 38 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing. Oregon coast is only 1 hour away. Mt. Hood is nearby as well.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Portland
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $104+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 2 Hour 40 Minute Flight
Why go?
History, sports, cheesesteaks
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Philadelphia
When to go?
Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
American from DSM - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $132+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
