Greater South Side Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Greater South Side
Popular places to visit
Gray’s Lake Park
Bring your towel and fishing rod to enjoy life’s simplicities in a pleasant park just outside downtown in this major urban center.
Adventureland
Bring the family to Adventureland and enjoy this exciting theme park in Altoona. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene and lively festivals.
Iowa State Capitol Building
A city landmark, this interesting building showcases design and architectural features that created a grand impression in the late 1800s and still inspire today.
Living History Farms
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Living History Farms during your travels in Urbandale. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Experience the tropics in an indoor garden oasis nearly 100 years old alongside a meandering river in this Midwestern city.
Our pick of the best Greater South Side Hotel Deals
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2025
Hampton Inn Des Moines-Airport
Reviewed on 22 Aug. 2025
Holiday Inn Des Moines-Airport/Conf Center by IHG
Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025
Quality Inn & Suites Des Moines Airport
Reviewed on 19 Aug. 2025
AmericInn by Wyndham Des Moines Airport
Reviewed on 20 Aug. 2025
Ramada Tropics Resort & Conf Center by Wyndham Des Moines
Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Greater South Side
Grays Lake
While Grays Lake isn't home to many top sights, Gray’s Lake Park and Lauridsen Amphitheater are some notable places to visit nearby.
Indianola Hills
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Indianola Hills and surrounding area, you can visit Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
Southwestern Hills
Though Southwestern Hills may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Air Lanes Bowling Center and Gray’s Lake Park.
Watrous South
While there might not be top attractions in Watrous South, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Blank Park Zoo and Air Lanes Bowling Center.
Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Polk County Courthouse while you're in town.