Dog-Friendly Des Moines, Iowa
From downtown pet-friendly hotels to brewery patios and off-leash parks, Des Moines makes an easy Midwest getaway with your dog.
Des Moines, IA
Best for Downtown Stays
Walkable downtown base that welcomes up to two dogs with weight limits and a straightforward per-stay fee.
East Village location near dining and riverfront paths, with pet-friendly rooms and made-to-order breakfast.
Best Dog-Friendly Dining
Large dog-friendly patio in Sherman Hill with firepits and a full food menu.
Popular brewpub with a dog-friendly patio and one of the city’s best casual food-and-beer pairings.
Best Play Spots
One of the City of Des Moines designated off-leash dog parks along the downtown river corridor.
A destination built for dogs, with off-leash play areas plus food and drinks for humans.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in and around Des Moines
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Downtown hotel near major attractions with a clear dog policy and easy access to city walks.
418 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit WebsiteEmbassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown
Suite-style stay in the East Village with pet-friendly rooms, breakfast, and quick access to downtown.
101 East Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit WebsiteHampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
River-adjacent downtown option with free breakfast and pet-friendly rooms close to Court Avenue and trails.
120 SW Water Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit WebsiteSurety Hotel, Autograph Collection
Stylish downtown boutique stay with a pet-friendly policy and easy access to central Des Moines.
206 6th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit WebsiteStaybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown
All-suite East Village hotel that works well for longer stays with your dog.
201 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit WebsiteHyatt Place West Des Moines/Jordan Creek
Convenient suburban option near shopping and parks, useful if you want more space and easier parking.
295 South 64th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants, Breweries, and Patios
Big Grove Brewery & Taproom
A favorite for patio hangs with dogs thanks to a large outdoor space, firepits, and a full kitchen.
555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit WebsiteLua Brewing
Acclaimed Sherman Hill brewpub with a dog-friendly patio and standout burgers, beer, and brunch.
1525 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit WebsiteExile Brewing Company
Western Gateway brewery with a spacious patio and a clear dog-on-patio policy.
1514 Walnut Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit WebsiteConfluence Brewing Company
Near Gray’s Lake with a dog-friendly beer garden and deck, plus water bowls available outside.
1235 Thomas Beck Road, Des Moines, IA 50315
Visit WebsitePaws & Pints
One of the metro’s most dog-centric hangouts, combining food, drinks, and dedicated dog play areas.
6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Visit WebsiteTupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Downtown Southern-inspired restaurant listed by the ARL as patio-friendly for dogs.
665 Grand Ave Ste 100, Des Moines, IA 50309
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks and Activities
Riverwalk Dog Park
Downtown off-leash option along the river and one of the City of Des Moines designated dog parks.
Ewing Dog Park
A designated City of Des Moines off-leash dog park with permit-based access.
Reno Memorial Dog Park
Another official City of Des Moines off-leash dog park covered by the city’s dog park rules.
Raccoon River Park Dog Park
Popular West Des Moines park destination with a dog park plus trails, lake views, and lots of room to roam nearby.
2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Visit WebsitePaws & Pints
A purpose-built dog outing spot with indoor and outdoor play plus food and drinks for people.
6218 Willowmere Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321
Visit WebsiteJester Park
Large Polk County park north of the city that works well for leashed walks, nature time, and a quieter outing.
11407 NW Jester Park Drive, Granger, IA 50109
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Des Moines
This plan mixes downtown sightseeing, patio meals, and off-leash play without too much driving.
Day 1: Downtown Arrival
Check into a pet-friendly downtown hotel like Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown or Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown, then take a leashed walk along the riverfront.
Head to the East Village for lunch and browsing, then let your dog stretch out at Riverwalk Dog Park.
Grab dinner and patio time at Lua Brewing or Exile Brewing Company, depending on which neighborhood you want to explore.
Day 2: Parks and Patios
Start with coffee and a relaxed neighborhood walk, then drive to Raccoon River Park for trails and dog park time.
Return toward the city for a long lunch or early beer at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom, where the patio is dog-friendly.
Spend the evening at Paws & Pints so your dog can play while you enjoy dinner or drinks.
Day 3: One More Outing Before Departure
Take a final leashed nature outing at Jester Park or revisit your favorite city dog park.
Stop by Confluence Brewing Company’s outdoor beer garden near Gray’s Lake before heading home.
Depart Des Moines after a low-stress final walk and water break for your pup.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Ames
35 milesCollege-town day trip with parks, patios, and an easy drive north of Des Moines.
Iowa City
115 milesA lively university city with walkable districts and several dog-friendly patios.
Cedar Rapids
125 milesGood option for a longer Iowa road trip with parks, trails, and brewery stops.
Omaha
135 milesA bigger-city getaway west of Des Moines with more dog-friendly dining and urban trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in Des Moines?
Yes. Iowa allows food establishments to permit pet dogs on outdoor patios if they follow state rules, including separate outdoor access and posted dog rules. Dogs are not allowed inside food establishments unless they are service animals.
Do Des Moines dog parks require a permit?
City of Des Moines dog parks operate under city rules that require a dog park permit, along with current licensing and rabies vaccination requirements.
What part of Des Moines is best for staying with a dog?
Downtown and the East Village are the easiest bases for visitors because they put you close to pet-friendly hotels, river walks, patios, and quick drives to dog parks.
Are there off-leash beaches in Des Moines?
Not as a standard city feature. Des Moines is better for dog parks, riverfront walks, and large green spaces than for off-leash beach access.
What should I know before visiting Paws & Pints?
It is more than a patio bar: it also operates as a dog-focused facility with play areas and check-in requirements. Travelers should review current vaccination and entry rules before visiting.
Ready to plan more dog-friendly Midwest trips?
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