City of Des Moines Marina — Attraction in Des Moines

Update: There have been numerous positive reviews popping up lately, and they seem to be either coming from the residents of the Marina, or just poorly educated or misinformed individuals on what is actually offered to consumers as options. Des Moines residents are able to purchase an annual pass for $30...but, NOT a Des Moines resident? The annual pass will set you back $90. To put that in to perspective, for $30 you can purchase a Discover Pass which will allow you uninhibited access to ALL state parks for an entire year, and valid for up to two vehicles! Not endorsing the state by any means, but calling out the ludicrousy of a $90 fee to take in all the Marina has to offer, registered to only one vehicle, and not valid after 10pm. Just sayin... I used to absolutely love spending the day at the marina, it was a local go-to whenever my wife and I had the day off, and was a perfect place to picnic, spend the day with our boys, and enjoy the beautiful water and area. However, now that there is pay to park enforcement, a gate which is locked halfway through the park, inexplicably forcing you to exit and commute through the local residences, only to reenter at the opposite side, and bright yellow cement posts and traffic gates built around the entire Marina creating a sense of imprisonment, policing, and bold punishment, this place has lost its magic and freedom. The Puget Sound is a beautiful and large body of water, and the marina in Des Moines has effectively removed themselves from a vast list of gorgeous and rewarding destinations to enjoy and take in all the great Northwest...

what a beautiful place , i love it here . i caught my biggest salmon going fishing from out of this place . i left the boat at the marina for a week to fish . i got up late drove boat to 3 tree point started fishing about 11 am very shortly after i got a bite , i was using my trout pole with 15 lb line & a 3 once banana weight and a cut herring to spin . the fish smoked my real . i was running out of line . i told my friend start the boat up chase the fish to get my line back . i said this reel will not real this fish in its to small a reel . the only way i could real in was to lift pole up and real in while bringing pole down . after 2 times chasing the fish to get my line back . i got the fish to the boat . first try with the net scared it . the second try we got it . both me and my friend pulled the fish & net in the boat. the king salmon was 33 lbs. 15 ounces . i said were going home , my friend said why , i said were done i wanna get pictures while this fish is shining chrome brite. we fished less than 1 hour & went home left boat at the marina . the fish did win the contest for the biggest fish caught that month . there used to be a little fishing store at the marina they did the contest. Des Moines Marina...

I have taken this trip from Des Moines twice with my husband. From the easy ticketing and parking to the friendly greeting and lovely marina, even the beginning of the trip was delightful.

We were onboarded by an upbeat crew who introduced us to the comfortable cabin, complete with a galley offering warm and cold drinks and seats with tray tables.

The trip was fast and smooth with an option to view our trip from the outdoor, back deck or follow our route on an active screen inside.

The destination harbor hosts the Seattle Downtown Anthony's and that is the beginning of the walkable offerings on the Seattle Waterfront.

With our 4-hour visit we were able to have lunch at Ivar's, ride the wheel, tour the Harbor Steps (a prototype of what Des Moines has planned for their Marina), and walk the Market.

The return trip home was pleasant and we were greeted home by more passengers awaiting and adventure.

One realization from the day was that most of the dining offerings on the Seattle side were a further walk than almost every dining experience available in Des Moines.

A trip from Seattle to dine in Des Moines would be a treat on several levels.

Hope the City continues to host this...