Out with your pals? Doing some sightseeing? Head to these Des Moines spots to snap a selfie
You’ve nailed down your head tilt for the most flattering angle.
You’ve asked the person with the longest arms in your group to snap the photo.
And you can’t wait to share on your social media or send to loved ones of what you’re up to.
But do you love your background?
There’s Instagram-worthy spots all over Des Moines, and the Des Moines Register visited just nine of them to help you out the next time you want to snap the ultimate selfie in Des Moines.
Best spots for a selfie when you’re out with your girls
Hello, Marjorie
This Des Moines bar boasts a neon sign in hot pink that reads, “The prettiest girls in the world live in Des Moines” to the right of its entrance. The quote from Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" is a fabulous and easy spot to snap a pic, though the entire bar is worthy of making it on to your social media. Consider using flash with the front-facing camera to bring some light to your face in the otherwise dark bar. Or, skip the flash and let the pink glow do its magic.
Location: 717 Locust St. in Des Moines
Monarca Paletas
Wherever you turn inside the locally owned dessert shop, you’ll find a fun background for a selfie. Monarch butterflies with bodies that are paletas, the Mexican dessert that resembles a popsicle but is made of ice cream, adorn a wall with a neon yellow sign that says “Treat yo’ self.” To the left of the store’s entrance is a mural of butterfly wings perfect to stand in front of, and the back of the shop has seating against a mural of Frida Kahlo you’ll want to show off on social media.
Location: 9901 University Ave., Suite 150 in Clive
Best spots for a selfie to impress an out-of-towner
Iowa State Capitol’s Law Library
Practically anywhere inside the Iowa State Capitol will make for a grand photo, but make sure you visit the Law Library on the second floor. Books are shelved from the library's floor to its high ceilings and ornate décor and light fixtures will mesmorize everyone, book lovers or not. For added fun, step up the spiral staircase to the left of the library upon your entrance, but be sure to adhere to the the rules about how far up you can go.
Location: 1007 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines
Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
The pedestrian bridge at the north end of the Principal Riverwalk has incredible views whichever direction you’re walking in — from the Iowa State Capitol and the East Village to downtown high-rises and the Des Moines River, which glistens on a sunny day and reflects the city lights at night. The bridge is also lit in the evening, making it the perfect place to capture pictures at any time of the day.
Location: Principal Riverwalk in Des Moines
Best spots for a selfie with your family
Heritage Carousel of Des Moines
Heritage Carousel of Des Moines at Union Park celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. Hop on a zebra, horse, giraffe and other animals for just a dollar, or 50 cents for children, and enjoy a charming spin around a carousel that is carved from basswood and hand painted.
Location: 1801 Pennslyvania Ave. in Des Moines
Beaverdale garden mural
Escape to the mural depicting a garden in the Beaverdale neighborhood when you want a stunning background with little effort on your part. You can stand nearly anywhere in front of the large mural that depicts sunflowers, butterflies and other flora and capture a delightful pic with little adjustment or need for poses. The mural is by Geri Boesen and Joshua Spain.
Location: Near the Franklin Barbershop, 2701 Beaver Ave. in Des Moines
'Cheers from Des Moines' mural
The mural outside Exile Brewing Co. is the perfect spot to send a digital postcard to loved ones. Painted by Ben Schuh in 2016, the mural depicts the Iowa State Capitol, downtown high-rises and bicyclists riding through. Due to how wide the mural is, don’t hesitate to prop your phone up against a parking meter, use your water bottle or anything sturdy and set a timer on your camera app to capture a full-body photo, no additional people needed.
Location: 1514 Walnut St. in Des Moines facing S.W. 16th Street.
Best spots to capture the beauty of Des Moines
Iowa State Capitol
The Iowa State Capitol makes this list twice, and for good reason. Do you want a stunning backdrop of the building with golden domes? Do you want to face the capitol building in favor of capturing some of downtown behind you? You’re likely to spot other people snapping photos there, so this is a perfect place to visit if you’re shy about taking selfies. Park along Finkbine Drive and either head toward to West Capitol Terrace or up the steps to the Iowa State Capitol depending on what you want your background to be.
Location: 1007 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines
Gray’s Lake Park
Virtually anywhere you stand you can capture a scenic sight at the popular Des Moines lake. Step on to the pedestrian bridge that spans the lake where you can enjoy the sight of the water and the city skyline off in the distance. Sunset is a particularly beautiful sight thanks to the largely unobstructed views of the skyline.
Location: 2101 Fleur Drive in Des Moines
More: New public art in Des Moines includes a mural made by summer campers, a staircase of koi
Have another favorite place to shoot a selfie? Send us a note at [email protected].
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Take selfies at Gray's Lake, Monarca Paletas, and more in Des Moines
