Looking for a sophisticated and artsy escape near Indianapolis? Head to Carmel! Discover a vibrant arts scene, scenic trails, and upscale dining in this award-winning city. Whether you're into culture, cycling, or cozy cafes, Carmel blends Midwestern charm with urban polish.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Carmel is from late spring to early fall (May through October). Enjoy outdoor festivals, biking along the Monon Trail, and strolls through the Carmel Arts & Design District during warm, pleasant weather.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Carmel is located just off U.S. Route 31 and about 30 minutes north of downtown Indianapolis.
- By Air: The closest major airport is Indianapolis International Airport (IND), approximately 40 minutes away by car.
- By Bus or Rideshare: IndyGo bus service and regional rideshare options connect Carmel with the greater Indianapolis area.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Carmichael – Upscale boutique hotel on the Monon Trail with luxury rooms and a chic bar.
- Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel – Sleek and modern accommodations near business hubs and shopping.
- Hampton Inn Westfield – A comfortable and budget-friendly option just north of Carmel with easy highway access.
Top Attractions
⮕ Monon Trail
Walk or bike along scenic paths on a quick, affordable outdoor trip.
© photopixel/stock.adobe.com
The Monon Trail spans through central Indiana and is a paved, rails-to-trails path that connects to the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and downtown Indianapolis.
- Starting in Indiana’s Hamilton County, the trailhead for Monon Trail can be found on 96th Street in the town of Carmel before it travels over twenty miles through Grand Park, Westfield, and Sheridan, and past several of the area’s attractions.
- You can walk the trail or bring their bike to explore the trail.
- Bicycles can also be rented at one of the Zagster bike share stations.
- Free parking is also available at the 96th Street access point.
⮕ The Center for the Performing Arts
See concerts or plays on a romantic weekend filled with cultural attractions.
© The Center for the Performing Arts
The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana is a non-profit organization that operates a performing arts campus and provides arts programs to the local community and the surrounding area. Facilities of the performing arts center include the 200-seat Studio Theater, the 500-seat Tarkington theater, and the Palladium, which is the center’s 1,600-seat, state-of-the-art concert hall. Numerous events are held at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel throughout the year, and each season features leading performers in dance, international music, Great American Songbook, country, rock, pop, jazz, and classical music. The center also provides outreach and educational programs.
1 Center Green, Carmel, IN 46032, Phone: 317-843-3800
⮕ Coxhall Gardens
Explore fountains, trails, and gardens—great for spring photos or peaceful retirement strolls.
© indygreek/stock.adobe.com
The Coxhall Gardens in the nature-filled town of Carmel, Indiana is an interesting and unique park that has plenty just waiting for visitors to explore.
- The modern botanical park encompasses a total of 125 acres and consists of a recreation lake, 90-foot twin bell towers, and the elegantly beautiful Centerpiece.
- The Coxhall Gardens are also home to a Children’s Garden that features Tiki huts, a sundial, peek-a-boo hills, echo walls, and village stores.
- The gardens also hosts special events and private parties.
11677 Towne Rd, Carmel, IN 46032, Phone: 317-770-4400
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Peace Water Winery
Sip local wines and enjoy a romantic, relaxing stop with couples or friends.
© Peace Water Winery
The Peace Water Winery is the only locally-owned “California winery” in the state of Indiana. The wines made by Peace Water are handcrafted within the heart of Napa Valley in California, one of the best wine growing regions in the world. Visitors can sample some of these Napa Valley wines in the heart of Indiana at the Peace Water Winery Tasting Room.
37 W Main St, Carmel, IN 46032, Phone: 317-810-1330
⮕ Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre
Catch a play or musical during an easy, affordable night of live entertainment.
© Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre
The Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in Carmel is a unique combination of professional musicians, directors, and artists who combine their various expertise with talented avocational community performers to produce a variety of high caliber theatre performances throughout the year. The Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre also offers a wide array of outreach and educational programs designed to enrich the communities of Central Indiana. Established back in 1915, the theatre also happens to be the largest community theatre out of the over seventy located throughout the state of Indiana and has played a vital role in the cultural landscape of the town.
3 Center Green, Carmel, IN 46032, Phone: 317-843-3800
⮕ Cool Creek Park
Bring kids to explore trails, wildlife, and family-friendly outdoor sights.
© ant/stock.adobe.com
One of the most popular parks in Hamilton County, the Cool Creek Park offers an array of activities and features for both visitors and local residents alike. A great place for the entire family to spend an afternoon, the park spans across approximately ninety acres and is open throughout the entire year. There are around four miles of woodland trails, ideal for bird watching, jogging, or hiking, as well as scenic paved roads winding through the Cool Creek Park for rollerblading and bicycling. Another feature of the park is the Cool Creek Nature Center.
2000 E 151st St, Carmel, IN 46033, Phone: 317-774-2500
⮕ Art on Main Gallery & Gifts
Admire local art or find unique gifts on a quick weekend visit.
© Art on Main Gallery & Gifts
The Art on Main Gallery & Gifts provides a pleasant art gallery environment located within the heart of the Arts and Design District of Carmel, Indiana, offering visitors a mix of abstract, contemporary, and traditional gifts and artwork in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, along with digital photography. The gallery also maintains a wide price range on gifts, prints, and original works of art.
111 W Main St, Carmel, IN 46032, Phone: 317-564-4115
⮕ Carmel Old Town Antique Mall
Hunt for vintage treasures and enjoy a cheap, unusual browsing trip.
© Carmel Old Town Antique Mall
The Carmel Old Town Antique Mall is housed within a historical building in the historic district of Carmel, Indiana, a building that formerly was home to the town’s first fire truck. Originally starting out with just five dealers in 2002, the antique mall today is home to more than fifty specialty dealers, with booths selling a wide array of antique items, including vintage linens, jewelry, books, pottery, toys, furniture, and much more.
1005 3rd Ave SW, Carmel, IN 46032, Phone: 317-566-1908
⮕ Sol Hot Yoga Studio
Stretch and sweat in a rejuvenating, affordable class for couples or solo trips.
© fizkes/stock.adobe.com
The Sol Hot Yoga Studio in Carmel, Indiana is a family-owned and operated studio for the increasingly popular type of yoga. All of the hot yoga classes here are taught using a systematic therapeutic sequence, designed to help people quiet the mind and awaken the body, mindfully moving from simple postures to more complex ones. The gradual flow of yoga helps prevent injuries to the body. The Sol Hot Yoga Studio aims to integrate all of the senses during their classes through its state-of-the-art combination of sound, lighting, and temperature. Classes are offered at multiples times Sunday through Saturday.
7245 East 146th St, Carmel, IN 46033, Phone: 317-379-7216
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Carmel Arts & Design District – Explore galleries, public art, and unique boutiques in a charming downtown area.
- Midtown Plaza – Enjoy outdoor games, big-screen events, breweries, and food spots along the Monon Trail.
Where to Eat
- Bub’s Burgers & Ice Cream – Local favorite for juicy burgers and giant scoops of hand-dipped ice cream.
- Anthony’s Chophouse – Elegant steakhouse with rooftop dining and a refined cocktail bar.
- SUN KING Spirits Carmel – Lively spot for local craft spirits, gourmet bites, and weekend fun at Midtown Plaza.
If you are interested in local events:
- Carmel International Arts Festival (September) – Annual celebration of global art, music, and cuisine downtown.
- Carmel Christkindlmarkt (November–December) – Traditional German holiday market with crafts, food, and ice skating.
- Movies at Midtown (Summer) – Free outdoor movie nights at Midtown Plaza, great for all ages.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Carmel, Indiana:
- Indianapolis (30 min) – Visit the Indianapolis Zoo, Canal Walk, museums, and vibrant downtown dining.
- Fishers (15–20 min) – Explore Conner Prairie, shop at The Yard, or kayak the White River.
- Zionsville (15–20 min) – Enjoy charming brick streets, boutique shopping, and cozy cafes.
- Noblesville (15–20 min) – Tour historic downtown, enjoy concerts at Ruoff Music Center, or paddle Morse Reservoir.
- Eagle Creek Park (25–30 min) – Hike forested trails, zip line, or kayak in one of the Midwest’s largest city parks.
- Saxony Lake & Beach (20–25 min) – Relax by the water or rent a paddleboard near Fishers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Carmel located?
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The town of Carmel, just outside of busy Indianapolis, has been noted by both
Niche.com and
Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live in America.”
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What makes Carmel a great place to visit?
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Carmel, Indiana, is home to trails for biking and walking, numerous great
restaurants, a renowned arts scene, a winery, and much more.
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What outdoor activities are available in Carmel?
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Carmel is particularly great for anyone looking to take a break and get out into nature, with the town offering several parks and access to the Monon Trail.
The drive from downtown Indianapolis takes
30 minutes (23.2 miles via I-465 N).
Plan Your Trip