Quick Summary: 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,” which means it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s also home to trails for biking and walking, numerous great restaurants, a renowned arts scene, a winery, and much more. Carmel, Indiana is particularly great for anyone to take a break and get out into nature, with the town offering several parks and the Monon Trail.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Monon Trail ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Monon Trail | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© photopixel/stock.adobe.com

2. The Center for the Performing Arts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
The Center for the Performing Arts | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© The Center for the Performing Arts

3. Coxhall Gardens, Carmel, Indiana

Category: Activities
Coxhall Gardens, Carmel, Indiana | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© indygreek/stock.adobe.com

4. Peace Water Winery

Category: Food & Drink
Peace Water Winery | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© Peace Water Winery

5. Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre

Category: Entertainment
Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre

6. Cool Creek Park

Category: Activities
Cool Creek Park | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© ant/stock.adobe.com

7. Art on Main Gallery & Gifts

Category: Museums & Culture
Art on Main Gallery & Gifts | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© Art on Main Gallery & Gifts

8. Carmel Old Town Antique Mall

Carmel Old Town Antique Mall | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© Carmel Old Town Antique Mall

9. Sol Hot Yoga Studio

Sol Hot Yoga Studio | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© fizkes/stock.adobe.com

10. Great American Songbook Foundation Exhibit

Great American Songbook Foundation Exhibit | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© bunditinay/stock.adobe.com

11. Sugar Creek Winery

Category: Activities
Sugar Creek Winery | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© Sugar Creek Winery

12. Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream

Category: Kids & Family
Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream | Things to Do in Carmel, Indiana
© Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream

The drive from downtown Indianapolis takes 30 minutes (23.2 miles via I-465 N).


Best time to visit is May through September

You will find few crowds in September and have the beautiful city parks to yourself.

Source: National Weather Service

Month Average High (°F) Average Low (°F) Average Precipitation (inches)
January 35 19 2.5
February 40 23 2.3
March 52 32 3.8
April 63 42 4.1
May 73 52 5.1
June 82 62 4.2
July 86 66 4.0
August 84 64 3.6
September 77 56 3.3
October 65 45 2.8
November 52 34 3.6
December 40 24 3.1

Map:


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