Being the northern suburban city of Indianapolis, there are plenty of things to do in Carmel Indiana to help you make the most of your holidays. Carmel is a thriving city ranked consistently among the best cities to live in the United States. Hence, it can provide you with all the facilities and amenities to make your weekend holiday memorable.
With an extensive network of roundabouts, the city has earned the nickname ‘Roundabout City’. However, apart from this, the city also offers a variety of galleries, parks, cafes, boutiques and historical buildings that make this place a must-visit for a short stay.
Quick Book Guide to Best Hotels in Carmel Indiana
If you are planning a visit to Carmel Indiana and yet haven’t decided where to stay you can choose from these recommendations.
Staybridge Suites Indianapolis-Carmel, an IHG Hotel
Things to Do in Carmel Indiana for a Fun-filled Weekend Experience
1. Stroll Carmel’s Arts & Design District
While most cities have a downtown area, Carmel has the Arts & Design District. Hence, when you are visiting Carmel you must stroll this place especially if you are new to the city. If you are not sure what to do in Carmel this would be the right place to begin your tour.
This is an official Indiana Cultural District and here you can browse through a variety of retail stores, specialty shops, boutiques, design houses, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and even art displays.
2. Shop at Carmel City Center
Are you a shopaholic? Carmel City Center is one of the best places where you can make the most of your shopping experience. Here you can find shops for clothing, fashion, bath & body, jewelry, bikes and more.
The best part about Carmel City Center is that the entire area is walkable. Hence, this is one of the best things to do in Carmel IN, especially if you love to shop. You can also shop at locations like the Clay Terrace Lifestyle Mall which is one of the trendiest places in Carmel to shop.
3. Attend a Performance at The Center for the Performing Arts
While you are at Carmel City Center you can also spend your evenings enjoying a live performance at The Center for the Performing Arts. This is one of the best things to do in Carmel at night if you love catching music and dance performances.
The Center for the Performing Arts campus consists of three venues, The Palladium, The Tarkington and The Studio Theater. These provide you with an amazing experience when you are watching an orchestra performance, musicals or theatrical productions.
4. Buy Produce at Carmel Farmers Market
One of the best ways to know more about Carmel is to visit the Carmel Farmers Market. This is one of the best places where you can find and buy fresh produce. This is one of the largest markets in the state offering a variety of products apart from fruits and vegetables.
Here you can also shop for baked goods, prepared foods, artisanal food items and much more. This also is a great space where you can interact with the locals and get to know more about the city.
5. Splash at Monon Waterpark
If you are interested in a fun day with your family and kids you can head to Monon Waterpark. This is one of the best things to do in Carmel with kids. This is one of the best local attractions where you can take your kids for a picnic where they can splash and enjoy water games and activities.
The park is equipped with a kiddie pool, an activity pool, and six 25-meter lanes that make it easier to splash in the water. The park also has a surf simulator where kids can enjoy and even learn how to surf. Those who want to take it easy can float down the lazy river or rent private cabanas and relax.
6. Pedal the Monon Trail
One of the top attractions in Carmel IN is Monon Trail. This is one of the best trails that you can try if you prefer walking or cycling. This is one of the best things to do in Carmel Indiana if you want to spend your day leisurely alone or with family.
The trail runs down downtown Indianapolis and further to Broad Ripple, Carmel and Westfield. The trail was formerly a railroad route but now it offers an excellent path for bikers who want to enjoy scenic views in and around Carmel.
7. Play Golf in Carmel
If you are interested in a game of golf, Carmel can provide you with various golf courses that would allow you to enjoy the scenic view. Here you can find various 18-hole lush green golf courses that you can enjoy during your visit.
You can explore options like the Crooked Stick Golf Club, Woodland Country Club, Prairie View Golf Club and Pebble Book Golf Club. These offer you a great way to spend your holidays in Carmel.
8. Relax at Midtown Plaza
One of the best things to do in Carmel for first timers is unwind at Midtown Plaza. This is one of the best places where you can just stroll the area, enjoy some delicious food and drinks and spend the day the way you like.
9. Spend Time at Public Parks
One of the best things to do in Carmel is spend time the way you want at various public parks. Carmel has some of the loveliest public parks where you can relax and unwind. This would ensure that you can have a great time here when you have nothing much to do.
Parks like West Park, Meadowlark Park, Coxhall Gardens, Central Park and Harrison Park are some of the options that you can try when you are in the city.
10. Relish Local Cuisine
Carmel has plenty of restaurants, bars and eateries that allow you to enjoy the local and international cuisine. Hence, if you are into food, you can hop across various places where you can find some delicious food and drinks.
Carmel is also known for its ice cream parlors so make sure you visit options like Alexander’s and Big Hoffa’s Freezery while you are in the city.
Known for its amazing lifestyle there are plenty of things to do in Carmel Indiana that would add to your experiences and allow you to make the most of your visit to the city alone or with family.
