Carmel Arts and Design District Travel Guide

Indianapolis

Carmel Arts and Design District showing flowers, a fountain and signage
Carmel Arts and Design District
Carmel Arts and Design District which includes signage
Carmel Arts and Design District featuring outdoor art and a statue or sculpture
Carmel Arts and Design District featuring outdoor art

Search through the galleries and studios of Carmel's downtown arts district for antique pieces and unique works of art for your home. 

Go on a tour of the Carmel Arts and Design District, a booming cultural hotspot of galleries, antique stores, restaurants, interior designers and specialty retail shops. Purchase original paintings and sculptures, participate in classes and events that support the development of the arts or simply relax in a bustling enclave of creativity.

Enter the district through one of its four brick gateways. Browse the galleries and studios and purchase paintings and sculptures by local and international artists.

On the second Saturday of every month, join the free gallery art walk, an opportunity to quiz artists about their work and inspirations.

Open up your creativity in art classes hosted by a small number of galleries. For a full list of special events, visit the district’s official website.

As you make your way through the district, pause to study the outdoor life-size sculptures. Among them are painted figures of a street musician playing a violin, a police officer greeting a passerby and a gray-haired businessman sitting on a bench reading his newspaper. These works of art were created by J. Seward Johnson Jr., an American sculptor who is noted for the realism of his work.

Rummage through specialty stores and antique shops and pick up some home décor ideas from the district's interior designer showrooms.

Enjoy lunch, dinner and refreshments in any of the cafés and restaurants scattered throughout the area.

After your visit, consider a run, hike or bike ride. The district has direct access to the Monon Trail, a biking, walking and running trail that follows an old railway line through parts of Indiana. It links parks, state fairgrounds and commercial and residential areas.

The Carmel Arts and Design District is located in the heart of downtown Carmel, about 23 miles (37 kilometers) from downtown Indianapolis and about 27 miles (44 kilometers) from Indianapolis International Airport. Find free and paid parking spaces throughout the district.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Carmel Arts and Design District

Wyndham Indianapolis Airport
Wyndham Indianapolis Airport
3.5 out of 5
2544 Executive Dr, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ₹9,398 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹9,398
₹10,996 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,221 reviews)
"Nice rooms nice outside pool and patio i just wish there were more guest entrances our air wasn't working properly but maintenance was called and arrived in minutes nice restaurant with happy hours"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Wyndham Indianapolis Airport
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
4 out of 5
31 W Ohio St, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ₹9,540 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹9,540
₹11,162 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"This was a fine property to stay at."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
4 out of 5
One South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ₹15,085 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹15,085
₹17,650 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
One-night stay.
"It was a quick one-night stay; but the room, bedding, towels were clean, quiet, comfortable & soft. Pool was refreshing after a day outdoors in the high heat. Great location. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Hyatt Regency Indianapolis
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union Stn by IHG
Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union Stn by IHG
3.5 out of 5
123 W Louisiana St, Indianapolis, IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹8,614 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
₹8,614
₹10,179 total
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"Its literally a Train Station :)"

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union Stn by IHG
Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
3.5 out of 5
110 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ₹13,608 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹13,608
₹15,921 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"The bed was awesome fit like a glove you can control the atmosphere easily. It’s fairly quiet considering its location, but I did not like the entrance to the hotel for somebody who hasn’t been around there. I had to really fish for it and it didn’t make much sense, rather than that was a pleasant ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
Omni Severin Hotel
Omni Severin Hotel
4 out of 5
40 West Jackson Place, Indianapolis, IN
The price is ₹14,331 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹14,331
₹16,767 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (452 reviews)
Will stay again
"Very clean. Every staff member I came across was friendly. Rooms were clean. Having a balcony to over look the city was awesome. Just wish the bed was a bit more firm. I like a stiff mattress."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Omni Severin Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Carmel Arts and Design District

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Castleton

Travellers come to Castleton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Castleton Square and Dave & Buster's while you're in town.

Castleton
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Broad Ripple

While Broad Ripple isn't home to many top sights, Indianapolis Art Center and Holliday Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Broad Ripple
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Meridian-Kessler

If you're spending some time in Meridian-Kessler, Indiana State Fairgrounds and Marsh Grandstand are top sights worth seeing.

Meridian-Kessler
Fort Harrison State Park which includes autumn colours, forests and landscape views

Lawrence

You'll enjoy the restaurants and shopping in Lawrence. You might want to make time for a stop at Fort Harrison State Park or Post Road Recreation Center.

Lawrence
Eagle Creek Park featuring road cycling and autumn colours as well as an individual male

Pike

Pike is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Eagle Creek Park and SportZone while in the area.

Pike
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Near Northside

Well liked for its riverfront and historical sites, Near Northside is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Methodist Hospital and Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, and jump on the metro at Methodist Station to get around the city.

Near Northside

Carmel Arts and Design District Travel Guide