Carmel Arts and Design District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A brick building with a fountain, a sign reading "Carmel Arts & Design District," and a street with cars and a truck.
A colorful building with a mural, a street lamp, and a car parked on the street.
A sign for Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream with a burger illustration.
A person reading a book on a bench in an urban setting.
A person painting a landscape with a bridge and trees.

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.


Stay near popular Carmel Arts and Design District attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Carmel Arts and Design District Hotel Deals

Ironworks Hotel Indy

Ironworks Hotel Indy

4 out of 5
2721 E 86th Street Indianapolis IN
The price is NZ$312 per night from 26 July to 27 July
NZ$312
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Ironworks Hotel Indy
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown

3 out of 5
601 West Washington Street Indianapolis IN
The price is NZ$290 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$290
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,211 reviews)
"Easy check in, clean room"

Reviewed on 20 July 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Omni Severin Hotel

Omni Severin Hotel

4 out of 5
40 West Jackson Place Indianapolis IN
The price is NZ$299 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
NZ$299
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a 24-hour health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,152 reviews)
"We had an awesome stay at this hotel! Clean rooms that are very well cared for by the excellent housekeeping staff. The only problem was that one of the elevators was out of service so it took a few extra minutes to get up to our room. We were there to watch the Indiana Fever games as were many of ..."

Reviewed on 20 July 2026

Omni Severin Hotel
The Fontana Hotel

The Fontana Hotel

2.5 out of 5
7304 E 21st St Indianapolis IN
The price is NZ$218 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$218
22 July - 23 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very good! (1,018 reviews)
"very interesting look,rooms fine.When cleaning need more attention to.mold buildup corners showers.During breakfast needs better maintained Sunday staff needed help to maintain."

Reviewed on 20 July 2026

The Fontana Hotel
Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis North

Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis North

3.5 out of 5
3912 Vincennes Rd Indianapolis IN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$275 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
NZ$275
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a free local area shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis North
Best Western Plus Indianapolis North at Pyramids

Best Western Plus Indianapolis North at Pyramids

3 out of 5
9320 N Michigan Rd Indianapolis IN
The price is NZ$179 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$179
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Indianapolis. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very good! (1,003 reviews)
"Everything was pretty clean. We would probably stay again. We used the sofa bed and under the cushions the bottom of the bed part was dirty, like someone was eating candy and it melted or smeared. At least it was under the bottom side."

Reviewed on 19 July 2026

Best Western Plus Indianapolis North at Pyramids
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.

Our guide on where to stay in Carmel Arts and Design District

Find the best Carmel Arts and Design District areas for the activities you enjoy most.

Downtown Indianapolis

Enjoy the popular shops in Downtown Indianapolis. Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Canal Station or Indiana University-Riley Station to see more of Indianapolis.

Mile Square

The fascinating museums and prominent monuments are top of the list for many visitors to Mile Square. A stop by Gainbridge Fieldhouse or Monument Circle might round out your trip.

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.

Wholesale District

While visiting Wholesale District, you might make a stop by sights like Gainbridge Fieldhouse and Indiana Repertory Theatre.

Speedway

You'll enjoy the museums and breweries in Speedway. You might want to make time for a stop at Indianapolis Motor Speedway or Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.



Carmel Arts and Design District Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: