6 days in Indianapolis & Carmel Itinerary

Indiana's capital and most populous city, Indianapolis is best known for its racecar events and impressive museums, and as the hometown of Kurt Vonnegut.

On the 1st (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: enjoy breathtaking views from City-County Building Observatory, contemplate the long history of Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, have fun and explore at Children's Museum of Indianapolis, then indulge your thirst for a good beer at Urban Vines Winery & Brewery Co., and finally admire the masterpieces at Indianapolis Art Center.

For where to stay, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, read our Indianapolis day trip site.

Washington DC to Indianapolis is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Washington DC in December, things will get slightly colder in Indianapolis: highs are around 41°F and lows about 27°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sat) early enough to catch the flight to Carmel.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, often simply called Carmel, is a city in Monterey County, California, United States, founded in 1902 and incorporated on October 31, 1916. Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Sun): hike along Scenic Road Walkway, then immerse yourself in nature at Point Lobos, then get the lay of the land with Monterey Bay Food Tours, and finally admire the masterpieces at Casa Serrano, Historic Adobe. Here are some ideas for day two: take a memorable drive along 17-Mile Drive, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard, then meet the residents at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and finally stroll around Garland Ranch Regional Park.

To see ratings, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Carmel sightseeing planner.

You can fly from Indianapolis to Carmel in 8.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Indianapolis to Carmel, you'll gain 3 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Indianapolis in January, expect Carmel to be much warmer, temps between 62°F and 44°F. You will leave for home on the 5th (Tue).