7 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.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Wed): don't miss a visit to USS Indianapolis Memorial. On your second day here, enjoy breathtaking views from City-County Building Observatory, examine the collection at Rhythm! Discovery Center, take an in-depth tour of Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens, then do a tasting at Urban Vines Winery & Brewery Co., and finally admire the masterpieces at Indianapolis Art Center.

For photos, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Indianapolis travel route planning app.

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, expect Indianapolis to be slightly colder, temps between 41°F and 27°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Fri) so you can 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. Get some cultural insight at Monterey Bay Food Tours and San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission. The adventure continues: get to know the fascinating history of Pacific Grove Oceanview Boulevard, tour the pleasant surroundings at Carmel River State Beach, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Monterey Bay Aquarium, and trek along Scenic Road Walkway.

To find photos, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Carmel trip planner.

Getting from Indianapolis to Carmel by flight takes about 8.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Indianapolis to Carmel, you'll gain 3 hours due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Indianapolis in December, plan for warmer days in Carmel, with highs around 62°F, while nights are somewhat warmer with lows around 43°F. You'll set off for home on the 29th (Tue).