Whether you have family or friends in Indianapolis, are traveling for pleasure or even business, there are plenty of fun things to do. Bookmark this page so you have a reference for your next trip to Indy!
Before we start, if you need a way to get around the area, we recommend checking out Turo car rentals. We used the service on a recent trip to Indy and absolutely loved the ease and price of the car sharing service. The fact that we are able to get a BMW for less than the price of the Ford Focus we’d have gotten with other car rental companies was definitely a perk!
Here are the best things to do and see in Indianapolis!
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
You don’t have to be a racing fan to enjoy a trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. They have a wonderful museum and you can take a tour to the top of the pagoda, kiss the bricks and maybe even drive around the track. Get more info here.
And while you’re there, you can wander over to Speedway’s Main Street and grab some pizza and a beer. The entire town was developed around the track.
Mass Ave.
This five-block area is home to bars and restaurants, art galleries, and a number of eclectic, independent boutiques. Our favorite is a brewery a few blocks off the avenue called St. Joseph Brewery & Public House. Opened in 2015, the pub is housed in the former home of the Catholic parish of St. Joseph, established in 1873.
Bottleworks District
After you’ve wandered around the five blocks of Mass Ave., end up at the Bottleworks District. A fusion of past and present, the complex is developed around the iconic Coca-Cola building. There’s a theater, entertainment center, bars, restaurants, food hall, hotel and more!
Broad Ripple
Just north of the city, you’ll find the neighborhood of Indy with the most free-spirited vibe. Broad Ripple features laid-back cafes, lively brewpubs and the Vogue, an ex-moviehouse that hosts dance parties, concerts, burlesque shows and multiple bars. The Vogue originally opened as a movie theater in 1938 and became what it is today in 1977.
On our most recent visit to Indy, we dined at Petite Chou, a snug French bistro that pairs bubbly and crêpes alongside an upscale dinner menu.
The Cake Bake Shop
As if the desserts aren’t enough of a reason to visit this restaurant, the aesthetic makes it the most picture perfect place to dine. From the white interior complete with the most gorgeous chandeliers, antique mirrors and pink accents to the festive mushrooms and floral adorned swing out front, you’ll feel like you’ve slipped into the rabbit hole for a tea party with Alice! Celebrity fans include Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, The Jonas Brothers, Justin Timberlake, Rachael Ray, Garth Brooks and many many more! The Carmel location is our fave, though there’s also one in Broad Ripple.
While you’re in Carmel City Center, swing by the children’s boutique Hey Little Diddle. We found the cutest baby gifts there!
Gallery Pastry Shops
Another favorite place to dine is at one of the Gallery Pastry spots. They have three locations and we’ve been to two of them. They each have an all day brunch menu that’s to die for, tasty cocktails and, of course, pastries. Bonus: the shops are very aesthetically pleasing making them great for the gram. Check out all three locations here.
Murals
Mural hunting is always a fun way to spend a day and Indy has a lot to be on the lookout for. A few of our faves include Dolly at Amelia’s Bread, Rainbow Wall, Cityway Wings, Dream Big and Kiss Kitties. But there are SO many more. This is a great resource to find all the best street art in Indianapolis!
Filming Locations
Whenever we visit any city, we love to look up what movies were made in the area. Some of the best sports movies were filmed in Indiana. The field from Eight Men Out is in Indy! It was the stand in for Comisky Park, the old home of the Chicago White Sox. It’s been very creatively converted to condos, complete with the field right outside resident’s balconies. The gym from Hoosiers is also nearby. And if you’re willing to venture deeper into Indiana, you can visit the homes of the Rockford Peaches AND the Racine Belles. You can find all of the locations here.
Looking for more filming location recs and other travel tips? Check out these posts:
- Who Knew You Can Find The Best Harry Potter Store In Massachusetts
- Chicago Filming Locations You Need To Visit Before They’re Gone
- Favorite Filming Locations In Las Vegas, Plus More Free Fun To Be Had In Sin City
- Take A Trip To Oregon And Visit The Goonies Filming Locations
- Spilling The Tea On The Best Way To Visit Hocus Pocus Filming Locations
