Staycation in Indy? Here's How to Make the Most of It

Staycation in Indy? Check out our top ideas below for how to make the most of it.

First Things First, What is a Staycation?

A staycation is when you take a vacation relatively close to your home; most people consider close to home to mean staying in the city in which you live. Sometimes, you actually stay at home during a staycation and your vacation is simply a time away from work and other responsibilities where you can enjoy leisure activities without other commitments. Other times, you stay somewhere close to home, where you can feel like you’re getting away without really going that far away. This can be a great option for those without a ton of time off, who don’t love to travel, or who don’t want to commit a ton of time traveling somewhere else for vacation. 

However you think of a staycation, the purpose of a staycation is to relax and recharge while living like a local, which you are! Because the greater Indianapolis area is home to some of the most popular attractions in the country and an almost endless number of options to entertain yourself, your family, or anyone else with whom you’ve invited to staycation with you, we’ve compiled both our favorite things to do in Indianapolis and our favorite things to do during a staycation in Indianapolis below. Check them out and then tell us your favorites!

Where to Stay During a Staycation in Indianapolis

1. The Ironworks Hotel at Keystone Crossing in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an elegantly designed boutique hotel with beautiful, 19th-century American industry-inspired interiors, luxurious guest rooms, delectable dining options, shopping, a spa, and more. Part of the fun of a staycation is having the freedom to do whatever you want while also not actually having to leave if you don’t want to. Stay on property or leave and explore downtown Indy - this is a great spot from which to do either.

2. Hotel Broad Ripple with 19 cozy, unique rooms, several of which have balconies overlooking the Monon Trail and the White River.

3. The luxurious Conrad Indianapolis, featuring an elegant, artful decor, expansive pool, spa, dining, and much more. For another luxurious option, check out Hotel Carmichael in the Carmel Arts District.

4. Rent a historic Downtown Indianapolis townhouse, loft, or home - whether you’re staycationing solo or with a crowd, renting a property can be the perfect choice.

5. Discover the charm of an Indianapolis Bed & Breakfast or historic inn - if you’re looking for the best Bed & Breakfasts in Indianapolis, there are several amazing options from which to choose. We love B&Bs and many historic inns in Indianapolis offer the same one-of-a-kind experience, just not always with breakfast included. We love the Stone Soup Inn, located in the historic Old Northside neighborhood of Indianapolis, the Brick Street Inn in Zionsville, the charming, conveniently located Nestle Inn, the beautiful Harney House Inn in historic Lockerbie Square, the quaint, comfortable Old Towne Bed & Breakfast in Carmel, Indiana, and the Prairie Guest House, part of a 2-acre farm in Fishers, Indiana, with relaxing gardens, cottages, yoga, and more.

6. Looking for a staycation outside of Indianapolis, but still close to home? Check out some of the best historic inns and Bed & Breakfasts in Bloomington, Indiana for a truly delightful experience. Our favorites include the beautifully restored and conveniently located Grant Street Inn and the historic Wampler House boutique hotel in Bloomington.

What to Do During a Staycation in Indianapolis

1. Explore our 30 favorite things to do in Indianapolis in the spring, many of which are just as enjoyable other times of the year! 

2. Pamper yourself - there are several good spas in greater Indianapolis. Some of our favorites are A Place to Float, Perfect Balance Day Spa, Transformations Salon and Spa, and B.Bliss Spa, all in Indianapolis, and The Studio Salon and Spa in Greenwood, Indiana. For the best spas in Bloomington, Indiana, check out Tranquil Vibe Day Spa or Smooth Day Spa.

3. Walk the Central Canal - also called the Indy Canal Walk, the Central Canal is a 3-mile loop that goes past some of Indianapolis’s best attractions, like the Indiana State Museum, Victory Field, the Indianapolis Zoo, and White River State Park. You can rent a pedal boat or kayak, hire a gondolier, rent a segway, or simply walk the canal and enjoy spectacular views of the Indianapolis skyline, as well as admire art, architecture, and multiple memorials. The Central Canal is one of the best places to relax in Indianapolis as there’s so much space and it’s very clean. As a bonus, it’s free.

4. Enjoy one of our favorite restaurants - for some of the best restaurants in downtown Indianapolis, try Harry & Izzy's, Vida, Union 50, or The Oakmont. Or check out our city guides for our favorite restaurants in Indianapolis’ suburbs, as well as other things to do in Indianapolis and each of its suburbs.

5. Be a tourist in your own city - visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum, be awestruck at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, delight at the Indianapolis Zoo, check out Lucas Oil Stadium, see a baseball game at Victory Field, tour the Eiteljorg Museum, visit one of Indy’s beautiful gardens or parks like Garfield Park Conservatory and Sunken Garden or the Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens, or simply walk the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Monument Circle, or one of Indy’s charming neighborhoods.

6. Go shopping. Some of our favorite places for shopping are The Fashion Mall at Keystone Crossing, Circle Centre Mall, Castleton Square, Clay Terrace, exploring the shops along Mass Ave., and either Indianapolis’ trendy Broad Ripple neighborhood or the Carmel Arts and Design District.

7. Fall in love with Southern Indiana. There’s so much to do in Bloomington, Indiana. Be a tourist and stroll Kirkwood Avenue’s many shops, eateries, and bars. Explore the Indiana University campus. Get your art fix at the Eskenazi Museum of Art at Indiana University. Laugh until your belly aches at The Comedy Attic. Attend a concert at The Bluebird. Get breakfast at The Runcible Spoon, pizza at Mother Bear’s, and dinner at FARM Bloomington. Soak up some rays at Monroe Lake. Or venture 10 minutes north of Bloomington to Oliver Winery, the oldest and largest winery in Indiana.

When is the Best Time to Plan a Staycation in Indianapolis

The best time to plan a staycation in Indianapolis is anytime that works for you! If you live in or near this amazing city, you may already be aware of everything there is to do in Indianapolis. If not, we wouldn’t be surprised. Many of us have lived here our entire lives and are still discovering new things about Indianapolis and southern Indiana that we love. If you have questions about any of Indianapolis’ neighborhoods or diverse, equally vibrant suburbs, give us a call or reach out to our team at CENTURY 21 Scheetz today. We’d love to hear from you!