Free & Cheap Things to Do in Carlsbad, CA

  • The list below includes 183 free or cheap things to do in or near Carlsbad, California, including 110 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, Beaches, Dog Park and Parks.
  • From Carlsbad State Beach to Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Carlsbad and in nearby cities within 25 miles like La Jolla, Poway, Oceanside and Escondido.
  • The list below includes 183 free or cheap things to do in or near Carlsbad, California, including 110 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, Beaches, Dog Park and Parks.
  • From Carlsbad State Beach to Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Carlsbad and in nearby cities within 25 miles like La Jolla, Poway, Oceanside and Escondido.
Showing 201-210 of 681
28.3 Miles
100% 23 votes
Kayaking 1548 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109 MoreLess Info
There's nothing like the peaceful serenity of open water in a kayak, which is water Aqua Adventures Kayaks & Paddleboards offers. Visitors can paddle to La Jolla Sea Caves or visit Coronado Islands for an unforgettable water adventure.
28.4 Miles
89% 61 votes
National & State Parks 33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 MoreLess Info
Spread over 8,000 acres, the Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is situated within the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains. The park offers a Nature Center, bike trails, horseback riding trails, children's playground, and hiking trails.
28.5 Miles
100% 1 votes
Parks Equestrian Cir, Santee, CA 92071 MoreLess Info
Providing access to trails, East Fortuna Equestrian Staging Area offers numerous amenities for horseback riders. Besides ample parking, visitors have access to both picnic facilities and horse corrals. Bicycling and hiking is also permitted here.
28.6 Miles
80% 10 votes
Parks 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee, CA 92071 MoreLess Info
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve is a 190 acre park and campground with seven lakes located within. Dogs are not allowed but visitors can enjoy other activities like camping, fishing, picnics, bird watching, boating and biking.
28.7 Miles
88% 85 votes
Beaches 34551 Puerto Place, Dana Point, CA 92629 MoreLess Info
Named for the calm waters, Baby Beach offers a no wake zone with buoys marking the protected swim area. Kayaking and paddle boarding are popular activities. Lifeguards are seasonal. Parking is free.
28.8 Miles
66% 439 votes
National & State Parks Del Obispo and Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, CA 92629 MoreLess Info
At Doheny State Beach, visitors can go swimming, surfing, hiking, biking, fishing, and geocaching. The location also offers access to interpretive exhibits, a visitor center, exhibits, and a picnic area.
28.8 Miles
93% 650 votes
Piers & Boardwalks 34624 Golden Lantern St, Dana Point, CA MoreLess Info
At Dana Point Harbor, tourists can visit a variety of shopping destinations, including coffee and tea shops, clothing stores, and artisan chocolate shops. The location's restaurants include Jon's Fish Market, which offers live music.
28.8 Miles
- 0 votes
Parks Mast Blvd, Santee, CA 92071 MoreLess Info
West Hills Park is an 8.5-acre park that includes a lighted sports field, 2 covered picnic areas, a sand volleyball court, and 2 separate playgrounds. The park also has views of the surrounding hills and mountains.
28.9 Miles
100% 35 votes
Paddleboarding 24707 Dana Drive, Dana Point, CA 92651 MoreLess Info
SUP Fitness Laguna offers paddle boarding lessons for those who wish to get on the water. Those who are interested in learning how to properly paddle across the waters may appreciate what this site has to offer.
28.9 Miles
93% 14 votes
Parks 25111 Park Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 MoreLess Info
Offering ocean views, Lantern Bay Park features a wedding ceremony area and open green space alongside patches of trees. The park provides paved paths, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a children's playground, a basketball court and restroom facilities.
Showing 201-210 of 681
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