- The list below includes 139 free or cheap things to do in or near Carmel, California, including 75 different types of inexpensive activities like Art Gallery, Beaches, Scenic Drives and Bars.
- From Carmel City Beach / Carmel River Beach to Carmel Beach City Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Carmel and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas and Big Sur.
Showing 131-140 of
288
20.7 Miles
Featuring 23 camp site units, Ponderosa Campground is in a scenic natural area with a trout stream, a variety of trees, including pine, oak, and sycamore trees. The campground features running water and a picnic area.
20.7 Miles
77%
13 votes
132
Jade Cove Beach
Los Padres National Forest, Highway 1, 3.3 mi N of Gorda, 9.7 mi S of Lucia, Big Sur, CA 93920
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Located next to a campground, Jade Cove Beach provides visitors with the opportunity to find jade pieces in its stony shore. The beach is accessible by a steep trail with a rope.
22.2 Miles
Sykes Hot Springs is a camping and hiking area that offers scenic and challenging hikes along a network of trails. The trails offer wilderness and ocean views, and hikers can camp at various points along them.
22.6 Miles
With 3 mile-long trails and elevation of 200 feet, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a heavily wooded area and also rich in wildlife. Along the river there are campsites and lodgings.
22.7 Miles
Located on nearly 4,800 acres, Andrew Molera State Park can be used for hiking, fishing, swimming, camping, boating and horseback riding. The park provides picnic areas, beach access, camping sites, restrooms and wildlife viewing opportunities.
22.8 Miles
Monterey Bay Equestrian Center offers a selection of equestrian services. The center provides horseback riding tours along the shoreline as well as romantic horse drawn carriage rides for special occasions.
22.8 Miles
93%
1060 votes
137
Pfeiffer Beach
Sycamore Canyon Road, Right off Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
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A popular day-use park in the Big Sur area is Pfeiffer Beach which has pockets of purple sand. Unique rock formations are situated in the water just off the beach, including a prominent arch.
23.1 Miles
93%
60 votes
Shell Road, 16mi South of Santa Cruz Via Highway 1 and San Andreas Road, Watsonville, CA
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The Sunset State Beach is open throughout the year for many activities like swimming, camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. In addition to large sand dunes, the beach has on-site parking, restrooms, showers, and drinking water.
24.7 Miles
Recognized and recommended by National Geographic, Big Sur Tours & More is a chartered tour company that specializes in small-group excursions. All tours feature custom itineraries and feature knowledgeable, experienced and personable guides. Overnight tours are available.
25.7 Miles
Located in Marina del Rey, the Marina del Rey Beach is a small, gorgeous beach popular with families and children. Due to its small size, it is usually not crowded and is very popular at sunrise and sunset.