- 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 151-160 of
288
28.0 Miles
74%
35 votes
Lighthouse Point, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
MoreLess Info
In 1986, the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum opened inside the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. It is one of the oldest museums in the world dedicated to surfing, and visitors can see how surfboards progressed from huge paddleboards to modern surfboards, along with surf club patches, surf movie posters, and wetsuits,
28.0 Miles
All kinds of wildlife are found at Lighthouse Field State Beach including the black swift, monarch butterflies and sea lions. The beach is popular with dog owners and surfers and is even home to a surfing museum.
28.2 Miles
87%
2454 votes
2531 West Cliff Drive near Swanton Blvd., Santa Cruz, CA
MoreLess Info
True to its name, Natural Bridges State Park contains natural rock bridges created by eons of water and wind erosion. The modern park is managed by the state and is a wonderful destination for adults and families.
28.5 Miles
Ultimate Fish Charters takes its passengers out on a charter boat and teaches them how to fish. Guests can keep some of the fish they catch.
28.5 Miles
Santa Cruz Harbor Beach is situated adjacent to the harbor operations and provides an ideal setting for visitors to spread out a towel, and enjoy the fresh ocean breezes. The beach is conveniently located near many shops and eateries.
28.5 Miles
93%
60 votes
E Cliff Dr at 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
MoreLess Info
Twin Lakes State Beach is a public beach that provides a number of outdoor amenities for its guests. In addition to swimming in the ocean, visitors also commonly enjoy having picnics in the sand or exploring the nearby nature trails.
28.6 Miles
Venture Quest Day Kayaking offers kayak rentals, sales, classes as well as kayak tours through the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. For those interested in this type of activity they also organize team buildings.
28.6 Miles
Visitors can enjoy a wide stretch of beach with fire pits at Rio Del Mar Beach. The beach is close to a variety of shopping venues and restaurants and leashed dogs are allowed.
28.6 Miles
Hidden Beach is a small 1.5 acre beach-side neighborhood park. The park maintains a play structure for children, as well as picnic tables, a large open field, and public restrooms.
28.7 Miles
Whether you want to fish, sight-see or have a party out in the bay, the 32 foot boat run by Monterey Bay Charters can provide a spacious place for you to do so at reasonable prices.