Free & Cheap Things to Do in Big Sur, CA

  • The list below includes 112 free or cheap things to do in or near Big Sur, California, including 69 different types of inexpensive activities like National & State Parks, Hiking Trails, Beaches and Camping Site.
  • From Big Sur Tours & More to Point Sur State Historic Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Big Sur and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Carmel, Monterey, Seaside and Pacific Grove.
  • The list below includes 112 free or cheap things to do in or near Big Sur, California, including 69 different types of inexpensive activities like National & State Parks, Hiking Trails, Beaches and Camping Site.
  • From Big Sur Tours & More to Point Sur State Historic Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Big Sur and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Carmel, Monterey, Seaside and Pacific Grove.
Showing 31-40 of 225
15.7 Miles
96% 877 votes
Beaches US Higway 1, Carmel, CA MoreLess Info
A haven for sea birds, fish and small crustaceans, the Carmel River State Beach is a one-mile strip of sand and surf on the shores of a lagoon. It is a popular fishing spot and launching point for small watercraft.
17.2 Miles
77% 214 votes
Farms & Ranches 1 Old Ranch Road, Carmel, CA 93923 MoreLess Info
The Carmel Valley Ranch Resort is a 500-acre resort that has a golf course, a spa, a social lounge, a nine-court tennis complex, and two saltwater swimming pools. The resort can be used for hiking, equestrian activities, and mountain biking.
18.5 Miles
88% 7536 votes
Scenic Drives Seventeen Mile Drive, Carmel, CA MoreLess Info
The Seventeen Mile Drive is a scenic auto route that passes through Pebble Beach. It affords views of the water and coastline so breathtaking that both tourists and locals make it a point to drive on it as often as possible.
18.9 Miles
98% 13395 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas Route 1, Carmel, CA 93923 MoreLess Info
One of California's most beautiful and pristine state parks, the Point Lobos State Reserve offers terrific hiking and camping opportunities. It is also popular with wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers.
19.2 Miles
78% 9 votes
Malls 211 The Crossroads, Carmel, CA 93923 MoreLess Info
Crossroads Shopping village is more than just a shopping center– it has restaurants, an animal hospital, and coffee houses as well. A major consumer outlet in Carmel.
19.5 Miles
- 0 votes
Art Gallery 3618 The Barnyard, Carmel, CA 93923 MoreLess Info
Lasting Impressions Fine Art is a gallery in Carmel, CA. It features a range of works from local artists.
19.5 Miles
80% 15 votes
Specialty Museums 3618 The Barnyard, Carmel, CA 93923 MoreLess Info
Smallsea: A Metropolis in Miniature is a dollhouse collection of Diane and Howard Birnberg who built the structures and collected all miniatures and dolls. Artists and dealers from all over the world have helped in making this miniature city come to life.
19.8 Miles
91% 255 votes
Religious Buildings Rio Road and Lauren Drive, Monterey, CA MoreLess Info
Mission Basilica is a historical mission with beautiful old buildings. Entrance into the masses is free and everyone is welcome.
20.0 Miles
92% 103 votes
Architectural Buildings 26304 Ocean View Avenue, Carmel, CA 93923 MoreLess Info
The Tor House belonged to Robinson Jeffers, a famous Carmel author. Tour his house and see where the author worked.
20.1 Miles
92% 377 votes
Religious Buildings 3080 Rio Road, Carmel, CA 93923 MoreLess Info
Borromeo del Rio Carmelo Mission is a 20-minute walk from downtown Carmel. Its beautiful old buildings and well-kept gardens are an interesting part of this town's history.
Showing 31-40 of 225
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