- 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.
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288
13.0 Miles
The historic Old Coast Road begins in Monterey and officially ends in Morro Bay. It is a popular scenic driving route for those wanting to see the variations along the coast and has recently become an adventurous biking trail.
14.1 Miles
Situated on 4,756 acres, Toro Park features over 20 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The park offers sports facilities, picnic areas, a children's playground, access to wildlife and views of Monterey Bay.
14.2 Miles
90%
10 votes
Portola Dr & Reservation Road, Salinas, CA 93908
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Once a military installation, Ford Ord is now a national monument surrounded by the Fort Ord Public Lands. The Public Lands are thousands of acres of protected, undeveloped land, home to many rare plant and animal species.
16.4 Miles
Featuring a 120-foot waterfall, Salmon Creek Falls Trail brings visitors close up to the waterfall over rocky terrain. The trail can be used for hiking and also has swimming areas and a shallow river that can be used for wading.
16.4 Miles
A 30-lane bowling center, Valley Center Bowl offers open and league bowling with overhead monitors featuring 3D graphics. The center provides a grill with food and drinks, television screens, party hosting and a bar with adult beverages.
16.6 Miles
Jim Cox Adventures is a full service archery range and wild game hunting training facility. Bow hunting for beginners is featured, along with a gun range and a bow shop is available on site.
16.9 Miles
94%
51 votes
132 Central Ave., Salinas, CA 93901
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Fan's of John Steinbeck will enjoy a visit to The Steinbeck House and Best Cellar Gift shop. The house was the childhood home of the famed author and now operates a restaurant and museum, while the gift shop offers a wide array of specialty gifts and Steinbeck's books.
17.0 Miles
One Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901
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The National Steinbeck Center celebrates the life and works of author John Steinbeck. Visitors will discover artifacts from his life and pieces of his history that shaped the stories he told including, The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden.
17.1 Miles
Popular first-run movies are shown across 14 individual screens at Maya Cinemas, which validates parking for movie-goers at the adjoining parking structure since there is no on-site parking. When available, movies are shown in 3-D or Dolby Atmos.