Free & Cheap Things to Do in Carmel, CA

  • 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.
  • 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 161-170 of 288
28.7 Miles
73% 168 votes
Beaches Along Beach St. west from San Lorenzo River, Santa Cruz, CA MoreLess Info
Santa Cruz Main Beach is a popular tourist destination. It is a clean and inviting beach with beautiful views of the ocean and marine life. There are also volleyball courts on the beach with an amusement park and many local restaurants/bars nearby.
28.7 Miles
92% 484 votes
Aquariums 100 Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 MoreLess Info
Adults and children with an interest in marine ecosystems must not miss the opportunity to visit the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. It is an active research institution and a public outreach facility dedicated to helping the community understand the importance of preserving marine environments.
28.7 Miles
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History claims its origins began as far back as the late 1800's with a collection of fossils and Indian artifacts. Today, the museum highlights the wildlife, native peoples, geology, and marine life of the Monterey Bay region.
28.7 Miles
93% 244 votes
Fishing 500 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 MoreLess Info
Family owned and operated, Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises have been serving the area of Santa Cruz for over a century. Scenic bay cruises, fishing trips, whale watching, and private parties are available within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
28.7 Miles
74% 133 votes
Beaches 1305 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 MoreLess Info
Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz is a sandy beach that permits dogs as long as they are kept on leashes. The beach is patrolled by life guards, and features fire rings and rest rooms.
28.7 Miles
60% 5 votes
Bay 161-177 Seacliff Dr E, Aptos, CA 95003 MoreLess Info
A scenic seaside park overlooking Monterey Bay, SeaCliff Mini Park offers wildlife viewing, birding, and beach activities. Visitors can also see the SS Palo Alto tanker, or fish or crab from the pier.
28.8 Miles
81% 736 votes
Piers & Boardwalks Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA MoreLess Info
There are lots of shops, restaurants and the Sea Lions at the end of the pier. Rent a boat or go on boat rides from Santa Cruz Wharf
28.8 Miles
69% 118 votes
Bowling 115 Cliff Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 MoreLess Info
Broadwalk Bowl offers a four week learn to bowl program, bowling leagues, and open bowling. The facility also offers parties for all age groups, a bar, and karaoke or a live band five nights a week.
28.8 Miles
84% 338 votes
Beaches Capitola, CA MoreLess Info
At the Capitola City Beach, guests will have the opportunity to go swimming, surfing, and kite flying. Guests who are interested in playing volleyball or going shopping may also enjoy what this site has to offer.
28.8 Miles
100% 3 votes
Food Tours 207 Esplinade, Capitola, CA 95010 MoreLess Info
A walking tour, Capitola Food Tour covers an array of interesting sites and eateries. This includes historical landmarks along with stops at a sushi restaurant, tea room and seaside grille.
Showing 161-170 of 288
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