- The list below includes 144 free or cheap things to do in or near Monterey, California, including 77 different types of inexpensive activities like Walking Trails, Piers & Boardwalks, Art Museum and History Museums.
- From Waterfront to Monterey Bay, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Monterey and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Carmel, Pacific Grove, Salinas and Seaside.
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Taste reds and whites from Ray Franscioni’s wineries, including Pessagno and Puma Road
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Along with breathtaking views, the Waterfront provides a great place to take nature walks or enjoy watching sea creatures such as seals and whales. With access to the beach, you can also get you feet wet or catch a bite at an oceanfront restaurant.
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Monterey Bay is a great place to feel close to nature. Its beautiful sandy beaches, clean waters and regular sightings of marine life in their natural habitat, make the Bay a popular tourist attraction. There are also many seafood restaurants and local shops nearby.
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1490 votes
Pearl Street and Camino El Estero, Monterey, CA
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Surfing, swimming, snorkeling and fishing are popular activities at Dennis the Menace Park in Monterey, California. The park is also a convenient launching spot for small boats and touring craft.
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Garrapata beach is a quiet beach on the coast of Monterey. Dogs are welcome.
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Hiking and whale watching are available at Garrapata State Park. However, the park is becoming more popular, and some of the wildlife has migrated elsewhere.
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Enjoy a relaxing drive along picturesque 17-Mile Drive. A popular route along the Pacific Coastline, it passes many tourist destinations including Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay. On 17-Mile Drive there are also a number of restaurants, beaches and other scenic points where one can stop and take in the view.
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Old Fisherman's Wharf area in Monterey is an area destined for entertainment and relaxation. Some of the things you can do here are whale watching, enjoying live theatre, fishing, sailing, shopping.
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Even though Andrew Molera State Park is a relatively undeveloped area of Big Sur, it is still quite popular. Both hiking and beach combing are common activities at the park.
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Coast Guard Pier offers some stunning views of the ocean and a close glimpse of marine life such as sea lions, gulls and otters. It has a beautiful sandy beach with picnic tables and a small restaurant. On weekends, one can also watch scuba divers performing their drills.
2.7 Miles
A park that is open all year round and is very reasonably priced, the Jacks Peak County Park is an excellent space for hiking, picnics and simply enjoying the outdoors.