- 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.
Showing 201-210 of
314
27.5 Miles
93%
361 votes
1156 High St., Santa Cruz, CA 95064
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The University of California at Santa Cruz is a major research institution with ten component colleges. It is most respected for its programs in medicine, biology, biological engineering and chemistry.
28.7 Miles
One of the first self-sustained dairies of its time, Wilder Ranch, now a state park, is a popular venue for many outdoor activities and offers beautiful views of the ocean. It has a spacious picnic area and some of the old buildings with their original furnishings, are still intact.
28.8 Miles
McWay Falls drops 84 feet from the highest point on the cliff onto the beach. While the beach itself is inaccessible, the falls can be visited all year long, since it is fed by underground rivers. Trails lead to an old stone house.
29.2 Miles
Featuring a redwood forest, Mount Madonna County Park is situated on 3,688 acres and offers nature trails for hiking and horse riding, an archery range, picnic areas and an amphitheater. There are also campsites and places for RV camping.
29.3 Miles
Visitors of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park will be able to go hiking, jogging, and biking. Additionally, the site offers picnic areas, barbeque pits, and access to a trail camp site.
29.7 Miles
Cowell's Beach is good for surfers and windsurfers. It may not be the cleanest beach in the area.
31.6 Miles
83%
750 votes
3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy, CA 95020
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At the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, guests will be able to ride a Ferris wheel, a swing, a sky trail monorail, and a roller coaster. The site also hosts special Christmas events, including lunch with Santa.
31.6 Miles
Opened in 2010, ARC Airsoft is an airsoft park featuring a number of facilities and amenities for its players to enjoy. Tactical training, public game sessions, and field rentals are among the amenities available.
31.7 Miles
Hosting paintball games for novice to professional players, TAG Paintball offers courses with obstacles to conquer and places to hide, like walls, barrels, and large tires. Visitors can bring their own equipment or rent it from the company.
31.8 Miles
Based in Santa Cruz, California, Roaring Camp Railroads offers a variety of railroad tours, exhibits and activities. It is famous for its magnificent Chanukah and Christmas displays. Tours during holiday season sell out quickly, and advance reservations are highly recommended.