- The list below includes 173 free or cheap things to do in or near Salinas, California, including 81 different types of inexpensive activities like Movie Theaters, Parks, Hiking Trails and Bowling.
- From Toro Park to Fort Ord Public Lands, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Salinas and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Carmel, Monterey, Pacific Grove and Hollister.
Showing 251-260 of
351
35.4 Miles
100%
4 votes
251
Ewoldsen Trail
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Hwy 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
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Ewoldsen Trail is a looping trail populated by lush redwoods and a running creek. Hikers will experience several switchbacks through redwood groves and will cross a few bridges on their way through the trail.
35.7 Miles
89%
28 votes
21570 Almaden Road off Almaden Expressway, San Jose, CA
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The history of local quicksilver mining is put on display at the New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum. Located within the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, there are mine dioramas, artifacts from historic mining facilities, and exhibits covering the lifestyles of mining communities.
35.8 Miles
Hiking, backpacking and mountain biking are popular recreational activities at Henry W. Coe State Park. Furthermore, the area is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including the elusive Mountain Lion.
35.9 Miles
Situated on the Big Sur coast, Limekiln Beach State Park has plenty of waterfalls, beaches, creeks, and rusted lime kilns to explore. Hikers often run into banana slugs near the trail.
36.1 Miles
Big Sur Station is an information center which provides helpful tips to the visitors. The rangers are experienced, well-informed and friendly. They take your preferences into account when providing suggestions which are useful when exploring the scenic beauty of Big Sur.
37.0 Miles
90%
244 votes
At the corner of McAbee Road and Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95120
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Almaden Quicksilver Country Park is a great place for a day out with family and friends. Admission is free with multiple entrances. There are many hiking trails, well-maintained picnic grounds and some old mines and mining equipment to explore. Pets are allowed inside.
38.6 Miles
100%
27 votes
Hwy. 1, six miles north of Davenport, Santa Cruz, CA
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Renowned as a mecca for windsurfing and kiteboarding, Waddell State Beach, is located across from the entrance to Redwood State Park. Pristine sands are surrounded by lushly covered mountains, bring your family and spend a day in the sun.
39.6 Miles
84%
38 votes
17770 Alma Bridge Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033
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Built around the man-made lake of Lexington Reservoir, Lexington Reservoir County Park offers a variety of amenities. It has a boat launch, an extensive network of trails, picnic areas with barbecue grills, and playground areas.
39.7 Miles
Besides exhibiting memorabilia about the famous writer, Henry Miller Memorial Library offers its visitors a complete collection of local writers' work. Film festivals are also held in here.
39.7 Miles
Divided in 2, a beach side and a mountainous side, Limekiln State in Big Sur, California is a camping and hiking area. Either you decide to book a campsite by the beach or on the mountain side, all of the 29 sites have fire rings and camping tables.