Free & Cheap Things to Do in Salinas, CA

  • 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.
  • 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 261-270 of 351
39.7 Miles
93% 900 votes
Beaches Sycamore Canyon Road, Big Sur, CA 93920 MoreLess Info
While it is hard to find, Pfeiffer Big State Beach offers a picturesque view of sand dunes and rocky shores. Dolphins, sea lions and whales can be spotted from here.
39.7 Miles
86% 167 votes
Colleges & Universities Highway 1, Big Sur, CA 93920 MoreLess Info
When visiting The Esalen Institute you can participate in a variety of activities and workshops designed to help deepen your spirituality. There are also extensive grounds for you to explore.
39.7 Miles
91% 2682 votes
Bridges Highway 1, Big Sur, CA MoreLess Info
The elevated Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, California is a pleasure to travel. Whales are often visible from the travel lanes, and on clear days drivers crossing Bixby Bridge can see for miles.
40.9 Miles
88% 32 votes
Parks Belgatos Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 MoreLess Info
With 17 acres of nature to explore, Belgatos Park offers a playground and trails for their visitors. There is a creek that runs near the trail, and there are often wild berries growing nearby.
41.6 Miles
100% 8 votes
Music Venue Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn, E Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95033 MoreLess Info
Featuring an outdoor stage, Music in the Park offers the community a wide range of musical performances from local bands. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs and a picnic to enjoy during the performance.
41.8 Miles
80% 51 votes
Movie Theaters 43 N Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030 MoreLess Info
With only two screens and with leather seats and ottomans, Los Gatos Theatre is a small movie theater with the feel of a large home theater. There is a concessions stand and a patio and wet bar area.
42.3 Miles
95% 86 votes
Parks 200 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos, CA 95030 MoreLess Info
Located in Los Gatos, CA, the Oak Meadow Park is a centrally locted 12-acre park. The park features a large grassy area and playground with carousal. Courts for playing bocci ball are featured at the site.
42.3 Miles
88% 325 votes
Parks 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 MoreLess Info
Vasona Lake County Park contains a 45 acre lawn that is suitable for Frisbee, softball, and soccer activities. Visitors can also take paddle and row boats onto the water and go fishing for black bass and catfish.
42.3 Miles
90% 10 votes
Parks Bachman Ave at Belmont Street, Los Gatos, CA 95032 MoreLess Info
Bachman Park is a neighborhood public park that features a large, modern playground area, plenty of shade trees, picnic tables and grills. The park also has basketball courts and multiple paved and dirt trails.
42.4 Miles
57% 111 votes
Parks Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 MoreLess Info
Sponsored by Santa Clara County Parks, the Fantasy of Lights is a seasonal light display that goes up each Christmas season. The display features a wide array of elaborate light displays, and visitors can drive through.
Showing 261-270 of 351
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