Free & Cheap Things to Do in Santa Cruz, CA

  • The list below includes 175 free or cheap things to do in or near Santa Cruz, California, including 101 different types of inexpensive activities like Beaches, Movie Theaters, Fishing and Walking Trails.
  • From West Cliff Drive to Wilder Ranch State Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Santa Cruz and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Cupertino, Capitola, Aptos and Saratoga.
  • The list below includes 175 free or cheap things to do in or near Santa Cruz, California, including 101 different types of inexpensive activities like Beaches, Movie Theaters, Fishing and Walking Trails.
  • From West Cliff Drive to Wilder Ranch State Park, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Santa Cruz and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Cupertino, Capitola, Aptos and Saratoga.
Showing 121-130 of 688
0.0 Miles
Dive into Santa Cruz’s natural and cultural history at this museum; membership includes free admission and shop discounts.
23.3 Miles
50% 6 votes
Recreation Centers 18000 Chelmsford Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014 MoreLess Info
Featuring a pool that combines a lap pool and recreational pool, Rancho Rinconada Rec Center hosts public swim sessions at its facility. The pool is heated and is lifeguard monitored.
23.3 Miles
63% 16 votes
Recreation Centers 171 W Edmundson Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 MoreLess Info
A 54,000 sq ft facility, Centennial Recreation Center has several features including a fitness center, gymnasium, group exercise studio and indoor pool. They also have specialized rooms for seniors, teens and small kids.
23.3 Miles
- 0 votes
Parks 3200 Del Monte Blvd, Marina, CA 93933 MoreLess Info
A large open field makes up the central portion of Vince Dimaggio Park. Around the open play space, guests can also enjoy several picnic tables with adjoining barbeque grills in a peaceful rural setting.
23.4 Miles
50% 8 votes
Sports Bars 1087 Saratoga Sunnyvale Road, Cupertino, CA MoreLess Info
The Britannia Arms Pub offers local craft beers, fish 'n chips, and other traditional British items for guests to enjoy. At night, the location turns into a nightlife destination with live music.
23.4 Miles
100% 3 votes
Horseback Riding 2855 Day Road, Gilroy, CA 95020 MoreLess Info
Maggi Stables is an 18 acre equestrian training facility surrounded by vineyards and meadows. The facility offers training lessons for those of all skill levels. The stables also offers a selection of horses for sale
23.5 Miles
100% 6 votes
Parks 22221 Mcclellan Road, Cupertino, CA 95014 MoreLess Info
McClellan Ranch Preserve is a community-managed public park area built on the historic site of an old horse ranch. Visitors will find numerous walking trails, a nature center, and creek-side picnic areas as well as a planned community garden.
23.6 Miles
84% 504 votes
Movie Theaters 3630 Hillcap Avenue, San Jose, CA 95136 MoreLess Info
A retro styled drive-in movie venue, the West Wind Capitol 6 Drive-In shows Hollywood new releases with all digital projection. The theater hosts promotions like family fun nights, and features a snack bar.
23.6 Miles
33% 3 votes
Parks Del Monte Ave & Reservation Road, Marina, CA 93933 MoreLess Info
Completely open to the general public, Locke Paddon Park is spread across 1,500 acres of land in wetlands near the shoreline. Popular recreational activities include picnicking, dog walking, hiking, and enjoying a permanent tire swing installation.
23.7 Miles
80% 5 votes
Parks 10445 Miller Avenue, Cupertino, CA 95014 MoreLess Info
A 13 acre neighborhood park, Creekside Park offers three soccer fields, a half court basketball area, two playgrounds with play structures and swings, and picnic areas. The park also has a small community room that can be rented.
23.7 Miles
92% 50 votes
Movie Theaters 750 Tennant Sta, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 MoreLess Info
Moviegoers can enjoy amenities like curved screens, motion-enhanced seating and digital 3D at Tennant Station Stadium Cinema. The complex also offers online ticketing, matinees and is available for parties and rentals.
Showing 121-130 of 688
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