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 351-360 of 688
29.7 Miles
46% 142 votes
Visitor Centers Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA 94035 MoreLess Info
Open for self-guided tours, the NASA Ames Visitor Center features several exhibits, including a shuttle cockpit simulator and the Mercury Redstone capsule. It also offers an immersive theater that showcases high-definition videos of Mars missions and flights through the galaxy.
29.7 Miles
69% 61 votes
Parks 201 South Rengstorff Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94039 MoreLess Info
The Rengstorff Park & Pool features a children's playground as well as a public pool that can be used by people of all ages. In addition, the park also offers a gym, walking paths and several picnic spots.
29.8 Miles
96% 49 votes
Cultural Centers San Carlos Street and Ninth Avenue, Carmel, CA MoreLess Info
The Sunset Cultural Center is considered to be the premier arts facility for the Monterey Peninsula. Musical concerts are frequently held as are ballet performances, theatrical plays, and musical theater shows.
29.9 Miles
77% 13 votes
Dog Park 685 San Antonio Road, Mountain View, CA 94040 MoreLess Info
Even though the Village Green Dog Park is not separated based on the size of the dog, it still draws in many with fake grass that keeps the canines from getting too dirty. A wide range of stones and animal-themed art is available for general play.
29.9 Miles
94% 16 votes
Bowling 1081 S Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901 MoreLess Info
A 30-lane bowling center, Valley Center Bowl offers open and league bowling with overhead monitors featuring 3D graphics. The center provides a grill with food and drinks, television screens, party hosting and a bar with adult beverages.
30.0 Miles
97% 63 votes
Beaches Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel, CA MoreLess Info
Located at the southern most tip of Point Lobos State Park, China Cove and Gibson Beach are must visit attractions on any visit to Central California. Hike along the scenic pathways and take in the serenity of the landscape filled with forest and sparkling green waters.
30.1 Miles
92% 377 votes
Religious Buildings 3080 Rio Road, Carmel, CA 93923 MoreLess Info
Borromeo del Rio Carmelo Mission is a 20-minute walk from downtown Carmel. Its beautiful old buildings and well-kept gardens are an interesting part of this town's history.
30.2 Miles
Capturing the history of Moffett Field, the Moffett Field Historical Society Museum in Moutnain View, California features aircraft exhibits that cover several decades. Displays tell the story of the Moffett Field from the 30s until now.
30.3 Miles
92% 103 votes
359

Tor House

Architectural Buildings 26304 Ocean View Avenue, Carmel, CA 93923 MoreLess Info
The Tor House belonged to Robinson Jeffers, a famous Carmel author. Tour his house and see where the author worked.
30.3 Miles
80% 49 votes
Parks 18405 Mt. Hamilton Rd, San Jose, CA 95140 MoreLess Info
Joseph D. Grant County Park is located at the east of Santa Clara Valley.It offers mountain biking, hiking and birdwatching. The Park also offers camp sites.
Showing 351-360 of 688
HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE Santa Cruz AREA?
ADD A NEW ATTRACTION TO TRIPBUZZ!