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 461-470 of 688
36.4 Miles
74% 303 votes
Go Karts 45957 Hotchkiss St, Fremont, CA 94539 MoreLess Info
Designed by racing experts, LeMans Karting is an indoor Kart racing facility where you can compete with ten-plus racers. There is also a Junior Driver training program which teaches practical racing fundamentals prior to obtaining a license.
36.6 Miles
90% 316 votes
Movie Theaters 43917 Pacific Commons Blvd, Fremont, CA MoreLess Info
At the Century Theaters at Pacific Commons, movie fans can enjoy first-run screenings of films in stadium seating. The location's technical features include XD, NextGen, RealD 3D, high frame rate, and digital projection.
36.6 Miles
63% 79 votes
Skating Rinks 1303 Main Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 MoreLess Info
Visitors can go freestyle rollerskating and watch others practice tricks at the indoor skating rink at Redwood Roller Rink. On Saturdays visitors can skate under the lights with disco music.
36.8 Miles
97% 192 votes
National & State Parks Monterey, CA 93923 MoreLess Info
Hiking and whale watching are available at Garrapata State Park. However, the park is becoming more popular, and some of the wildlife has migrated elsewhere.
37.0 Miles
70% 285 votes
Movie Theaters 825 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA 94063 MoreLess Info
A 20-screen movie theater, Redwood Downtown 20 and XD displays first-run feature films using digital projection and RealD 3D. The theater offers stadium seating, arcade games, an XD auditorium and a lobby cafe with food and beverages.
37.0 Miles
74% 90 votes
Music Venue 2215 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 MoreLess Info
The Fox Theatre is a historic theatre that showcases live performances. The theatre offers ballet, musical performances, Broadway shows, and cultural activities; it has balcony seating and a historic feel.
37.0 Miles
88% 32 votes
Playgrounds King St at Hopkins Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94062 MoreLess Info
The one acre Stafford Park is a small, neighborhood park with summertime water features. The park also has picnic areas with barbecue pits and playground equipment that is suitable for children ages two to 12.
37.1 Miles
89% 66 votes
History Museums 2200 Broadway St, Redwood City, CA 94063 MoreLess Info
Celebrating Redwood City's rich heritage, San Mateo County History Museum features interesting exhibits and displays for visitors of all ages. It is also a popular field trip destination for schools and youth groups.
37.1 Miles
89% 1176 votes
Nature & Wildlife Areas Stanford Avenue, Fremont, CA MoreLess Info
The Mission Peak Regional Preserve is a suitable location for interpretive hiking, radio control flying, hand gliding, and paragliding activities. Visitors of this preserve can also go backpack camping with a reservation.
37.1 Miles
82% 78 votes
Walking Trails 10 Old Stage Coach Road, Redwood City, CA 94061 MoreLess Info
Known for its wildflowers in spring, Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve is 467 acres of woodlands and grasslands suitable for hiking and even horseback riding. Common wildlife in the area includes deer, birds and reptiles.
Showing 461-470 of 688
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