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 51-60 of 688
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Santa Cruz Chi Center Santa Cruz / Monterey MoreLess Info
Master the Ancient Art of Qi Gong For Health, Happiness, and Vitality. With Master Teacher Lee Holden.
7.7 Miles
92% 170 votes
National & State Parks Aptos, CA MoreLess Info
Visitors of the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park will be able to go hiking, jogging, and biking. Additionally, the site offers picnic areas, barbeque pits, and access to a trail camp site.
8.3 Miles
100% 2 votes
Bike Paths The Polo Grounds, 2255 Huntington Avenue, Aptos, CA 95003 MoreLess Info
Polo Grounds Park is a 62 acre community park that is family-friendly and primarily used for sport. The park features multiple soccer fields, baseball diamonds and open grass fields for various sports and picnicking.
8.3 Miles
67% 18 votes
Dog Park The Polo Grounds, 2255 Huntington Avenue, Aptos, CA 95003 MoreLess Info
A one-acre canine recreation facility, Aptos Dog Park is located within Polo Grounds Park. The park provides a bark surface with drinking water, benches and chairs along with a shaded area and a separate field for small dogs.
8.6 Miles
89% 9 votes
Parks 1 Seascape Resort Drive, Aptos, CA 95003 MoreLess Info
Seascape Park is a 6-acre neighborhood park that features a picnic area, a wheelchair accessible playground, restrooms, and views of Monterey Bay. The park has benches created by artist Mary Fuller.
9.3 Miles
86% 57 votes
Beaches San Andreas Road, Aptos, CA MoreLess Info
At Manresa State Beach, visitors will be able to enjoy recreational activities, surf fishing, and surfing. This site, which features a large amount of sea and sand, features changing weather conditions. Layered clothing is encouraged.
10.5 Miles
83% 248 votes
Beaches End of Basin D, Panay Way, Marina del Rey, CA MoreLess Info
Located in Marina del Rey, the Marina del Rey Beach is a small, gorgeous beach popular with families and children. Due to its small size, it is usually not crowded and is very popular at sunrise and sunset.
13.0 Miles
93% 60 votes
Beaches Shell Road, 16mi South of Santa Cruz Via Highway 1 and San Andreas Road, Watsonville, CA MoreLess Info
The Sunset State Beach is open throughout the year for many activities like swimming, camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. In addition to large sand dunes, the beach has on-site parking, restrooms, showers, and drinking water.
14.1 Miles
18% 38 votes
Movie Theaters 1125 S Green Valley Road, Watsonville, CA 95076 MoreLess Info
A movie multiplex with all-digital video and sound, Green Valley Cinema screens first-run movies. The theater features stadium seating, is available for party rentals, and offers a variety of discounts and specials.
14.2 Miles
80% 5 votes
Dog Park 757 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, CA 95076 MoreLess Info
A dog park with a separate section for small dogs, Pinto Lake County Dog Park offers open spaces for dogs to play and socialize. It features 4-foot fences, benches for owners, water fountains, and ample shade.
15.0 Miles
84% 38 votes
Parks 17770 Alma Bridge Road, Los Gatos, CA 95033 MoreLess Info
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.
Showing 51-60 of 688
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