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 601-610 of 688
43.8 Miles
75% 119 votes
Dog Park 1801 E 3rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
Located along the San Francisco Bay, Seal Point Dog Park features dirt fields for canine recreation. The park is fenced and provides a water station as well as separate areas for small and large dogs.
43.9 Miles
31% 207 votes
Movie Theaters 320 2nd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
A Cinemark theater, the Century Downtown 12 is a movie theater multiplex that shows primarily first-run Hollywood films. The theater features stadium seating, and is located at the center of a variety of restaurants and bars.
44.0 Miles
95% 19 votes
Parks 1901 J Hart Clinton Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
Part of the larger Shoreline Park, the new Seal Point Park offers views of the San Francisco Bay with windsurf and kayak launch areas. The site is also home to a three acre off-leash dog park along with multiple walking and biking trails.
44.2 Miles
75% 4 votes
Farmers Markets 270 Capistrano Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 MoreLess Info
Land and Sea Farmer's Market at Half Moon Bay is a fairly new establishment. The market offers a variety of products from fresh fruits and vegetables, home-made ginger ale to various arts and crafts trinkets. There is also a separate play area for young children.
44.2 Miles
92% 25 votes
Parks 1625 J Hart Clinton Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
Situated beside the San Francisco Bay, Ryder Court Park not only has an excellent bay-side trail, but playground areas, reservable and drop-in picnic tables, a large lawn, restrooms, and an aquatic play area.
44.2 Miles
87% 143 votes
Kayaking Pillar Point Harbor, 2 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 MoreLess Info
From kayaks to stand up paddle boards, Half Moon Bay Kayak Company offers visitors watercraft equipment to take out on the waters of Pillar Point Harbor. In addition to kayaks, the company provides complimentary wet suits.
44.2 Miles
68% 19 votes
Fishing 122 Ave Granada, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 MoreLess Info
Organizing fishing excursions to Half Moon Bay, The New Captain Pete helps visitors catch crab, salmon, and more. The captain provides all the equipment necessary for catching the fish, and will clean the fish as well.
44.4 Miles
87% 54 votes
Running/Jogging San Mateo to Foster City, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
A 500-mile trail along the bay, San Francisco Bay Trail takes visitors through recreational points of interest including beaches, parks, marinas and fishing piers. The relatively flat trail can be used for biking, walking, skating and dog walking.
44.5 Miles
91% 542 votes
609

Mavericks

Beaches West Point Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA MoreLess Info
One of the many excellent surfing locations in Half Moon Bay, the waters at Mavericks are always peppered with surfers and wakeboarding enthusiasts. The Bay's waters are often surprisingly cold, and full-body wetsuits are highly recommended.
44.5 Miles
95% 22 votes
Kayaking 214 Princeton Avenue, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 MoreLess Info
California Canoe & Kayak is a paddesports company that offers both classes and trips for sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. They also have boats and gear available for rent.
Showing 601-610 of 688
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