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 81-90 of 688
0.0 Miles
Kids have fun with instruments and learn how to make music with parents during engaging group classes
18.5 Miles
79% 43 votes
Parks 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga, CA 95070 MoreLess Info
A heavily forested area located on 3,688 acres, Sanborn County Park can be used for tent and RV camping, hiking and picnics. The facility provides trails spanning over 15 miles that provide visitors a look at native plants and wildlife.
18.6 Miles
80% 5 votes
National & State Parks 15000 Skyline Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95033 MoreLess Info
Aspiring climbers can learn the ropes at Treks and Tracks Rock Climbing Castle Rock State Park. Certified instructors teach beginning and advanced rock climbing as well as backpacking, horse packing and navigation.
18.6 Miles
92% 62 votes
National & State Parks 15000 Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos, CA MoreLess Info
At Castle Rock State Park, visitors can go horseback riding, hiking, and geocaching. The location, which is located near the Santa Cruz Mountains, features campsites for backpackers who wish to stay at the site.
18.7 Miles
85% 220 votes
Arts Centers 15400 Montalvo Rd, (near Lira Dr), Saratoga, CA 95070 MoreLess Info
The Montalvo Arts Center is a gorgeous Italian-style building that hosts concerts, art showings and private events. The building, and its spacious gardens, are known for their lively concerts in the outdoor Greek-style amphitheater.
18.7 Miles
88% 32 votes
Parks Belgatos Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 MoreLess Info
With 17 acres of nature to explore, Belgatos Park offers a playground and trails for their visitors. There is a creek that runs near the trail, and there are often wild berries growing nearby.
19.2 Miles
75% 73 votes
Camping Site 22801 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070 MoreLess Info
A picnic and camping area, the Saratoga Springs camp grounds offer beautiful wilderness surroundings. The area is also available for event rentals and catered functions, and hosts summer day camps and other events.
19.3 Miles
80% 428 votes
Gardens 21000 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA 95070 MoreLess Info
Hakone Gardens is the oldest Asian and Japanese estate garden in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors enjoy the gardens rolling green hillsides, tranquil waterfalls, koi ponds and tea ceremonies.
19.7 Miles
79% 19 votes
Parks 20764 4th Street, Saratoga, CA 95070 MoreLess Info
Situated on four acres, Wildwood Park features wooded areas along with a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits and picnic areas with grills. The park also has a children's playground, a water play area and restroom facilities.
19.8 Miles
62% 82 votes
Recreation Centers 14675 Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95032 MoreLess Info
Bay Club Courtside is an active lifestyle resort with nearly 10 acres of facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, 15 outdoor tennis courts and 2 indoor courts. They also have a fitness club and spa.
20.0 Miles
100% 9 votes
Hiking Trails Saratoga, CA MoreLess Info
Skyline to the Sea Trail is a hiking trail that allows hikers to follow its path from the mountain tops to the ocean shores. Hikers will experience views of waterfalls, redwood groves and other various flora throughout.
Showing 81-90 of 688
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