- The list below includes 144 free or cheap things to do in or near Monterey, California, including 77 different types of inexpensive activities like Walking Trails, Piers & Boardwalks, Art Museum and History Museums.
- From Waterfront to Monterey Bay, there are a variety of budget-friendly attractions in Monterey and in nearby cities within 25 miles like Carmel, Pacific Grove, Salinas and Seaside.
Showing 151-160 of
314
25.5 Miles
Visitors can enjoy a wide stretch of beach with fire pits at Rio Del Mar Beach. The beach is close to a variety of shopping venues and restaurants and leashed dogs are allowed.
25.5 Miles
Hidden Beach is a small 1.5 acre beach-side neighborhood park. The park maintains a play structure for children, as well as picnic tables, a large open field, and public restrooms.
25.6 Miles
A scenic seaside park overlooking Monterey Bay, SeaCliff Mini Park offers wildlife viewing, birding, and beach activities. Visitors can also see the SS Palo Alto tanker, or fish or crab from the pier.
25.7 Miles
Ultimate Fish Charters takes its passengers out on a charter boat and teaches them how to fish. Guests can keep some of the fish they catch.
25.7 Miles
87%
2454 votes
2531 West Cliff Drive near Swanton Blvd., Santa Cruz, CA
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True to its name, Natural Bridges State Park contains natural rock bridges created by eons of water and wind erosion. The modern park is managed by the state and is a wonderful destination for adults and families.
25.7 Miles
Santa Cruz Harbor Beach is situated adjacent to the harbor operations and provides an ideal setting for visitors to spread out a towel, and enjoy the fresh ocean breezes. The beach is conveniently located near many shops and eateries.
25.7 Miles
93%
60 votes
E Cliff Dr at 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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Twin Lakes State Beach is a public beach that provides a number of outdoor amenities for its guests. In addition to swimming in the ocean, visitors also commonly enjoy having picnics in the sand or exploring the nearby nature trails.
25.8 Miles
100%
7 votes
2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076
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The Agricultural History Project Center and Museum educates visitors on the agricultural history of Santa Cruz County. The center features a two story wood barn, a garden that grows fresh produce and a shed featuring historic gardening tools.
25.8 Miles
Dating back to 1885, Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville, California is home to a spectacle of family-friendly events. Visitors can enjoy the State Fair in September, as well as year round horse races and car shows.
25.8 Miles
Hosted at Capitola beach, Stand Up Paddle Capitola provides group and private lessons for stand up paddleboard activities. It also offers group tours of the surrounding Santa Cruz cove and Monterey Bay region.