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 591-600 of 688
43.1 Miles
60% 5 votes
History Museums 3841 Smith Street, Union City, CA 94587 MoreLess Info
History of the local area is collected and preserved within the Union City Historical Museum. The organization that supervises the museum also works at collecting oral histories from those living in the community.
43.1 Miles
33% 3 votes
Parks 3871 Smith Street, Union City, CA 94587 MoreLess Info
A large and uniquely formed gazebo is the focal point for Old Alvarado Park, which can be rented for group events. The park itself also holds a large children's playground with a sand box and a weekend farmer's market in the summer.
43.2 Miles
91% 581 votes
Bird Watching Mirada Road off Highway One, Half Moon Bay, CA MoreLess Info
Half Moon Bay's Waterfront Coastside Trail is popular among hikers and bicycle riders. Rollerblading is also permitted along this 3.5-mile asphalt trail. There are parking lots scattered along the length of the trail, but none at either of its endpoints.
43.2 Miles
33% 356 votes
Movie Theaters 32100 Union Landing, Union City, CA 94587 MoreLess Info
A 25-screen movie theater, Century 25 Union Landing and XD displays first-run feature films using digital projection and RealD 3D. The theater provides stadium seating, arcade games, an XD auditorium and a cafe with food and drinks.
43.4 Miles
100% 4 votes
Playgrounds 1001 Westgard Street, Union City, CA 94587 MoreLess Info
Dry Creek Park is also known by its longer name of Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park, which is located in an area that was famous in the 1880s for large festival events. The park currently holds the Garin Barn Visitor Center, picnic areas, an extensive landscaped garden, and hiking trails.
43.5 Miles
94% 18 votes
Beaches Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 MoreLess Info
As a popular surfing spot with the locals, Surfer's Beach offers visitors waves to body board and surf in. Most of the beach is covered during high tide, but is accessible during low tide.
43.6 Miles
95% 129 votes
Gardens Fifth Ave., San Mateo, CA MoreLess Info
Nestled in the urban San Mateo, The San Mateo Japanese Garden is a welcome breath of peace. Strolling through the garden, sitting in the Japanese pagoda, and admiring the koi pond are some of the things visitors love the most.
43.7 Miles
91% 45 votes
Parks 50 East 5th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401 MoreLess Info
Community events, play time, and a nice stroll is only some of what Central Park has to offer. The 15+ acres contains a baseball diamond, picnic tables, tennis courts, and much more.
43.7 Miles
89% 103 votes
Parks 50 E 5th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94010 MoreLess Info
Central Park, City of San Mateo is public outdoor recreational park. It is highlighted by a large gazebo and Japanese tea garden, and it also features lighted tennis courts, a playground and a baseball field.
43.7 Miles
85% 52 votes
Gardens Central Park, San Mateo, CA 94497 MoreLess Info
The Japanese Gardens rests within the San Mateo Central Park and was designed by the landscape architect Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo. Guests can enjoy a bamboo grove, koi pond, and tea house.
Showing 591-600 of 688
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