Free & Cheap Things to Do in Monterey, CA

  • 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.
  • 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
71% 49 votes
Beaches Rio Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95001 MoreLess Info
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
60% 5 votes
Beaches Rio Del Mar, Aptos, CA 95003 MoreLess Info
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
60% 5 votes
Bay 161-177 Seacliff Dr E, Aptos, CA 95003 MoreLess Info
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
46% 13 votes
Fishing 135 Fifth Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 MoreLess Info
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
Beaches 2531 West Cliff Drive near Swanton Blvd., Santa Cruz, CA MoreLess Info
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
87% 83 votes
Beaches 5th Ave. at East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz, CA MoreLess Info
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
Beaches E Cliff Dr at 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 MoreLess Info
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
Specialty Museums 2601 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076 MoreLess Info
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
100% 24 votes
Landmarks 2601 E Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA MoreLess Info
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
100% 2 votes
Paddleboarding 1500 Wharf Road, Capitola, CA 95010 MoreLess Info
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.
Showing 151-160 of 314
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