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 161-170 of 314
25.8 Miles
100% 4 votes
Race Tracks 2601 E Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076 MoreLess Info
Car racing enthusiasts can enjoy dirt track competitions every weekend at Ocean Speedway. The facility also provides an array of concessions including sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken kabobs, beer and other beverages.
25.9 Miles
100% 7 votes
Fishing 333 E Lake Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 MoreLess Info
Whether you want to fish, sight-see or have a party out in the bay, the 32 foot boat run by Monterey Bay Charters can provide a spacious place for you to do so at reasonable prices.
25.9 Miles
96% 89 votes
Kayaking #2 Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 MoreLess Info
Venture Quest Day Kayaking offers kayak rentals, sales, classes as well as kayak tours through the Monterey Bay Sanctuary. For those interested in this type of activity they also organize team buildings.
25.9 Miles
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History claims its origins began as far back as the late 1800's with a collection of fossils and Indian artifacts. Today, the museum highlights the wildlife, native peoples, geology, and marine life of the Monterey Bay region.
25.9 Miles
84% 338 votes
Beaches Capitola, CA MoreLess Info
At the Capitola City Beach, guests will have the opportunity to go swimming, surfing, and kite flying. Guests who are interested in playing volleyball or going shopping may also enjoy what this site has to offer.
25.9 Miles
42% 19 votes
Art Gallery 121 San Jose Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010 MoreLess Info
Visitors can view paintings, sculptures and other artwork of famous artist Thomas Kinkade at the Thomas Kinkade Capitola Gallery. The Capitola gallery has been family owned and operated since 1980.
25.9 Miles
100% 3 votes
Food Tours 207 Esplinade, Capitola, CA 95010 MoreLess Info
A walking tour, Capitola Food Tour covers an array of interesting sites and eateries. This includes historical landmarks along with stops at a sushi restaurant, tea room and seaside grille.
25.9 Miles
80% 5 votes
Dog Park 757 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, CA 95076 MoreLess Info
A dog park with a separate section for small dogs, Pinto Lake County Dog Park offers open spaces for dogs to play and socialize. It features 4-foot fences, benches for owners, water fountains, and ample shade.
26.0 Miles
93% 244 votes
Fishing 500 7th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 MoreLess Info
Family owned and operated, Stagnaro Sport Fishing Charters & Whale Watching Cruises have been serving the area of Santa Cruz for over a century. Scenic bay cruises, fishing trips, whale watching, and private parties are available within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
26.0 Miles
91% 23 votes
History Museums 410 Capitola Avenue, Capitola, CA MoreLess Info
At the Capitola Historical Museum, guests will be able to enjoy seasonal exhibitions related to the history of Capitola. Visitors may also go on a walking tour of the site.
Showing 161-170 of 314
HAVE SUGGESTIONS FOR COOL AND INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN THE Monterey AREA?
ADD A NEW ATTRACTION TO TRIPBUZZ!